I am only thinking about this..... Go easy on me! I have a 65 GS (non correct motor and 4 speed) Thinking of a LS3 and Bowler Legend 5 speed Any info on fit up ? Would like to be able to use my 4 speed console which is out of a 64. ..... Would never consider this if I had the original motor/trans.... Thanks , Jim
Go for it! The LS is a great platform, tons of support, no waiting for parts, specialty items or special machining/assembling procedures. I would call whatever trans company you decide to use and ask about the console but i have seen it done. Just not sure what all is involved.
I need to do more digging .... And saving $$$... Another fun option to think about is a blower set up on the 401 nailhead . But I'm leaning towards the LS .Either set up will get a 5 speed for great cruising !
Cool project! I have just bought myself a Corvette-LS1 (a kit meant for a Chevelle) and plan on putting a BMW 5 speed behind it. In Sweden we have lots of BMW gearboxes laying around on scrap yards and they (diesel boxes) can handle big horsepower and torque. Of course they don't fit, but we have people here who converts them for a few hundred bucks in labour. The advantage (as I see it) with those 'boxes is that they are 1:1 on fifth gear so you will get a really quick car around town playing around in the first three gears. And I can keep my 2,73 posi rear. But for now I will stick with my TH350, it was expensive enough for me getting this far. Next winter the conversion will commence. I have not seen any Skylark LS1 using Hooker LS-swap headers, I got those in the deal too. Hope they fit.
With so many LS conversion parts on the market for the A-bodies it makes it a relatively easy thing to do. Plenty of threads on the subject over on LS1 Tech. Look in the hybrid and conversion section. As you stated if this was an all original GS I would not do it. Also if you do the conversion correctly someone down the road could convert it back to an original if they wanted to.
One tbink to remember is always use same brand motormounts as header do some searching kn which oil pan fits the best in a A body. Also, are you reworking factory ecu aftermarket efi or carb/coil pack controller box? Imho with the nessicity of required electronic fuel pump regulator, may as well go turbo only difference is turbo headers vs reg headers ..blow throw carb vs reg carb (no diff if efi) boosted referenced FPR bs non.. with addition of turbo/bov/WG/plumbing Also hit up R&D Fabrication for lsx radiator
look at lt1.com for info if interested in the electrical portion. I am finishing up on a factory harness for a 6.0 with ls3 heads for a 55 international I am going to start working on. Pretty easy to make it a four wire hookup and when done just send them you ecu for the reflash. it from $75-150 depending on the ecu.
I built the 53(grey one started life from the picture of the one on my trailer with the roof cut off it. I chopped it 5 inches, widened the roof three inches and channeled it over a shortened s10 chassis with a narrowed 8.8 rear and a sbc 406. This time I am taking the red one and making it a dually tow rig with the 6.0 and 4l80e. using a one ton chevy dually frame and axles. This will be my summer project. Paul
Smart man ls blows away anything out there for the money sorry but it's not 1980 anymore.....pm me if you have any questions I have a twin turbo 6.0 in my 70gs.....goodluck
66larkgs with all that commitment to your nailhead to be different. I understand all the trials and tribulations of building a buick engine like yours.It's easy thinking when you can get reliable big power and lots of performance options off the shelve with the LS. I'm not a big transplant guy. If you want a Chevy motor in a a-body why doesn't he build a Chevelle? Everything would be easier. It's just my opinion but when I see a Chevy motor in another brand of car I just kind of think why and keep walking. I do think the LS motors are awesome. I thought about it myself. Even my Chevy friends said keep it all Buick you just don't see many of them. Going through the same thing on a Roadster build. Ford chassis and small block Chevy when we have a flat head and a coyote motor sitting in the corner.
any updates of the ls swap Jim? I know some of the guys like to keep buick powered by buick but sometimes it is not feasible and I am a big believer of build what you want and what you want to drive. I will say this, my turbocharged Buick 401 nailhead in my 1966 skylark gs with flawless Paint, tucked bumpers, Ridetech suspension with corvette brakes and all kinds of goodies does not get the attention of my friends chevelle with a sbc and a turbo setup.. mines a 66 and his is a 67 . Both cars are nice but I believe that majority of GM guys are chevy guys and very few are Buick guys. they don't know what they are looking at unless u are at a Buick event. I have had people at shows comments on "what a nice car but to bad he put a buick motor in his chevelle" I was standing right next to him, even had some fun with it. so with that build a ls powered buick, put a 5 speed behind it, and beat the hell out of it and enjoy it! Paul
I'll tell ya right now the most crap I have ever received on a build was from some folks on this board about the LS swap I did. I appreciate being a fan as much as the next guy, but some of it was over the top. i can tell you I've had a ton of comments about how much people like my lark and not one has said to my face that using an LS was a mistake. Do it, you will never second guess it.
