Never thought - I'm going LS
May 16th, 2021, 12:11 PM
#1
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Never thought - I'm going LS
Well my 70 olds w-30 conv is getting a brand new LS engine...I never thought i would do this, but with all the great reports of LS swap's, i pulled the trigger...This is a brand new LS engine being built from scratch...Should put out about 550-570 HP and 550lbs of torque..My 455 overheated a few weeks ago too 280 degrees!!!! I dont know what happened, but the valves are burnt and no blown head gasket..My mechanic did find 3 cylinders with antifreeze residue. So needless to say, this motor and heads will be for sale..This is a real W-30 block and heads.
May 16th, 2021, 02:01 PM
#3
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May 16th, 2021, 02:20 PM
#4
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If you get rid of the original motor, you destroy the value of the car as a W30.
Are you staying with EFI on the LS or swapping to carb . I see quite a few of these swapped LS cars for sale for far less than the owner spent to convert them. If you dont know modern electronic controls, you better make sure your mechanic does.
Are you staying with EFI on the LS or swapping to carb . I see quite a few of these swapped LS cars for sale for far less than the owner spent to convert them. If you dont know modern electronic controls, you better make sure your mechanic does.
May 16th, 2021, 02:27 PM
#5
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If you get rid of the original motor, you destroy the value of the car as a W30.
Are you staying with EFI on the LS or swapping to carb . I see quite a few of these swapped LS cars for sale for far less than the owner spent to convert them. If you dont know modern electronic controls, you better make sure your mechanic does.
Are you staying with EFI on the LS or swapping to carb . I see quite a few of these swapped LS cars for sale for far less than the owner spent to convert them. If you dont know modern electronic controls, you better make sure your mechanic does.
May 16th, 2021, 02:30 PM
#6
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Here is the engine that is being built for me.... https://golenengineservice.com/lsx-c...mplete-engine/
May 16th, 2021, 02:42 PM
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May 16th, 2021, 03:08 PM
#9
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Eastman Kodak decided not to go forward with their own newly invented digital cameras, and instead stuck with film because it made them so much money at the time....
Don’t sell the original block and heads!
Don’t sell the original block and heads!
May 16th, 2021, 03:10 PM
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May 16th, 2021, 03:25 PM
#12
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Do you have a list of other parts you will need to complete the swap?
What trans do you plan on running?
Will your current fuel system be adequate to feed the LS?
You going with exhaust manifolds or headers?
You will need an accessory mount set up that clears the frame? (that includes the A/C pump, the altenator, and the power steering reservoir) Keep all your Olds stuff
Will the current radiator work?
What trans do you plan on running?
Will your current fuel system be adequate to feed the LS?
You going with exhaust manifolds or headers?
You will need an accessory mount set up that clears the frame? (that includes the A/C pump, the altenator, and the power steering reservoir) Keep all your Olds stuff
Will the current radiator work?
May 16th, 2021, 03:31 PM
#13
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Your car to do as you wish. I do agree with the other guys if you don't need the money keep the original engine and parts with the car. Or consider purchasing a Cutlass convertible and selling the W30 complete needing an engine rebuild. Just my 2 cents.
May 16th, 2021, 03:40 PM
#15
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Do you have a list of other parts you will need to complete the swap?
What trans do you plan on running?
Will your current fuel system be adequate to feed the LS?
You going with exhaust manifolds or headers?
You will need an accessory mount set up that clears the frame? (that includes the A/C pump, the altenator, and the power steering reservoir) Keep all your Olds stuff
Will the current radiator work?
What trans do you plan on running?
Will your current fuel system be adequate to feed the LS?
You going with exhaust manifolds or headers?
You will need an accessory mount set up that clears the frame? (that includes the A/C pump, the altenator, and the power steering reservoir) Keep all your Olds stuff
Will the current radiator work?
Last edited by COBRA2000; May 16th, 2021 at 03:41 PM. Reason: left a detail out..
May 16th, 2021, 04:12 PM
#16
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I would say please please to all of us Olds heads out here. Sounds like money is not an issue. Hold onto everything. That would be brutally sad.. 😪😔
I do get the why I really do. You will do it right too. I know you will. You have all the way already. Sure would like to see that original parts stay with that car. 🙏
May 17th, 2021, 07:26 PM
#17
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I have done quite a few LS swaps & builds. They run well & are typically very reliable.
Since the heads flow so well, you will be rewarded with good performance & mileage with a relatively small duration cam.
