87 cutlass engine swap recommendation

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Steve 82 Elly

Greasemonkey
Feb 2, 2020
105
110
43
This is a very simple and probably nowhere near complete (or accurate) budget I have put together for my project. I have broken in up into "stages", if you will, to spread out the cost. I plan on doing the engine and trans together. Once they are complete at least I can drive it again, and by upgrading the wheels, tires and suspension (read traction) I should ok with the stock rear end for a while. Feel free to comment. Are there any glaring holes?

EngineTransRear end
Engine 6.0 LQ4
$750.00​
Transmission
$500.00​
Rear end housing
$250.00​
Wheels
$1,200.00​
fitech ultimate ls
$2,450.00​
Shift kit
$200.00​
Posi
$500.00​
Tires
$1,000.00​
cam BTR N/A stage 3
$400.00​
Crossmember
$150.00​
Gears
$250.00​
line lock
$125.00​
Heads 706 w/ valve job
$400.00​
Converter
$300.00​
valve springs
$200.00​
Shifter
$300.00​
Ready to go G-body
Lifters upgrade
$100.00​
Cooler
$100.00​
rear w/posi & gears
lifter trays
$50.00​
usually go for between
oil pump
$145.00​
$800.00 - $1200.00
engine mounts
$100.00​
headers
$270.00​
Air intake
$75.00​
Mufflers
$70.00​
Exhaust
$150.00​
Rockers
$175.00​
Total
$5,335.00​
Total
$1,550.00​
Total
$1,000.00​
Total
$2,325.00​
 
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fleming442

Captain Tenneal
Dec 26, 2013
13,046
24,216
113
This is a very simple and probably nowhere near complete (or accurate) budget I have put together for my project. I have broken in up into "stages", if you will, to spread out the cost. I plan on doing the engine and trans together. Once they are complete at least I can drive it again, and by upgrading the wheels, tires and suspension (read traction) I should ok with the stock rear end for a while. Feel free to comment. Are there any glaring holes?

EngineTransRear end
Engine 6.0 LQ4
$750.00​
Transmission
$500.00​
Rear end housing
$250.00​
Wheels
$1,200.00​
fitech ultimate ls
$2,450.00​
Shift kit
$200.00​
Posi
$500.00​
Tires
$1,000.00​
cam BTR N/A stage 3
$400.00​
Crossmember
$150.00​
Gears
$250.00​
line lock
$125.00​
Heads 706 w/ valve job
$400.00​
Converter
$300.00​
valve springs
$200.00​
Shifter
$300.00​
Ready to go G-body
Lifters upgrade
$100.00​
Cooler
$100.00​
rear w/posi & gears
lifter trays
$50.00​
usually go for between
oil pump
$145.00​
$800.00 - $1200.00
engine mounts
$100.00​
headers
$270.00​
Air intake
$75.00​
Mufflers
$70.00​
Exhaust
$150.00​
Rockers
$175.00​
Total
$5,335.00​
Total
$1,550.00​
Total
$1,000.00​
Total
$2,325.00​
Yeah, there's a massive hole- LABOR!!!!!!
Plus, add 50-75% for overruns.
 
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Reactions: 1 user
Oct 14, 2008
8,806
7,746
113
Melville,Saskatchewan
The list above requires patience along with luck and is missing a few things like a custom drive shaft. Basically two automatics will live long term with that power especially in used form the TH400 and the overdrive version with lock up which requires an expensive converter, add another $750+, 4L80E. It also requires either manual control or a $500 controller. Don't even bother with the 700R4/4L60E, they won't live and the 2004R needs 2 grand in parts alone. The 7.5" will blow up starting with the spider gears. A 8.5", 9" or 8.8 or 12 bolt made to fit will be needed. Good luck.
 

bracketchev1221

Royal Smart Person
Jan 18, 2018
1,386
1,599
113
I would shoot for a small block that makes in the 400 area and go with that. You can buy a crate motor and drive it. 5-600 hp in the real world is a lot. In a decently setup car, to give you an example, my 70 Chevelle weighed 3675 with me in it and went consistent 11.20's at 118 mph with 540 dynoed hp. With 6-625 hp I was going 10.30's at 130 mph.
 
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Reactions: 1 user

87National

G-Body Guru
Apr 15, 2009
661
679
93
eastern SD
This is a very simple and probably nowhere near complete (or accurate) budget I have put together for my project. I have broken in up into "stages", if you will, to spread out the cost. I plan on doing the engine and trans together. Once they are complete at least I can drive it again, and by upgrading the wheels, tires and suspension (read traction) I should ok with the stock rear end for a while. Feel free to comment. Are there any glaring holes?

EngineTransRear end
Engine 6.0 LQ4
$750.00​
Transmission
$500.00​
Rear end housing
$250.00​
Wheels
$1,200.00​
fitech ultimate ls
$2,450.00​
Shift kit
$200.00​
Posi
$500.00​
Tires
$1,000.00​
cam BTR N/A stage 3
$400.00​
Crossmember
$150.00​
Gears
$250.00​
line lock
$125.00​
Heads 706 w/ valve job
$400.00​
Converter
$300.00​
valve springs
$200.00​
Shifter
$300.00​
Ready to go G-body
Lifters upgrade
$100.00​
Cooler
$100.00​
rear w/posi & gears
lifter trays
$50.00​
usually go for between
oil pump
$145.00​
$800.00 - $1200.00
engine mounts
$100.00​
headers
$270.00​
Air intake
$75.00​
Mufflers
$70.00​
Exhaust
$150.00​
Rockers
$175.00​
Total
$5,335.00​
Total
$1,550.00​
Total
$1,000.00​
Total
$2,325.00​
Why fitech instead of the factory ecu or holley?
 

Steve 82 Elly

Greasemonkey
Feb 2, 2020
105
110
43
Why fitech instead of the factory ecu or holley?
I like the Fitech for the tunability (I know Holley is great for this too) and the completeness of there kit. This will be my first LS build and I'm a little apprehensive about because I'm an old school small block guy. I know how a carburetor works and how to build a kick *ss small block package but I am intrigued with the power and drivability of fuel injection for my El Camino.
I used to have a 70 Nova with a 400 small block that could run 10.90's in street trim but, driving it on the street was a pain. First I had to run 110 octane gas (12.5:1 compression) and it just didn't have very good street manners.

I am very much looking forward to build this LS. I have already pulled the engine and trans out of Elly and now I'm in the mist of collecting parts. I've heard all the bad rap about Fitech service so I'm constantly researching them, its funny cause I hear about the bad customer service but almost all who have it running say it's great.

Remember, that your the one who has to drive it when its done so always stick to what YOU want your ride to be. Keep us updated as to which direction you choose. Remember to share your progess.

Good luck
 

87National

G-Body Guru
Apr 15, 2009
661
679
93
eastern SD
Keep us updated as to which direction you choose. Remember to share your progess.

Good luck
I can't speak for the OP, but incidentally I am collecting parts for a 5.3 turbo ls build that will kickoff this summer. It's more of a budget orientated build.....I will be using the factory ecm.
 

Tango 20

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Mar 10, 2017
30
11
8
Around 300 HP makes a nice driveable fun cruiser. Unless you are actually going to the track 500 is a waste
 
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