possible.
View Poll Results: Engine or Suspension - which one
LS1 engine swap
23
53.49%
Van Steel Performance Plus suspension package
19
44.19%
Other
1
2.33%
Voters: 43. You may not vote on this poll
Engine or Suspension - which one
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 703
Likes: 153
From: Central FL
St. Jude Donor '06 thru'17, '23-'26
Engine or Suspension - which one
I’ve finally received permission (from a higher household power) for a significant upgrade to the car. Eventually I want to upgrade both the engine (currently a slightly modified L-48) and suspension/brake system on the car, but I can only do one right now. It’s driving me nuts; I keep changing my mind hourly. Which would you do first?
The choices are:
1. LS1 engine swap with T56 transmission.
2. Van Steel Performance Plus suspension package with a brake/rotor upgrade.
3. Other, please explain
The choices are:
1. LS1 engine swap with T56 transmission.
2. Van Steel Performance Plus suspension package with a brake/rotor upgrade.
3. Other, please explain
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Western Burbs of Chicago Illinois
The LS1 swap FTW.
The engine swap will take a chunk of cash and since you've got it. Do it.
The suspension you can do one bit at a time, brakes, front/rear spring swap, front rebuild, rear rebuild. So, in the future, if money's an issue (or time), you can pick and choose what to do.
The engine swap will take a chunk of cash and since you've got it. Do it.
The suspension you can do one bit at a time, brakes, front/rear spring swap, front rebuild, rear rebuild. So, in the future, if money's an issue (or time), you can pick and choose what to do.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Unless your lump is sick, upgrade the suspension first. Improving the C3's handling yields lots of extra enjoyment behind the wheel. The LS1 isn't my choice for an engine, though. (Not enough grunt.) The last thing to do is the tranny, unless you've an auto. In that case, put that ahead of any other work.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Jul 26, 2007 at 11:03 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
I'd would do the most expensive thing first... I bet it would most likey by the LS1/T56 swap... Then go with the most expensive after that. My reason behind this is: I feel that when you restore a car to your taste, it is like riding a bike up a steep hill... Make the most expensive part first (since its the hardest to save up for) so that way when you get it out of the way its like cruising down the hill because its easier to save when the upgrades are not as expensive!
Just my 2 cents worth!
Just my 2 cents worth!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 703
Likes: 153
From: Central FL
St. Jude Donor '06 thru'17, '23-'26
That's what I'm thinking too. One piece at a time on the suspension. Can't do that when I'm swapping out the block. Mine has the gymkana (sp?) and seems to handle well, but that Van Steel performance plus package looks just amazing. I have an auto currently, and have already purchased the clutch pedals and flywheel for a swap. I was going to do the Mustang T5 swap that Norval, Bernie, Slyvette and others have done. But I've been watching a lot of the LSx conversion threads lately and gotten really excited and I can get the T56 with it.
Last edited by Tewski; Jul 26, 2007 at 11:19 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 703
Likes: 153
From: Central FL
St. Jude Donor '06 thru'17, '23-'26
My reason behind this is: I feel that when you restore a car to your taste, it is like riding a bike up a steep hill... Make the most expensive part first (since its the hardest to save up for) so that way when you get it out of the way its like cruising down the hill because its easier to save when the upgrades are not as expensive!
This makes perfect sense. But, if I start the suspension system, it too can snow ball on me and all of a sudden I need offset trailing arms, new tires and rims, etc.; and pretty soon I'm higher than the LSx swap. Ugh, I hate my brain. I literally can waste and entire day pricing these things out.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: South Elgin IL
Given that you have permission from a higher power and that higher power is prone to changing minds,go with the engine swap. More expensive and as others have stated, the suspension can be done in bits and pieces. Easier to hide the expense and the work done with suspension. 
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 703
Likes: 153
From: Central FL
St. Jude Donor '06 thru'17, '23-'26
Easier to hide the expense
I too learned this from said higher power. It's always easier to receive forgiveness than it is permission.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: South Elgin IL
They all went to the same class in school to learn this stuff - I'm pretty sure of that!!! It costs you kitchen counter tops - it costs me a fancy California Closet System.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 4
From: Miami FL
Think I'd do the suspension/brakes first. You're going to need the steering/braking in top shape to handle the added power from a new engine
Now the saving starts to for my dream LS swap...