My latest is an LS3 / T56 Magnum with 4.10's in an S10.
It pulls hard to 6500 & still drives nicely through town in 6th gear at 1000rpm.
It's nice when you can take it to a car show on Sunday & then enjoy driving it over 200mi to work during the week in nice weather.
Look out for hidden expenses... sensors, wiring, tuning etc.
What front drive accessories are you planning? I've run the C5 Vette ones on many GM conversions with good results.
Kwik performance has a nice high mount AC kit if you need it.
Keep your factory stuff to preserve the value, but build your car to enjoy it.
You should be able to do the swap without cutting or permanently modifying anything.
Dropping a few hundred lbs. off the front won't hurt performance or handling either.
Remember the torque of your engine peaks rather high (4800), so do not gear it like a big block.
LS engines will happily turn 6000+ all day.so consider a rear gear around 3.73 to make it work well.
What trans are you planning to run?
Since the heads flow so well, you will be rewarded with good performance & mileage with a relatively small duration cam.
My latest is an LS3 / T56 Magnum with 4.10's in an S10.
It pulls hard to 6500 & still drives nicely through town in 6th gear at 1000rpm.
It's nice when you can take it to a car show on Sunday & then enjoy driving it over 200mi to work during the week in nice weather.
Look out for hidden expenses... sensors, wiring, tuning etc.
What front drive accessories are you planning? I've run the C5 Vette ones on many GM conversions with good results.
Kwik performance has a nice high mount AC kit if you need it.
Keep your factory stuff to preserve the value, but build your car to enjoy it.
You should be able to do the swap without cutting or permanently modifying anything.
Dropping a few hundred lbs. off the front won't hurt performance or handling either.
Remember the torque of your engine peaks rather high (4800), so do not gear it like a big block.
LS engines will happily turn 6000+ all day.so consider a rear gear around 3.73 to make it work well.
What trans are you planning to run?
May 17th, 2021, 07:47 PM
#18
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Location: SAN ANTONIO TX
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I have done quite a few LS swaps & builds. They run well & are typically very reliable.
Since the heads flow so well, you will be rewarded with good performance & mileage with a relatively small duration cam.
My latest is an LS3 / T56 Magnum with 4.10's in an S10.
It pulls hard to 6500 & still drives nicely through town in 6th gear at 1000rpm.
It's nice when you can take it to a car show on Sunday & then enjoy driving it over 200mi to work during the week in nice weather.
Look out for hidden expenses... sensors, wiring, tuning etc.
What front drive accessories are you planning? I've run the C5 Vette ones on many GM conversions with good results.
Kwik performance has a nice high mount AC kit if you need it.
Keep your factory stuff to preserve the value, but build your car to enjoy it.
You should be able to do the swap without cutting or permanently modifying anything.
Dropping a few hundred lbs. off the front won't hurt performance or handling either.
Remember the torque of your engine peaks rather high (4800), so do not gear it like a big block.
LS engines will happily turn 6000+ all day.so consider a rear gear around 3.73 to make it work well.
What trans are you planning to run?
Since the heads flow so well, you will be rewarded with good performance & mileage with a relatively small duration cam.
My latest is an LS3 / T56 Magnum with 4.10's in an S10.
It pulls hard to 6500 & still drives nicely through town in 6th gear at 1000rpm.
It's nice when you can take it to a car show on Sunday & then enjoy driving it over 200mi to work during the week in nice weather.
Look out for hidden expenses... sensors, wiring, tuning etc.
What front drive accessories are you planning? I've run the C5 Vette ones on many GM conversions with good results.
Kwik performance has a nice high mount AC kit if you need it.
Keep your factory stuff to preserve the value, but build your car to enjoy it.
You should be able to do the swap without cutting or permanently modifying anything.
Dropping a few hundred lbs. off the front won't hurt performance or handling either.
Remember the torque of your engine peaks rather high (4800), so do not gear it like a big block.
LS engines will happily turn 6000+ all day.so consider a rear gear around 3.73 to make it work well.
What trans are you planning to run?
May 18th, 2021, 07:08 PM
#19
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Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 283
A lot of purists frown on modifications, but when done carefully, the originality can be returned.
I like old cars & appreciate history, but welcome anything that makes me want to drive a car more.
I've passed up countless opportunities of driving classic cars because of various mechanical shortcomings or fear of "ruining" them.
After looking at my cars sitting in the garage, I realized, why should I let them sit until I'm too old to enjoy them, so the next owner can enjoy them instead of me?
