@@SupDoggyTVthat’s what I did. 2000 camaro with 6 speed for 3200 running and driving and swapped everything over but I used holley efi harness. Kept the 10 bolt in the elco and used a rear brake conversion kit to swap the discs over.
Right or if you get your engine and transmission somewhere else and you have a pull a part in your area you can at the very least pull all the supporting stuff like wiring harness ECM fuse block etc for very cheap
Ive been looking into an ls swap for my *drum roll* e30. Seeing everyone say 10k + to do it "right" Im thinking theres gotta be a cheaper way. People like you give me hope.
I’ve got a ranger 4x4 I’m doing a ls swap in, it makes me laugh how much I’ve spent researching, and here’s your video with all the information I had to learn the hard way
Agreed, if YOU do it yourself and are on a budget, you can do them this cheap. But I get people asking me for quotes and expecting me to quote them $4500 for a swap, parts and labor! lol
Hey great video! Quick tip. Early 90s to about 2003 volvo cooling fans come either relays for about $25! They last forever and are low sound! Next check out the Dorman fbody ls intake. It is cheaper than a gm intake and will out flow the z06 intake!
With soo many companies making harnesses, brackets, adapters, and many other things now, its cheaper than it's ever been. It will get cheaper and cheaper over time
Thanks for sharing your knowledge on doing these swaps. I am getting ready to swap and restore my fathers Chevy 150 sedan and although i have a general idea of how to do it, your videos have helped me simplify a plan to do it right and stay basic. I'll have to tackled the rear end since it shot but thats going to take some time and research. I'm super happy i found your channel.
I rebuild transmissions for a living and you should definitely run it to the radiator. Adding an aftermarket cooler after the radiator is great but you want that stock cooler
Appreciate you giving us an update, most of the stuff I see is pretty dated now, I like you comment about trying to use Amazon first then E bay due to the ease of returning, thanks!
Awesome information. I'm doing a 5.3 swap into a 1995 Astro. I should be able to do it for about $1,000.00. I got a complete running 2004 Suburban for the donor for FREE. I'm going to use the stock ECU and fuse/relay box. I'm backing it with an NV4500 so I'm going to have to buy a flywheel, pressure plate and clutch though.
I can’t wait to swap my 2011 Cadillac CTS coupe with a 5.7 or 6.0 I want to keep it like OEM on the outside but , under the hood would be a beast of an engine
I've always run my automatic cars with a separate trans cooler. I heard years ago if your motor runs hot and trans is hooked up to radiator it will make trans run hot too.
Trans coolers save transmissions! Especially the weak POS 4L60Es but I put them on everything I tow with. They're cheap insurance and it's satisfying never having your transmission get hot. Hydraulic fluid does not benefit from high temperatures (the reason jet fighters use fuel/hydraulic heat exchangers). Trans coolers are like a sore dick, ya can't beat it!
If you know how to use tools, follow directions, are interested in the process, and are patient, anyone IMO can do an LS swap. RUclips is your best friend and you can find everything there and on the internet. I bought a wrecked Escalade with a 6.0 from Copart (which was the biggest expense by far, but it was running so I went with it), did my own engine rebuild with a mild stage II cam, had my tranny billet built, and bought build parts as necessary. Like he said, go Gen III. If I had to guess, I'm probably around $7k in, but my truck powertrain is practically brand new. I used probably 80-90% of the donor (engine/tranny/ecu/intake manifold/drive shaft shortened). The most expensive parts that weren't off the donor were the radiator, harness, and fuel tank. I also went with aftermarket gauges and put 3.73 gears in as well. I work and have 3 kids, so it took me about 10 months to finish. I'd put my build up against any garage because I'm an OCD perfectionist.
Appreciate the video and info. You started with a surplus of $50, though. Sold an engine and trans for $900, then paid $850 for the LS, which left you $50 in surplus.
My opinion is ls are cheap if you can still source them in the same manner. Junkyards are a wast of time now days. You just need to be creative. I got a $2000 doner denali escalade $2500 for internals $3500 t56, microsquirt ecm and harness $400, $300 radiator, $600 driveshaft and then $300 for misc. So i did my whole swap for about $8,000 total. Less then a new ls3. And i got a brandnew tranny and basically motor. I consider that really cheap for a fresh 600hp.
If I had a way to ship engines out your way reasonably I would do it. I'm up in the Northeast and the yards are polluted with rusted/crashed trucks and vans. The past 3 engines I bought off of marketplace or local cuz they were not much more then junkyards and I didn't have to pull them.
