Picking everyones Brains...for LS swap

[Andy4639]

OK,
I have been looking and reading about the LS swaps ever since I got home off the Hot Rod Power Tour last weekend. This seems like a good motor to update with but I haven't seen any real info on the techinacal parts such as fuel lines and gas pedal hook ups.

I have a 87 camera 305 HO TPI motor in the truck now so I have the double fuel lines already. I need to know what to look for in the LS motor.
I think I can get the electric stuff figured out by just buying a harness to plug into it. Also have the older 700-R4 trans, will it bolt up to this motor without any adapters are would it be worth the extra money for the new electronic trans?
How does the gas pedal hook to the motor and what would I need to buy to get it done?
I would like to know the differance between the 4.5 and the 5.7 LS motor is it worth the extra for the 5.7?

Would I be better off rebuilding the 305?

[Indian113]

Andy, I have a 5.3-700R4 in my S10. If you buy a drive by cable LS motor you don't need the pedal. The drive by wire motors are newer. I'm running a HP tuner on my ECM and it's basically a cleaned up stock tune. I have a set 3:42's in back with 28inch tall tires. I can cruise all day at 70 and get 20+ for mpg's. If you look around you can find LS motors with what I consider low miles fairly cheap.

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by Indian113

Andy, I have a 5.3-700R4 in my S10. If you buy a drive by cable LS motor you don't need the pedal. The drive by wire motors are newer. I'm running a HP tuner on my ECM and it's basically a cleaned up stock tune. I have a set 3:42's in back with 28inch tall tires. I can cruise all day at 70 and get 20+ for mpg's. If you look around you can find LS motors with what I consider low miles fairly cheap.

I have been looking. I found a 4.5 for $800 complete but he isn't returning my calls so I can only guess he sold it.
I have 4:10 gears with my 700 and running 60 it's right around 2 grand on the tach. i want a little more power but not a race truck just a very good driver. The 305 needs rebuilding so I figured I be just as good getting a LS for it and doing the 305 whenever are sell it to off set the LS motor.

[ls1nova71]

LS engines are 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0 and 6.2. No 4.5. I've had both TPIs and LS engines and the LS are just way superior. Since you already have a fuel set up, you're already half way there. I have a couple build threads in my sig that give some details. I've seen your truck on here and can also tell you that using the truck compressor with some lines fabbed up to hook to your existing AC will work since I have a similar set up.
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[truckdude239]

Just replace your in tank pump with an ac delo ep381
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[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by ls1nova71

LS engines are 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0 and 6.2. No 4.5. I've had both TPIs and LS engines and the LS are just way superior. Since you already have a fuel set up, you're already half way there. I have a couple build threads in my sig that give some details. I've seen your truck on here and can also tell you that using the truck compressor with some lines fabbed up to hook to your existing AC will work since I have a similar set up.
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I stand corrected. 4.8 not 4.5!

[BR3W CITY]

The 700r4 just isn't worth it behind these imo. It will be the weak link every time, and should you decide to go with any of the larger end engines (6.0 lq4/lq9 or ls2). Even with the smaller engines with some mods the 700 is a little sub par. The truck engines are cheaper than the 5.7 f-body and corvette engines. There is only a small weight difference, and with aftermarket parts there isn't a deal-braking power difference.

The 4l60 is very close in design, but a tad stronger, better when built, and gains you the computer control, as well as saving you the hassle of the TV cable and adapting it to these motors.

The cable pedal hooks up like any pedal, and if you go with a DBW setup, the pedal mounts up to the fire wall, you just need to give it a little help with a mounting plate OR adpating the pedal to use a modified or old style pedal arm.

[Andy4639]

Well I'm getting over the summer and wife redoing the house so I'm going to start looking hard at a motor to buy. Found a guy in Maine with some 6.0's for sell. Just Chevy Trucks has anybody herd of them are better yet used them?
I'm going to call around locally also next week while on my 7 day break.My throttle is cable now for the TPI setup so that should be taken care of as well I hope.

[Clyde65]

Call your local wrecking yard, I found a friend a great deal on a 4.8/4l60e combo that had 80k on it. all I did was ask when I was there for a part for my truck.

[Andy4639]

Waiting on a call back form the local yards around here on a motor trans cobo. Hope to find something local also.
Since I have the cable setup already for the TPI motor do I need the Tac module and pedal?
Just want to make sure I get everything I need when I do buy it. What about a fuse/relay setup for all this out of the donor truck should I get it to? Thanks guys!
This is going to get interesting I think.

[BR3W CITY]

You don't need TAC mod and pedal if you are running a cable.

You can re-work the stock harness, send it out to be done, or just buy a new one. I had one made, and I'm happy I did.

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

You don't need TAC mod and pedal if you are running a cable.

You can re-work the stock harness, send it out to be done, or just buy a new one. I had one made, and I'm happy I did.

Cool! Thanks I thought that also but want to know from experienced people before I decide what not to get.

[Clyde65]

These motors will last a long time, so dont be afraid to buy one with 100K plus miles on it, as long as you can see that it was taken care of. These will last 300K plus with proper maintenance. Good luck!

[solidaxel]

I don't think I would even consider rebuilding a 305!
Is it me or, is this red print hard on the eyes!

[BR3W CITY]

My eyes are already red, looks fine to me.

[Andy4639]

Well I've been thinking about it and thinking about for several weeks.

I have the custome pin striping on the truck + my tag.

Tag is 71 TPI

Sides and tailgate have custom 71 TPI on it.
If I change over to the LSx it want be right.
Maybe I can find a LS motor and put the TPI on it.

What about it guys will it work?