Look for a 4L80E now & get it all done in one sweep. Not entirely sure about the fitment in your trans tunnel, but you are missing a big part of the modern driving experience without the corresponding overdrive trans.
Have you looked into the proper Holley oil pan also?
Post some pictures of the progress & good luck with your build.
I like old cars & appreciate history, but welcome anything that makes me want to drive a car more.
I've passed up countless opportunities of driving classic cars because of various mechanical shortcomings or fear of "ruining" them.
After looking at my cars sitting in the garage, I realized, why should I let them sit until I'm too old to enjoy them, so the next owner can enjoy them instead of me?
Look for a 4L80E now & get it all done in one sweep. Not entirely sure about the fitment in your trans tunnel, but you are missing a big part of the modern driving experience without the corresponding overdrive trans.
Have you looked into the proper Holley oil pan also?
Post some pictures of the progress & good luck with your build.
Last edited by Lonnies Performance; May 18th, 2021 at 07:21 PM.
May 19th, 2021, 05:43 AM
#20
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Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: SAN ANTONIO TX
Posts: 359
A lot of purists frown on modifications, but when done carefully, the originality can be returned.
I like old cars & appreciate history, but welcome anything that makes me want to drive a car more.
I've passed up countless opportunities of driving classic cars because of various mechanical shortcomings or fear of "ruining" them.
After looking at my cars sitting in the garage, I realized, why should I let them sit until I'm too old to enjoy them, so the next owner can enjoy them instead of me?
Look for a 4L80E now & get it all done in one sweep. Not entirely sure about the fitment in your trans tunnel, but you are missing a big part of the modern driving experience without the corresponding overdrive trans.
Have you looked into the proper Holley oil pan also?
Post some pictures of the progress & good luck with your build.
I like old cars & appreciate history, but welcome anything that makes me want to drive a car more.
I've passed up countless opportunities of driving classic cars because of various mechanical shortcomings or fear of "ruining" them.
After looking at my cars sitting in the garage, I realized, why should I let them sit until I'm too old to enjoy them, so the next owner can enjoy them instead of me?
Look for a 4L80E now & get it all done in one sweep. Not entirely sure about the fitment in your trans tunnel, but you are missing a big part of the modern driving experience without the corresponding overdrive trans.
Have you looked into the proper Holley oil pan also?
Post some pictures of the progress & good luck with your build.
July 5th, 2021, 01:21 PM
#28
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I bet you are super excited. I am not an LS swap hater at all. I so get it. Like I said early in this thread that you would do it right. Looks like you are on it. Consistent reliable perfect for the street horsepower. Let alone the gas mileage savings.
Touchy subject maybe but what are your plans for the original drivetrain? You don't have to feel obligated to answer that. I was just curious.
Touchy subject maybe but what are your plans for the original drivetrain? You don't have to feel obligated to answer that. I was just curious.
July 5th, 2021, 04:10 PM
#29
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I bet you are super excited. I am not an LS swap hater at all. I so get it. Like I said early in this thread that you would do it right. Looks like you are on it. Consistent reliable perfect for the street horsepower. Let alone the gas mileage savings.
Touchy subject maybe but what are your plans for the original drivetrain? You don't have to feel obligated to answer that. I was just curious.
Touchy subject maybe but what are your plans for the original drivetrain? You don't have to feel obligated to answer that. I was just curious.
Last edited by COBRA2000; July 5th, 2021 at 04:10 PM. Reason: spelling
July 5th, 2021, 07:29 PM
#32
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No, you need to keep the original engine. It's not "time to move on" this isn't a relationship with a girlfriend. Put your Chevy engine in there if you must; do nothing to the original engine if you must, but Do Not Sell That Engine. That W-30 engine is very repairable, and it is what I would be doing in your situation. If you want to go LS, that's on you, and you need neither compliment or criticism from me on that, but I will criticize you if you knowingly sell the numbers matching engine away from a W-30, especially a saveable one.
Just put it on a dolly under the workbench for now.
Just put it on a dolly under the workbench for now.
July 5th, 2021, 08:05 PM
#33
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How confident are you that you really have the original drive train? In this day and age, I can't imagine turning loose a known original engine.... Unless you know it isn't or your car isn't a real W30. You should let this soak a month or two before you do it.
Last edited by 4+4+2=10; July 6th, 2021 at 07:34 AM.
August 30th, 2021, 09:09 AM
#36
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August 30th, 2021, 09:29 AM
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