Chevy swap plan advice

DoubleC

DoubleC

Club Member
After almost a year of whatever, I picked up an '84 Monte Carlo roller with a few extras: Holley blue fuel pump plumbed with steel braided hose, regulator (don't know which psi off hand), two pairs of gen 1 SBC headers (one pair equal lenght), dual exhaust from headers to tailpipes, trans cooler, and a Griffin radiator. I also got the stock A/C compressor & bracket, PS pump & bracket, and stock radiator. The car has a 3.73 LS rear.

The goal for the car is a "fun" street car with EFI, A/C, and an auto trans with OD. I'd love a manual but don't want the expense. The car would be used for seasonal commuting / cruising. Not concerned about BIG HP numbers or low ETs. 250RWHP or better with only bolt-ons and a tune is fine with me.

Searching various classified ads yields these results:
- GTO 6.0L/4L60E drop out = $4500-5500
- F-body 5.7L LS1/4L60E drop out w/ ~80k miles = $2500-3000
- 5.3L/4L60E drop out w/ ~80k miles = $1800-2300
- 94+ LT1/4L60E drop out w/ ~80k miles = $1000-1500

I'd like to keep the swap under $5k. The LS series are obviously newer and have more 'cool factor'. The conversion cost will undoubtedly be more expensive but still can remain within budget.

The LT swap is most affordable, but value seems to be hampered by the despised optispark and the dated technology and age of motor. This also is based on an LT1 not requiring a rebuild. Rebuild costs would level the cost with LS swap.

Am I overlooking anything obvious when planning for this swap? On paper, it seems like the LT1 is the budget-conscious choice. With LT1 or LS I'll have to address radiator and wiring. LS adds more cost for mounts, exhaust, and DBW. I believe with the LT1 I can use either header set included with the car.

I'm just looking for a sanity check after many hours of search and read.
 
LT1 would probably be a bolt in with a b-body oil pan, cant confirm though. Your conventional headers will work also. I think that would be the most cost effective way to go. Save the money you would spend on custom exhaust/oil pan along with the initial investment for a motor and other components and make it an LT4 clone? There are plenty of guys on here that went very fast with the LT1's. As far as the opti goes, if you use a vented unit you wont have the reliability issues most have complained about.
 
your best bet and cheapest optionis to find yourself a 2wd pullout from a 2002 2500 silverado. you get the iron 6.0l lq4 and the 4l80e trans, these usually go for about $2k total, then add another 700 for ported heads and an ls6 intake...you could also just keep the stock heads and intake as well. the truck intake will fit under the hood believe it or not
 
cjmatt said:
your best bet and cheapest optionis to find yourself a 2wd pullout from a 2002 2500 silverado. you get the iron 6.0l lq4 and the 4l80e trans, these usually go for about $2k total
Click to expand...

I've not found a combo for $2k- only 3k and updards.
 
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