Swapping engines
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 205
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Swapping engines
hey guys,
I'm planning my build and I'm torn between a stock resto and a more, uh, aggressive mod job with a twin-turbo LS engine.
So I'm thinking to myself - in my desktop garage here - why choose? Maybe I can have both and just swap in the stocker for normal use, shows and resale, but put the LS into her for track and fun-fun.
Can the LS mate to the TH400? Other than a few hours hassle, what are the downsides to the plan?
Hmm - I suppose now I'm thinking about it that the mods to the whole powertrain to handle a blown LS would likely make stock a distant memory, which negates the whole engine switch anyway.
Maybe i just need a spare rolling chassis? Or a basket case for $500 that isn't worth restoring but would be fun as a tracker...
Chris
I'm planning my build and I'm torn between a stock resto and a more, uh, aggressive mod job with a twin-turbo LS engine.
So I'm thinking to myself - in my desktop garage here - why choose? Maybe I can have both and just swap in the stocker for normal use, shows and resale, but put the LS into her for track and fun-fun.
Can the LS mate to the TH400? Other than a few hours hassle, what are the downsides to the plan?
Hmm - I suppose now I'm thinking about it that the mods to the whole powertrain to handle a blown LS would likely make stock a distant memory, which negates the whole engine switch anyway.
Maybe i just need a spare rolling chassis? Or a basket case for $500 that isn't worth restoring but would be fun as a tracker...
Chris
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Norton MA
I don't think swapping a twin-turbo LS motor with say, a standard 350 in a couple hours is going to be as simple as you think. With the TT motor you have plenty of other stuff to deal with - different exhaust route, intercooler (assuming you run one), intake routing, etc. LS motors don't leave a lot of space up front (or anywhere really) for turbo mounting so it's not something that would easily come in and out. Not saying it can't be done, it would just be a bigger PITA than you'd think. If you had two separate cars, then that is a different story.