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,102
Likes: 1
From: Forsyth Illinois
I don't know how you intend to enjoy your car,but I would go w/the susp./brakes first.A good handling car that WILL stop will out run a higher horse car driving,and it's more enjoyable/comfortable.
I have a 69 vert here that I sold a forum member,and now building.He went w/ VB&P front rear mono set up,and I have yet to drive the car,but it is pretty awesome,and can adjust from a comfortable crusier to a performance car in about a hour. I'm old school,and poor,so I set my cars up......soft springs...big azz sway bars.I like to DRIVE these cars!Just ask the misses..............
I have a 69 vert here that I sold a forum member,and now building.He went w/ VB&P front rear mono set up,and I have yet to drive the car,but it is pretty awesome,and can adjust from a comfortable crusier to a performance car in about a hour.
I'm old school,and poor,so I set my cars up......soft springs...big azz sway bars.I like to DRIVE these cars!Just ask the misses..............
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
I can see both sides. Yes, it would make more sense to get the car ready to handle the power first with the suspension and brakes, but like previously stated, you can't really piece together an LS1 swap at your leisure. It's a 1 shot deal. With the suspension, you could space it out along an extended period of time and slowly build it up. I say go for the motor IF the rest of your car is in pretty good condition. If you've got bad u-joints and worn out springs, then do the suspension first.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
suspension
With the engine upgrade won't you need a little better suspension?
Motor will give the best bragging rights and be seen easier.
Suspension system upgrade will make the better engine performance a better performer.
Motor will give the best bragging rights and be seen easier.
Suspension system upgrade will make the better engine performance a better performer.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Keep in mind that if your suspension has any issues they will only get more pronounced when you add a lot more power. My 72 used to dart to the left every time I hit the gas hard. Dropping in the LS1 without fixing that problem would have been crazy. I already had all new suspension parts ready to go into another project, and when I found out that my frame was too rusty to use with the LS1 I was forced into doing things right and rebuilding from the frame up.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
From: Stavanger
I have a 74 454BB
i changed to the van steels hi perfprmance supension, new brakes and calipers, steeroids this winter. also changed to 3,73 diff
It is like a totally different car to drive? before i always gained on new cars on the straight roads, and the they drove past me when driving at the "mounain roads"
I guess it depens what kind of driving you are planning on doing. I am happy i did it the way i did.
My nex upgrades, now will be as follows: (might take a few years)
1-change all eletrical
2-chanege the carpets and door panels. and isolate the car better.
3-Install new hood L-88 with cold air duct. (my original hood has a damage in the paint and needs to be re painted. so i will to this to make room for future engine modifications)
4-paint hood and a small damage on the rear.
5-headers and exhaust.
6-new tranny (thinking 2004r) with a 2500 stall lockup conveter.
7-Build up the original engine ore buying a crate one. have not decided yet.
I am 26 now, i hope to have all this done before i retire
(inbetween my upcomming weding, future kids and several paint jobs on my hose)
i changed to the van steels hi perfprmance supension, new brakes and calipers, steeroids this winter. also changed to 3,73 diff
It is like a totally different car to drive? before i always gained on new cars on the straight roads, and the they drove past me when driving at the "mounain roads"
I guess it depens what kind of driving you are planning on doing. I am happy i did it the way i did.
My nex upgrades, now will be as follows: (might take a few years)
1-change all eletrical
2-chanege the carpets and door panels. and isolate the car better.
3-Install new hood L-88 with cold air duct. (my original hood has a damage in the paint and needs to be re painted. so i will to this to make room for future engine modifications)
4-paint hood and a small damage on the rear.
5-headers and exhaust.
6-new tranny (thinking 2004r) with a 2500 stall lockup conveter.
7-Build up the original engine ore buying a crate one. have not decided yet.
I am 26 now, i hope to have all this done before i retire
(inbetween my upcomming weding, future kids and several paint jobs on my hose)