CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
Cheapest way to an LS swap
- Thread starter centexk5
- Start date
Cheap way to get started on an LS. 8.1L even.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1055305594909743
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1055305594909743
I built a stout 383 for my mud truck with lots of really good parts and had 5-6k in it 10-15 years ago. flattened a cam and it obviously didnt have a warranty. If I run into issues with that motor again, ill swap to LS platform. I have a 6.0/4l60e LS in my K5 I'm building now and have less money in it and it runs and drives fine for under $1500.
For the LS, I bought a running driving truck with DBC throttle body to pull from. I made engine and trans crossmembers and my own motor mounts. Also made my own cobbled up stock harness. installed a vetteworks ring and stock pump from donor truck. made new fuel lines from 3/8' stainless tubing. cooling system and power steering worked perfect with stock counter parts. I did buy an advance adapters kit to convert between 4l60 to original NP208. HP tuners to remove vats and emissions. made my own exhaust from mandrel bent tubing.
Morel of the story, the LS can be cheap, but the engine bay wont be pretty.... once you swap to LS its simple to upgrade and swap motors/components out. I recently decided my truck will be too nice to have the ugly intake and harness in the engine bay and spending good money to clean it up.
For the LS, I bought a running driving truck with DBC throttle body to pull from. I made engine and trans crossmembers and my own motor mounts. Also made my own cobbled up stock harness. installed a vetteworks ring and stock pump from donor truck. made new fuel lines from 3/8' stainless tubing. cooling system and power steering worked perfect with stock counter parts. I did buy an advance adapters kit to convert between 4l60 to original NP208. HP tuners to remove vats and emissions. made my own exhaust from mandrel bent tubing.
Morel of the story, the LS can be cheap, but the engine bay wont be pretty.... once you swap to LS its simple to upgrade and swap motors/components out. I recently decided my truck will be too nice to have the ugly intake and harness in the engine bay and spending good money to clean it up.
Moldy oldy.
Built up a pretty sweet 383 with a Holley Terminator kit thanks to @folkenheath. Just bought a new tub to replace my rusted out one from @fourwheelerjeff that I'm going to swap all my parts in to. Got a 4l80e from a buddy at work to rebuild. Hopefully by my birthday in June I'm cruising around in it.
Built up a pretty sweet 383 with a Holley Terminator kit thanks to @folkenheath. Just bought a new tub to replace my rusted out one from @fourwheelerjeff that I'm going to swap all my parts in to. Got a 4l80e from a buddy at work to rebuild. Hopefully by my birthday in June I'm cruising around in it.
Pics will be required!
I’ve got some in my build thread.
