LS swap (or technically a LQ swap) info

[Jester1]

Hi guys seems like forever since I have been on here or even had time to actually work on any of my project cars. Life is nuts.

Here we go, I have my 79 suburban 3/4 ton trailering special (aka wifes rattish rod) she finally blew the 454 in it and I came across a low mileage LQ4 6.0l with everything. Intake, computer, trans (4l80e or whatever) etc. Seems like it will be a good winter project to get back in fleet rotation.

My question is, what is best equipment kits, like the jegs or summit etc, swap kits to get. Already know I will get a stand alone harness and need to deal with the fuel pump (want in tank) if not the entire tank. Will also probably need trans cross member and the like. I would like to get some things on order over next month as I wrap up a few projects and wait for the snow to fly.

My main thing is to just avoid the gremlins and the "bolt on" that's not really bolt on stuff. Also I can't remember right off but there was a pretty cool dude here that used to do the gauge cluster stuff.

If nothing else who has a good LS swap thread I can puruse to see what nightmares I am in line for.

Thanks hope all have been well and fruitful. Kinda missed being a regular around here.

 

[shady]

It's spendy... Like $1600 or so, but I'd do a Holley Terminator X MAX
Full Harness, fully adjustable/easily programmable ECU'. Plus full transmission control.
Super simple to install.

 

[shady]

If you go that route get a hold of @folkenheath on here.
He sells them and can help with questions if you have em.

 

[shady]

I did the Terminator in my setup when I swapped my 95 burb.
Love that system. Install is literally a couple constant hots, a switched one, and a couple grounds.

Also, rockauto has the spectra premium EFI tank for less than $200. Do that with an intake pump, and do NOT run the Corvette fuel filter if you see it mentioned during your research.
It's a filter/regulator combo deal. I've had 3 bad ones. Including an AC Delco.
Get a good separate regulator and filter set up.

 

[Blue85]

I feel the opposite. Unless you're going to build the LQ4 way up, the factory ECU is almost free and already set up to run that engine and transmission. The aftermarket systems are called "self tuning", but it's hard to find stories where it went that easily for anybody. Likewise, removing circuits from the factory engine/transmission harness is way cheaper than buying a hand-built harness, but this is up to your own preference between money and time. Someone will have to eliminate some things in the tune, but there are lots of places that can do it for you if you don't want to get & learn HP Tuners or EFI Live.

There are a lot of LS swaps you can follow here, but you can also look at the 8.1L conversions into square bodies. Electronics, fuel delivery, transmission setup, it's identical to an LS swap.

 

[shady]

Also. Checkout "SPEED ENGINEERING". for swap parts and headers. Their headers are hard to be at for the price.

 

[Jester1]

Thanks guys. I think the plan as of now is to use the original ecm. PSI wiring harness is what a few guys suggested that I know have done the swap. Not sure if I am gonna replace entire tank with new fuel pump or retro fit so thanks shady I will look into your suggestion.

Was looking at the holley swap kit and/or the hooker swap kit both seem reasonable also will look at folkens offering while I am at it. We are at planning stage and it just seemed to be so many options. A little extra spent up front saves me time and money on the back.

 

[Jester1]

With everything I am looking at I think my budget will be in the 5-6000k range for the swap but that's what I am looking at total. Also planning about 3 to 4 months to make it happen. My neighbor and really good friend is also my mechanic and he wants a winter project in between his daily alternator/ cv joint replacement jobs. Already have the engine and trans plus the doodads. I need to address the swap kit (mounts, headers, etc) the fuel system, the cooling system, gonna lower it so a good lowering kit, wheels and tires. And then a little left on back side for the little stuff we all seem to forget. And I am sure that the Mrs will want something I am forgetting such as a bluetooth stereo so may need to build her a custom center console. I Wil not tear out the factory am/fm 8 track CB radio. That stupid thing is way too retro cool

 

[Cucv_M1008]

It's the nickle and dime things that make a ls swap expensive.