Off Topic LS Engine/Swap ?????'s
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From: Peabody Ma.
Off Topic LS Engine/Swap ?????'s
Hey All, I have some a LS Swap ?'s and seek the experts advice!!
1st, The off topic nature, this may not go in a Corvette? But the engine is a Chevrolet
2nd, I have ZERO LS knowledge!!
So I picked up a 2003 LQ9 from 6.0 from a Cadillac Escalade 109K complete drive train, Engine,Trans,ECM, ect.
I intended this to be a "Junkyard Swap", drop it in drive it. I had a tranny guy swap out the 4wd output shaft, for the 2wd version, he says it looked a little beat up, and replaced the band, shell and few other hard parts...
On to the engine, Now Being Suspect... Its still complete, I have to swap the pan for a car version. Not wanting to get carried away and try and stay on track with the "Junkyard Swap" What all would you guys do?
I have read countless LS swaps, LS1 tech, ect,ect.. Im just looking for some real world answers, in regards to the engine itself and not want to have to install it and find out its junk. Open to Advice
TIA
1st, The off topic nature, this may not go in a Corvette? But the engine is a Chevrolet
2nd, I have ZERO LS knowledge!!
So I picked up a 2003 LQ9 from 6.0 from a Cadillac Escalade 109K complete drive train, Engine,Trans,ECM, ect.
I intended this to be a "Junkyard Swap", drop it in drive it. I had a tranny guy swap out the 4wd output shaft, for the 2wd version, he says it looked a little beat up, and replaced the band, shell and few other hard parts...
On to the engine, Now Being Suspect... Its still complete, I have to swap the pan for a car version. Not wanting to get carried away and try and stay on track with the "Junkyard Swap" What all would you guys do?
I have read countless LS swaps, LS1 tech, ect,ect.. Im just looking for some real world answers, in regards to the engine itself and not want to have to install it and find out its junk. Open to Advice
TIA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Southern NH
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Peabody Ma.
Thanks!
I have spent countless hours reading over there, And I know how to use the SEARCH feature!!!
I was hoping to get some answers from members of this Forum, of which I have been a member for many years, not weeks. I value the answers here.
New members of forums typically get this type of answer.
I have spent countless hours reading over there, And I know how to use the SEARCH feature!!!
I was hoping to get some answers from members of this Forum, of which I have been a member for many years, not weeks. I value the answers here.
New members of forums typically get this type of answer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Wentzville MO
Afraid you need more specific on the swap itself. Hard to give an answer on your specific engine as you don't know the previous owner. These engines can last many miles if properly maintained. I have seen fleet vehicles with the LQ with over 500K and still running strong. I swapped a LQ 9 in my 78 vette that came from a 2004 Escalade, and couldn't be happier. Its a much different swap than installing in a truck or camaro. The power is awesome. Space is a premium in the engine bay and seems like everything just barely clears. A lot of my swap was junkyard finds. The LS is one of the best engine platforms GM ever produced for performance and reliability. 
Last edited by donnie1956; Sep 6, 2014 at 09:55 AM.
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From: Peabody Ma.
The swap itself should be straight forward, lots of documentation out there for swapping a LS into many different vehicles including the corvette!
I need to pull the pan and change it to the car version, I think I will pull the heads at the same time. I have been told by many that these engines are capable of 500K, thus the basis of my question.
Some guys know these engines inside out, and would likely be to point out trouble areas, Maybe not....
I need to pull the pan and change it to the car version, I think I will pull the heads at the same time. I have been told by many that these engines are capable of 500K, thus the basis of my question.
Some guys know these engines inside out, and would likely be to point out trouble areas, Maybe not....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Wentzville MO
What are you hoping to accomplish pulling the heads? If there are no visible leaks around the head gaskets I would leave them alone unless you are planning other mods to the engine itself. The LQ heads are fantastic stock and flow great. The LQ9 is the high compression version. The LS gaskets are expensive and not reusable. Oil pans are available all over the place and you may need to change the intake for hood clearance. What are you swapping the LQ into?
