Project ls swap 1980 Grand Prix

[Curless]

We finally did our first ls swap here at my shop. Because it was a surprise I could not post pics due to the fact that the owner is on here all of the time! My buddy's wife and I conspired to give him a 40th B-day present he could not possibly imagine. Not only did we get his car running after 15 years, we gave it back to him ls swapped! The following pics will take you through our journey to bring back his 1980 Grand Prix!

 

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[lilbowtie]

You must be Chip Foose - Beautiful job. Nice to have a friend like you.

 

[Curless]

You must be Chip Foose - Beautiful job. Nice to have a friend like you.

Thank you...

LMAO! Nope not even close to a Foose car, he is one of my very best friends. 22 years ago he had me build this car for him when he was in high school, years later as I built my business he has always had my back, always bringing me customers and has always said that one day he would have me ls swap his car. I have wanted to do one forever, I love g-bodys, and I knew if anyone would appreciate the gesture it would be him. Now we have out first one under our belt we are looking for the next. Not sure what it will be but it won't be long and we'll be building another ls swap of some sort!

BTW, we gave it to him at Mid Michigan Motorplex last Saturday, saw your avatar pic...nice ride!

 

[lilbowtie]

Then I have to ask - what numbers did it put down?

 

[Curless]

Then I have to ask - what numbers did it put down?

Well, not too big of a deal yet...he had no idea what drivetrain was in it, no gauges, and the car is not all of that....5.7 ls1, ls2 cam, ls2 mass air, stock converter stock trans, 3.73 rear, 26 tire...he stood on it for 1st and about half way through second, lifted, got it into 3rd, stood back on it again, lifted and hit the brakes at 1000'....it went 15.1. Like I said not too impressive but if you take the facts into account I'd say the car in its current form would run a low 13 high 12 and get 20 + mpg!