LS engine for 72 4x4 shortbed?

[thehtrman]

I'm thinking of putting an ls engine in my 72, its painted and upholstery is done.. I could sure use some advice. Is it a good idea to change and update trans as well?

[thehtrman]

I guess I should let everyone know I'm a new member from Utah and I'm an old hot rodder! Been out of the loop for several years. (business owner) I've heard that ls engines in these older rods are a big thing nowadays. Horsepower without a whole lot of headaches later sounds real fun to me! Pics coming soon!

[GASoline71]

Welcome aboard from Washington State!

Yep... the LS based engine are the cats ass nowadays. I have yet to swap one in one of these old rigs. But it is sooooooo tempting. One of these days.

I wish I had more info to offer, but I am still old school first gen SBC's.

This link: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...play.php?f=206 will take you to a sub forum in the Engine and Drivetrain Forum that is all about the LS based engines.

Good luck and looking forward to the pics!

Gary

[Nitis]

Lsx totally doable but much more involved in a 4x4 of this vintage

Requires a new front crossmember and a minimum 2" suspension lift

I finally decided that for me this project would require me to purchase more items at once to accomplish than I could realistically afford to do all at once. If I had a 2wd it would probably be done. Also in my area LSx engines must come played in gold

What I have since decided to do is use a stand alone tbi kit based on the 87-95 gm setup. It's not the sexiest but my 93 has 300 k on it still runs great and gets 17 mpg

Horsepower is cool but remember its a 4x4 not a race car.

Good luck keep us posted

[hugger6933]

Welcome to the board first off htrman. I guess your some kind of HVAC guy? any way I did a 6.0 swap on my 68 LeMans convert way back like in 05 when the LS thing was young still and hardly anyone had done anything with them. I have done several yes they are a good source of power the factory has them so choked back it isn't even funny to talk about how much power can be unleashed by a PCM reflash and simple things like exhaust upgrades and a fresh air inlet.On top of that if you talk a cam change them you really start to make some power. But I digress, I haven't done any research into the 4X4 aspect of the swap and to why a lift would be needed but different pans and want not are available now that may change that. As to the price the car versions are still high but the truck motor is what you would want I would think in your 4X4 anyway and if your doing a swap buy a combo pack with the motor trans and pcm and wiring and all from one truck so it will all be matched and easier to deal with that way.
And to Nittis, I'm sorry your so far away from me because when I junk out the late model trucks and Tahoes and Suburbans that I buy for the extra sheet metal I do sometimes have left over LS drive trains that I sell to help out the guys or ladies in our hobby, like the complete 5.3 with trans wiring and pcm for around $1200 That includes all acc. even the fan and belts and hoses in most cases

[Nitis]

I did some fairly extensive digging and all signs point to suspension lift so the crossmember will clear the front punkin. Pans dont really help in this case from what I recall.

Still lots of guys do it a few have gone stock heighth but I cant imagine they can go over any type of bump much

[special-K]

Welcome to the site. And, from another old school rodder/GM Truck guy from way back who stays in the loop I'd say you should reconsider this move. A factory SWB K/10 is a low production vehicle that commands high value, like a factory BBC SWB does. Just a frame with title VIN-tag and glovebox door are sought after to build an accurate factory truck. Guys search high and low and there are only so many out there. if a bunch of those get modern drivetrain it takes them off the list. Frames can be shortened, later frames made to work, but nothing makes it an original but being an original. You want one with an LS and others will, too. But for a vehicle that is all about what it left the factory as, I am saying I think it's a bad move. You asked. I don't hate on the LS, but I don't see anything old hot rodder about them. I see go fast modern bolt-in to an old body. IMO, hot rodders build their motors

[Bishops Trucks]

Welcome to the site. You will get a ton of opinions from old schoolers to LS crazed fans (no offence guys) on this topic. It's your truck to do with as you wish but I have to side with Tim on this one. LS engines are great and make a lot of horsepower and are available around every turn. You don't see many SWB 4X4 running around with original equipment. I have a '71 SWB 4X4 I'm putting a vintage 1970 LT1 (block code # VO424CTB) in it backed by a 4-speed. I'm not sure which wrapper the engine came out of but it has plenty of get up and go.
A body = Chevelle
X body = Nova
F body = Camaro
Which ever route you decide to take, we do like a lot of pictures.

[Vintage Windmills]

Originally Posted by Nitis

Lsx totally doable but much more involved in a 4x4 of this vintage

What I have since decided to do is use a stand alone tbi kit based on the 87-95 gm setup.

Good luck keep us posted

Not to get off topic but what standalone setup did you go with, Painless?

Originally Posted by Bishops Trucks

I have to side with Tim on this one. LS engines are great and make a lot of horsepower and are available around every turn. You don't see many SWB 4X4 running around with original equipment. I have a '71 SWB 4X4 I'm putting a vintage 1970 LT1 (block code # VO424CTB) in it backed by a 4-speed.

I'm with you guys, too low of production assuming its all correct VIN/title/frame.

[notsolo]

Here is a great build you may not have seen..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=494599

[Nitis]

Originally Posted by Vintage Windmills

Not to get off topic but what standalone setup did you go with, Painless?



I'm with you guys, too low of production assuming its all correct VIN/title/frame.

HAvent gone with any yet but want to buy the one on Ebay from performance fuel injection systems

Its basically a rebuilt GM that will adapt to any 4 barrel intake GM ford Dodge and I guess they burn the chip to your engine specs

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by Nitis

Horsepower is cool but remember its a 4x4 not a race car.

What's the difference?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbd26N1u7gI

If I didn't like the simplicity of diesels I would definitely swap a 6.0 in my '72. The problem is, I happen to have a 5.9 sitting in the shed looking for a good home.

[rustylew]

Mine with LS3 4l65 and atlas transfer case 2.5 lift

[rustylew]

The truck

[thehtrman]

Thanks a lot Gary! I appreciate the help, that gives me somewhere to start! That's sounds like exactly what im looking for

[thehtrman]

Wow! I didn't expect all the helpful insight and different opinions, especially that quick. Thanks everyone for all the ideas, opinions, suggestions, etc. I probably will do a lot more digging now before just diving in. How can I tell if all the truck is original? Also ( this is going to get laughed at but what the heck) how do I post pics on here? Sincerely Mr. Computer Illiterate

[msgross]

This guy is building one...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=659275

[thehtrman]

Here it is so far

[thehtrman]

Originally Posted by rustylew

mine with ls3 4l65 and atlas transfer case 2.5 lift

nice!!

[oldertruckfan]

my .02 is to keep the small block that's in it. I agree the LS motors are cool, but I don't see any more horses than you could get from a well built 350. I guess it all depends on how you go about it, but i'll probably get more horsepower than I'll need from my 350 after its all done. It's sitting in a 3/4 ton truck, which is quite a bit heavier, but will make all the horsepower it needs to make the rubber go round and round

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by oldertruckfan

my .02 is to keep the small block that's in it. I agree the LS motors are cool, but I don't see any more horses than you could get from a well built 350. I guess it all depends on how you go about it, but i'll probably get more horsepower than I'll need from my 350 after its all done. It's sitting in a 3/4 ton truck, which is quite a bit heavier, but will make all the horsepower it needs to make the rubber go round and round

The new LS engines can make the same power for way cheaper from what I have read.

[thehtrman]

Originally Posted by rustylew

The truck

What modifications did you have to make to install the LS3 in your truck? You've done an immaculate job!

[Acorn]

I agree with special-k.
I'm no expert on LS engines but all the 4x4 guys I've talked to don't like the LS because all the HP and torque ratings you see are way to high in the rpm range for off roading. Just a thought.