Let talk about LS swaps. I barely know anything about swapping motors, but this is something that I’d really like to learn more about so that I can learn and plan for the future as I upgrade the drivetrain to handle more power and torque.
Let’s start with what I already know based on very little research.
Motor options:
Sounds like LM7 or LQ4 are the two best options for cost, ease of finding, and parts availability. The LM7 is the Vortec 5.3L V8, whereas the LQ4 is the Vortec 6.0L V8. I know there are better performing motors out there like the LQ9, but finding one isn’t as easy or cheap. From what I read the ONLY difference between the LQ4 and the LQ9 is the pistons are dished on the LQ4, whereas the pistons are flat on the LQ9 leading to higher compression ratios. That’s it! It’s a rare motor based on what I read and no point searching for one and paying the premium for something that can be done on my own down the line with upgraded pistons on an LQ4. The LQ4 also has stronger rods, crank and free-floating wrist pins that can handle more abuse and HP upgrades down the line than the LM7. Might be more benefits but that’s all I know of.
Transmission options:
This is something I know even less about. There are three main options 4L60E, 4L65E, or 4L80E. From my understanding (which I may be wrong), the 4L60E and 4L65E are only found on 1500 series trucks and SUV’s, whereas the 4L80E was found on the heavier duty models such as the 2500, 2500 HD, 3500’s, Vans and some Denali’s. Don’t quote me on that, but I think that’s what I remember hearing. The differences between the 4L60E and the 4L65E are not very significant (again based on what I’ve heard. Feel free to prove me wrong on any of this). The 4L65E was a newer and upgraded version of the 4L60E that is not able to stand up to any real abuse. Now the 4L80E is the one that everyone wants it sounds like. This one is much more capable of withstanding high HP and torque. (~600-700hp before it needs upgrading?) Pretty much everything I’ve heard says to just do it right and get the 4L80E.
The wiring harness and ECM are not directly interchangeable between the two transmissions but there are kits available to swap them out.
Based on what I’ve read, it’s best to just find a LQ4 that is already mated to a 4L80E. Gets you the most bang for your buck.
Now here is the part I have zero clue about:
Actually swapping the engines/trans and picking model years to look for.
Which years are best to get for my application?
Some are drive-by wire and others use throttle cables? What’s best and why?
Wiring harnesses? Where and what to get?
Different features such as alternator, power steering pump locations?
Different oil pans to look for? Or just do dry sump?
Intake and exhaust manifolds?
Making it fit, and fab work shouldn’t be too hard for me. I can handle all that. It’s the tech info I want to know about.
So who’s done an LS swap, or knows information about LS swaps they would like to share as much information as they can. I’d like to do my homework well ahead of time, so when I’m ready I know exactly what needs to be done.
Let’s not get too into performance upgrades here. Save that for another thread. This is for engine, transmission information and LS swap information mostly.
Let’s start with what I already know based on very little research.
Motor options:
Sounds like LM7 or LQ4 are the two best options for cost, ease of finding, and parts availability. The LM7 is the Vortec 5.3L V8, whereas the LQ4 is the Vortec 6.0L V8. I know there are better performing motors out there like the LQ9, but finding one isn’t as easy or cheap. From what I read the ONLY difference between the LQ4 and the LQ9 is the pistons are dished on the LQ4, whereas the pistons are flat on the LQ9 leading to higher compression ratios. That’s it! It’s a rare motor based on what I read and no point searching for one and paying the premium for something that can be done on my own down the line with upgraded pistons on an LQ4. The LQ4 also has stronger rods, crank and free-floating wrist pins that can handle more abuse and HP upgrades down the line than the LM7. Might be more benefits but that’s all I know of.
Transmission options:
This is something I know even less about. There are three main options 4L60E, 4L65E, or 4L80E. From my understanding (which I may be wrong), the 4L60E and 4L65E are only found on 1500 series trucks and SUV’s, whereas the 4L80E was found on the heavier duty models such as the 2500, 2500 HD, 3500’s, Vans and some Denali’s. Don’t quote me on that, but I think that’s what I remember hearing. The differences between the 4L60E and the 4L65E are not very significant (again based on what I’ve heard. Feel free to prove me wrong on any of this). The 4L65E was a newer and upgraded version of the 4L60E that is not able to stand up to any real abuse. Now the 4L80E is the one that everyone wants it sounds like. This one is much more capable of withstanding high HP and torque. (~600-700hp before it needs upgrading?) Pretty much everything I’ve heard says to just do it right and get the 4L80E.
The wiring harness and ECM are not directly interchangeable between the two transmissions but there are kits available to swap them out.
Based on what I’ve read, it’s best to just find a LQ4 that is already mated to a 4L80E. Gets you the most bang for your buck.
Now here is the part I have zero clue about:
Actually swapping the engines/trans and picking model years to look for.
Which years are best to get for my application?
Some are drive-by wire and others use throttle cables? What’s best and why?
Wiring harnesses? Where and what to get?
Different features such as alternator, power steering pump locations?
Different oil pans to look for? Or just do dry sump?
Intake and exhaust manifolds?
Making it fit, and fab work shouldn’t be too hard for me. I can handle all that. It’s the tech info I want to know about.
So who’s done an LS swap, or knows information about LS swaps they would like to share as much information as they can. I’d like to do my homework well ahead of time, so when I’m ready I know exactly what needs to be done.
Let’s not get too into performance upgrades here. Save that for another thread. This is for engine, transmission information and LS swap information mostly.