LS1 Swap

Status
Not open for further replies.

DeezLBC

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Nov 17, 2009
5
0
0
Hi I am new here and have a 1981 Malibu and i've been looking around for people who are doing or have done the LS swap. I've been looking at Hedmans swap kit and it looks pretty solid. Comes with headers and everything;

http://hedman.com/products/?id=6873

I'm pretty set on getting this either way. Anyone use this yet?
 

DeezLBC

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Nov 17, 2009
5
0
0
Well this is what I know about the kit so far. BRP designed the mounts and transmission cross member

http://www.brphotrods.com/1978-1981%20G%20body.html

And Hedman desinged the header specifically for our G-bodies. As far as I'm concerned, this is the main part of gettin 'er in there.

As for what engine to go with, I was considering the LQ9 that's in the hummer, Escalade, etc. Iron block with aluminum heads. I heard it has a really good flowing intake even though it's not much to look at. The Camaro/GTO/Vette intake fits right on there with same throttle body and no mods that i know of. Plus the LS intake has a lower profile unlike the LQ9 truck intake. I saw GMs 4 barrel intake for the LS and might go that route. While i was nosing around Hedmans site, i saw they have fabricated LS valve covers and some billet coil pack brackets that look NICE. So it looks like we have a ton of options with this LS motor. A lot more than the LT1 which I've heard is a NIGHTMARE to setup. LSX anyone?
 

j17_mia

Apprentice
Mar 25, 2009
90
0
0
i also have been thinking about the ls or lq swap.. but i dont know what transmission to put behind it.. i dont want a 4l60-e or the 4l80-e.. i was thinking th-350
 

DeezLBC

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Nov 17, 2009
5
0
0
I was looking at the GM Performance catalog that my buddy got from SEMA and they have sooooooooooooo much stuff coming out for the LS as well as some huge displacement versions. I can't remember the size but it was in the 450 c.i. range. Plus that new hippy "green" motor they have turnkey is awesome. As for me, I'm going to troll for a complete engine/trans from a wrecked somethin'er'other. If i were rich it would have been done already! But I still think its more cost effective than the LT1.
 

DeezLBC

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Nov 17, 2009
5
0
0
/sigh. You try to find one answer to a problem and you end up with more questions! I guess there is no clear cut easy way to do this. Thanks for the link to that post. He has a nice ride.
 

DeezLBC

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Nov 17, 2009
5
0
0
So no other LS1 experiences? There has to be a few of you out there!
 

jerrycad472

Master Mechanic
Nov 11, 2006
264
0
16
Detroit, MI
Attached is the link to John Bzdel's site where he detailed the installation of an LS1 (now upgraded to LS7). He was the first to do this swap and details all of his trial and error just look for the link to his original LS1 swap. I have learned a lot from it while doing mine. He also sell some of the parts to do the swap. (Engine mounts, AC Relocation, Oil Pan modifications).

I used John's engine mounts and Hooker A-Body LS1 Headers with minor modification. My project has been stalled as I have been remodelling a new house the past 18 months, but will likely start working on it again this winter.

John's site.
http://www.ls7montess.com/

My cardomain page.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2509921
 

86Cutlass383SR

G-Body Guru
Apr 1, 2009
720
6
0
Sesser, IL
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor