1984 Monte Carlo..ls swap ideas

[RayjMonte27]

LS swap in general, or just the pretty parts? The pretty stuff, maybe $1k-1500 give or take. The LS swap as a whole, I'd say a rough guesstimate of $7K.
Jim, I learned a long time ago not to keep track lol!

Yea my goal was to keep under 6k-8k for the engine. I was going to start hunting a LS soon. What are some pretty stuff items that I can start looking into?

 

[Northernregal]

You'll definitely want to replace all the fasteners, gaskets and throttle body on the swap motor. You should also tackle a harness retrofit and try to tune a stock ECU with HP tuners, especially if you've never done it before.

 

[motorheadmike]

Choose your own adventure:

1980 Pontiac LeMans Station Wagon - G-T-faux (stuck with it, and can't shake it... like a bad case of herpes)

The ongoing build thread is here: http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-h ... wagon.html I do have some wagon specific questions/needs: 1. Does anyone know if these are correct (because the picture is clearly incorrect) window seals (and fit well) for a G-body wagon...

gbodyforum.com

MONTE CARLO - "COPO" Monte Carlo SS - Turbosaurus Build (Swinging Dick Racing's c*ck got bent... she bounced a little too high & hard, & came down awkwardly)

What if Chevrolet was sneaking out real performance cars in the mid-80s? Maybe there could have been a COPO MCSS... maybe. This is going to be a long long long term build - but, will be hot on the heels of our Lemans wagon once that is completed. What we are looking at here was is my...

gbodyforum.com

 

[64nailhead]

Yea my goal was to keep under 6k-8k for the engine. I was going to start hunting a LS soon. What are some pretty stuff items that I can start looking into?

If this is your budget, then buy a running 6.0/6.2 and find a 4L80. Then head to the Holley swap kit section of their site : https://www.holley.com/products/eng...-body_ls_swap_components/ls_engine_swap_kits/

This an easy $5-6K and it will be the simplest setup for a base setup with your budget. I'd recommend not using their fuel system.

 

[Texas82GP]

Try to find a running engine that's had some care. For example, we bought a 20k mile L96 6.0 for my brother's 78 Z28. If you don't mind finding an unwelcome surprise or having to pull the engine later to fix it, then by all means get one at Pick-Your-Part or some other source where you don't really know what you bought until you get home with it.

A cam and valve spring change will get you to your power goals.

If you want an automatic transmission, I recommend a 4L80E. The 700R/60E transmissions are marginal at stock power levels, in my experience. Spend the money on a quality (Circle D, FTI, etc.) torque converter with a stall speed to match your combination and how you want the car to perform.

There are a few options if you want a manual transmission but they are all more expensive. Post back if this is how you want to go. The T56 Magnum or the new TKX would be excellent.

Rear gearing depends on your tire size, transmission gearing and how you want the car to perform. With overdrive you'll likely be in the 3.23-3.73 range. With a three speed (why?) You'll probably want to be in the 3.08-3.23 range.

If you're interested in what my brother and I did with his 6.0, check the Camaro thread linked in my autosignature. That starts with a lot of body work so you'll have to go a few pages in.

If you'd like to see my experience with the 4L65E vs. 4L85E, check out my GMT900 thread where I swap to a 4L85E.

There are lots and lots of ways to skin this cat. Once you make a few decisions and have a few parts of the swap purchased, the others will start to fall into place.

Hope this helps.