LS into my 1987 442

[tt442]

I have decided Id really like to do an LS swap into my 87 442 after much thought. Just a few questions Can I use my factory AC and power steering? I am looking for around 400 Hp and good Gas mileage. I want to keep my 200R4 trans and 373 gears. Can I still use the TV cable for the trans with the fuel injection setup? I want to be able to go on some long trips like the power tour and big events around the country whicch is why I want the Gas milage.

 

[bigmandengo]

I swapped in a ls in my 85 last spring. I used the kwik performance kit for the ac and hooked up my stock power steering hose with a little bending. I used a t56 not a 2004r though. The 2004r will bolt up to an ls. you will need a flexplate spacer though. Bowtie overdrives makes a kit so you can hook up the tv cable to the throttle body.

 

[dogsht]

Good plan. You will like the better torque of the larger 5.7,6.0,6.2 if you can find one. You kind of have to wind up the 5.3, 4.8 to get them to push you back in the seat. BTW what is good gas mileage? My 509 Caddy pulled off 17.0 hwy and my GN normally gets about 22 hwy and they both make well over 400HP plus a bunch more torque. But I had power tour ideas for them as well which is why I used the 200-4R & higher stall but lock up torque converters.

 

[tt442]

Thanks guys so it seems like im supposed to be looking for a 1999-2003 motor? Id like 20+MPG. Even if I only had 300HP id rather have great milege so I can actually drive the car more. My wife wants me to drive it alot bc its current 307 roller get better milege than my nissan titan. Any other things I should be aware of or look out for?

 

[motorholmes]

I don't know exactly what years, but I know the early 5.3 and 6.0 truck engines have some annoying piston slap when they're cold. I got a 2004 model 5.3 for this reason. I think maybe '01-up is OK..?
You shouldn't lose any fuel economy going from a stock cam to a mild cam that will get you upwards of 400 hp. I put a 212/218 .550 cam in my LS6 and got 20 mpg hwy with 3.73s in a pickup that got 20 mpg with the stock engine. The stock LS6 was 400 hp, so I figured with headers and injectors I was at least pushing 440 hp.
I'm doing a carb setup and a 216/216 cam this time around though.

Here's a guy that's got a cool junkyard A/C setup:
http://www.maliburacing.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=34

I'm going to be trying this in the next month or 2. Have the parts already