I have come to the cold hard reality that I want to drive my Chevelle (when my frame off is complete) on a semi daily basis. I want a reliable engine that still moves. I do not expect to get the same power as my 468 but as close as I can get. I do not want forced induction.

I am probably going to purchase an LS2 w/six speed out of a 05 or newer GTO. The reason being that many of the LS1s are higher mile units and I want less than 10K.

Here are my concerns/questions

Oil Pan Modifications or Replacement?
Engine Mounts, Who makes the best ones?
Headers, Which are the best
Hydraulic Clutch and Resivoir mounting?
Air Conditioning Compressor location (will it hit the front crossmember?)

What else do I need to be ready for? I plan to have the harness modified to get rid of connections I do not need. Other than that I think this will be a very positive and straight forward move for me.

Also I do currently have a Tremec TKO, Can I use my bellhousing and transmission and sell the T56. I really don't need six gears and would rather have 5 anyway.

Thanks for your input and advice.

In addition to what you listed you will need a high pressure fuel system with a return line back to the tank and an electronic speedometer. You will also need lots of $$$.

I already have a send and return fuel system from when I tried to put EFI on the big block.

Another concern is the Throttle, I think these are electronic and not a cable like the LS1 engines.

www.ls1tech.com

visit the conversion forum

There's 2 ways you can go witht he mounts.

BRP style mounts: no need for custom oil pan
SCC style : need customs oil pan

Hookers makes swap headers for around $500

You need to notch the Xmember for the AC compressor or buy a pricey adapter that lets you run a compressor on top(pass side)


Dont think your tranny will work... I know LS1 t56's and lt1 t56's are not interchangeable...

What about the throttle? Is there no cable from the pedal to the engine? How does this work?

05 GTO is fly by wire but there are traditional cable TBs out to bolt on to the LS2 intake. I am not sure what wiring/program mods need to be made but I am sure you can find the answer on Ls1tech.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=510709 has a ton of info on LSx A-body swaps. I would also search topics made by other members that regularly post in there.

Oil Pan Modifications or Replacement?
Engine Mounts, Who makes the best ones?


ATS, BRP or S&P. S&P requires mods to the pan. Look at Scotty's post in the Ls1 in a 68 topic which is active in here. BRP can use a factory pan (f-body?) without cutting. Check the topic link in post above. ATS has a custom pan to go with their mounts I believe.


Headers, Which are the best


Hooker is your only option currently. Stainlessworks maybe making some. I think I read somewhere they were looking for a prototype car.



Hydraulic Clutch and Resivoir mounting?


Check the topic linked in my post above



Air Conditioning Compressor location (will it hit the front crossmember?)



The factory low mount AC bracket would require the frame to be notched but there are high mount brackets on the market. You may have to do some research to find out if they work with the GTO, Vette, or F-body accessories.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=477726&highlight=bracket




What else do I need to be ready for? I plan to have the harness modified to get rid of connections I do not need. Other than that I think this will be a very positive and straight forward move for me.

Also I do currently have a Tremec TKO, Can I use my bellhousing and transmission and sell the T56. I really don't need six gears and would rather have 5 anyway.

Thanks for your input and advice.

I am not sure about the trans as I never looked into anything other than a T56 but Mcleod does make a modular bellhousing and 5 speeds have been discussed on LS1tech.

Also some like the Impalla SS/Caprice gas tank as it is setup for fuel injection, it is larger and maybe safer than factory tanks. Also you can make alot of power with just heads and cam on a LSx. You may not have as much tq at 2,500 rpm but they can light up the tires and rev. My setup in the sig. is rather mild compared to current options.

What about the throttle? Is there no cable from the pedal to the engine? How does this work?

can use an UMI throttle body


milodon makes an oil pan for the LS series engines that does not require any cutting / welding / fabbing of the crossmember. http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=604174

also, very much suggested you look at the "LS1 into 68" thread..... alot of good stuff there too

Idk if the tko bellhousing will work with the t56, I know the difference between the LT1 and LS version 6 speeds is that the LS uses hydraulic master/slave cylinder for the clutch. Search around on LS1tech, I think I saw there was a guy that was making custom headers for Chevelle swaps.
Also, not sure what kind of numbers your 468 was putting down, but the LS engines are extremely potent. There are guys that are throwing on as little as headers/exhaust/cams, and putting down 400-450+ hp. A good set of heads and you are easily over 500. And they are still good daily drivers. I really wanted to do this with my 72, just wish I had the money. Do plenty of research and you will be happy with the results.

ls1 and lt1 t56 trannies are differnte in the bolt pattern also. You can use a lt1 t56 on a lsx motor.