Needed for an LSX swap?

[thirdstreettito]

Please help me on this, I have an idea of buying a truck with no engine(or trans maybe) and putting an LSX(4.8 probably) into it, good power, good mileage.

I know the basic things needed

• Engine
• Trans (Old or new depending on whats cheap)
• Engine mounts/stands
• Driveshaft length change(possibly)

What needs to be done for the electronics/fuel/gauges?

Any special tools needed? Thanks, Bradley

[Clyde65]

First of all, we need to know what your working on. That would allow us to give more complete answers. have you checked the FAQ's for LS swaps out? It is a wealth of information.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456787

[thirdstreettito]

It will be a 60-72. I've checked the FAQ, but it doesn't help me much, I want to know the bare bones needed to do a swap. The FAQ is all no budget builds. I'm wondering about doing an LSX swap for around $1K. A 4.8 with less than 100K is only $500. So would the other $500+ cover whatever else is needed?

[ls1nova71]

1k is pretty ambitious. Read this. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...de-1500-a.html

[harnalien]

Depending on how much you can do yourself, sure it's doable. I can tell you with 100% certainty that something will come up that will change your budget. However, if you can get the engine with everything (harness, computer, manifolds, all sensors, etc) for 500, then know how to rewire the harness and tune the computer yourself, you could swing it. Farming out any of the work will obviously affect the budget. Good luck!
Posted via Mobile Device

[thirdstreettito]

That link is exactly what I need!

[Clyde65]

I have the 4.8\4l60e in my 65. I absolutely love it. IF you want to know my breakdown, I can give you that. I think $1K is a lofty proposition. I do believe you CAN do it for under $2k though.

[STOCKISH]

Under $2000 is doable. Under $1000 will probably not happen. If you think about all the quick connect fittings for the fuel lines, fuel filter/regulator, high psi hose, high psi pump, etc... They add up really quick. Unless you just use high psi hose and a bunch of hose clamps? My harness and ECU flash was $500 before I even got started buying all the little nickel and dime things. Hope to see a build soon Bradley!

[Gordonr1973]

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

Under $2000 is doable. Under $1000 will probably not happen. If you think about all the quick connect fittings for the fuel lines, fuel filter/regulator, high psi hose, high psi pump, etc... They add up really quick. Unless you just use high psi hose and a bunch of hose clamps? My harness and ECU flash was $500 before I even got started buying all the little nickel and dime things. Hope to see a build soon Bradley!

x2

The best advice I can give is to make a complete list of all the odds and ends you will need and then shop a few places (Summit, Rockauto, Jegs etc) to get the best prices + best shipping costs and get as much as you can from the start.

My build costs went way up after I got started and needed odd bits and pieces that I didn't get with my original parts orders so I just went and bought parts locally in order to keep going.

[BR3W CITY]

IMO even under 2k is ambitious if you want to do it right. I say this because even with some good luck in finding parts, and lots of re-usable stuff, you'll still have at least 2-3 unseen expenses. I have had 4 seperate times at which stuff has to be re-worked, changed, or in some cases bought to make it all work. Factor in cost of fluids, tuning, etc
If you just wanted to put a bone stock engine, reworked harness, use old trans, and just to a basic mailorder tune, i think 2k is doable but tight.

[harnalien]

My original "budget" of 3k has ballooned to just over 5k with having to buy miscellaneous sensors, adapters, belts, etc. Oh yeah, I also found out my heads needed to be reworked, so that was a big expense. It's a pain, but hopefully by next weekend I will know if it's all worth it.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Clyde65]

The biggest thing is being prepared and willing/able to complete. I think all that have done the LS swap will more than agree with me when I say I love the LS and have enjoyed my truck more than I had before.

Get the most complete engine you can, meaning all sensors/accesories/harness and all that.
Get the motor mounts and adapter plates for the motor mounting and transmission.

decide now if you want the aftermarket harness or not, headers and what transmission your planning on running.

plan on paying for a PCM tune, exhaust repairs, drive shaft replacement or shortening.

best if all I can say is take your time, have a long tie frame and dont get discouraged, we are more than welcome to give advise or help where we can.

[thirdstreettito]

Exhaust is IMO the easiest, bolt the mufflers to the headers. Or leave it open headers.

[67C10BUB]

After doing mine, I don't see how it could even be done for $2K. It's the little things that add up. Intake, mounting the ECM, fuel lines/filter/reg/pump, sensors, etc. If you have that tight of a budget, I think it would be best to wait and save up a little. Just my opinion. Good luck.

[usmcchevy]

I'm right at 2K right now. I should have everything I need to get it going minus intake tubing <$100 and exhaust $200+. Could have saved more had I not been converting to auto trans, adding hydroboost and adding power steering. My advice is get all you can from the donor vehical. I only ended up missing my TAC which cost me $40

This is the list I gave the guy I got the motor/trans from.

Engine with everything attached (alt, Power steering pump, Water pump, AC compressor, Fan, coils, throttle body, manifolds)
Radiator hoses and any other hoses
Any coolers that are separate from the radiator (trans, oil, power steering) including lines +hose
Entire hydro boost setup.
Trans with mount, mount bolts and drive shaft yolk( don't need the cross member)
If you separate the engine and trans I'll need all the hardware to put it back together.
Starter with bolts
Fuel pump+harness
Computer+harness+fuse box w/all battery cables
Gas pedal+harness
Exhaust Y pipe
Exhaust pipes,
PCM
TAC