Lm vs Ls swaps

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Kanekong

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jul 4, 2020
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I’ve recently acquired a 82 cutlass 4 door with no engine no transmission. Used to have a V6 I believe. It was parked for 20+ years so body and interior is in awesome condition. I’ve asked around and my mechanic friend suggested an Lm7 swap with 4l60e transmission but I see a lot are opting for Ls swap. Which is easier Fit and cheaper Route? Or which would you suggest?
 

Kanekong

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jul 4, 2020
9
4
3
I’ve recently acquired a 82 cutlass 4 door with no engine no transmission. Used to have a V6 I believe. It was parked for 20+ years so body and interior is in awesome condition. I’ve asked around and my mechanic friend suggested an Lm7 swap with 4l60e transmission but I see a lot are opting for Ls swap. Which is easier Fit and cheaper Route? Or which would you suggest?
I’m not very knowledgeable in this area, for all I know they are one in the same thing!
 
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Kanekong

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jul 4, 2020
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I’m not very knowledgeable in this area, for all I know they are one in the same thing!
I’m looking for the best and easiest swap possible to make this thing fast fun and reliable.
 
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CaliWagon83

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Nov 12, 2017
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LM engines are essentially “LS” engines. The main difference is that the LM engines are iron block. The LM7 (5.3L) are very common, as they were put in hundreds of thousands of trucks.
 

ssn696

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What is the 8th digit of the VIN? That will tell you what was there before. If it was a Chevy I'd suggest a 5.7L / 4L60E complete with computer and harness from a 1996-2002 truck.
 

Kanekong

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jul 4, 2020
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4
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LM is an iron block LS, so he suggested the cheap easy way to what you're after. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting an LM7.
I just figured that out after more research Lol. Makes sense, probably Best way to go and no shortage of parts and upgrades. Thank you
 

Supercharged111

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Oct 25, 2019
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What is the 8th digit of the VIN? That will tell you what was there before. If it was a Chevy I'd suggest a 5.7L / 4L60E complete with computer and harness from a 1996-2002 truck.

Also an excellent swap. Bolt in and go. Chuck a cam in there first.
 
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ssn696

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If you do an LM/LS swap, there are adapter plates, accessory changes. I 350 would move the car right along, simple and fairly cheap. If you are dead-set to go with a late-model swap, more power is available for more money.

Apologies if this was a useless answer to your original request.
 
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Kanekong

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jul 4, 2020
9
4
3
What is the 8th digit of the VIN? That will tell you what was there before. If it was a Chevy I'd suggest a 5.7L / 4L60E complete with computer and harness from a 1996-2002 truck.
I’ll find out tomorrow morning it’s getting towed to my garage. I’ll come back with the info and some pics
 
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