I'm in MASS I'm looking to do an ls swap into a 00-02 4wd S10 pickup. Id be on the tightest budget possible and be doing as much if the work myself which I'm hoping would be about 75%. I have a 00 crown Vic w. A 4.6 w. Exactly 100k and chance ran fine when I parked it 2 yrs ago and the transmission only has a little over 10k on it (newly replaced) so I'm considering pulling that motor and trans and either selling it to buy the LS or possibly just building it and saving it for another ford. The car has some from the rmv in it so I can't move it or start it or drive the car only reason it's sitting. Mass rmv is the worst. Sorry for the long response. Alot going on lol
Also no one considers changing platforms. Exaple if your putting one in a 4cyl car youll need a a lot more stuff like radiator, driveshaft, axles, mounts, linkage, and plumming
Great video, great plan! I totally agree, although ive only thought about doing this. But I will, eventually. I overheard co workers talking about LS swapping a 1st gen camaro. So one ghy says "youre looking at $15k to swap it". I didnt wanna butt in, but i totally disagree, as do you. I feel even as a budget swap (4.8, 5.3 salvage), as you did, it lays down a foundation. After its running and the bugs are worked out, you can swap to a better , "more built" motor, say a 6.0, 6.2, LSx. Thats how i see it. Great video like i said.
Terrific video!!!! I’m just getting my 92 Camaro LS 6 liter with a Aisin 5 speed from a Chev Colorado and Fabbot conversion I have done a complete ground up build by myself on a budget Thank you for your video
I have a question the motor mounts plates you showed on this video with all the holes in it.???? Are they adjustable motor mount plates so you can push the engine back more further or you can move the engine further forward for different combos and setups????
MY LS SWAP WAS NOT CHEAP...! i had a running 305 in my 85 cutlass supreme and thought i would do a super cheap Ls swap for 450 $ running 5.3 Ls. the engine itself was cheap but all the modding and brackets and conversion hardware ended up costing several thousand bucks. Maybe couldve done it cheaper but not in middle of covid and it wouldve taken a year instead of 2 months. Looking back in hindsight not sure i would do the LS swap again, depending on price of a basic 300 Hp crate engine , it definitely wouldve been easier to stick with a SBC and i may still have AC which wouldnt easily fit with Ls engine.
Yeah all these people on RUclips saying 5-10k on parts for an old motor is cheap.. like what? You could have just got a new crate motor that's more reliable. all these foreign third parties making replacements also ads to the price. Can't get cheap factory parts when the factory doesn't care anymore. 😂
Same. Did mine during Covid. 85 Monte. Paid 600 for engine and trans. Everything else was about 4k plus the 1500 for labor. I didn’t do it. So it was a little over 6grand. Out the door. Took a while. Almost a year due to Covid couldn’t get parts unfortunately. And it wasn’t even a “LS”it was out of a Tahoe. But for another 300plus I can get the ls intake which looks way better than the truck intake manifold.
Mane im only in about 550. Not including the trailer I had to rent to tow the vehicle. But a complete 2000 silverado, just a broken tie rod and cut thru tank. Me and my dad went half cuz he needed the trans for his 2006, and other interior stuff.
Dude, is that a '72 Chevy Vega GT wagon I see? Cobbled together may not be the 'right way', but it sure as hell can be considered a 'proper way' if it all works together w/out major flaws :) Love it!
I have a 280zx I’m going to do a v8 swap as I have a great 350 SBC. I was going that route becaus everyone said an LS swap would cost me 10-12k. But you give me hope. I’m going to sell the L28 engine that’s in the 280zx.
Good video on getting me started on my 86 Chevy Silverado that was my fathers I’ve been holding onto for 20 years and finally I’m on my way with a swap! Thx but I have a 6.0 2012 L96! Might get a little bit more pricey
Awesome vid. I'm eventually gonna pickup a vortec or something similar for my corvette. I'd absolutely love to build a street motor that hits 7k rpm. This current L98 is not capable lol.
Sir, i see you might have saved money on LS swap but i see you spent money where it counts on tools! I see SnapOn and Bluepoint! 🖐 I'm guilty of it too! 🤷♂️
Hates the word do it right, proceeds to show you a swap done right lol. That’s a clean set up. You can do it for cheap if you got the skills. That harness is indicative of your work. Looks sharp.
But what about the new cam to make the chop chop. And then the new torque converter. And you got to upgrade the springs to work with that. Not to mention the internet told me that the 4L60 will fail so I have to spend money and get the 4L80. They also said old fuel tanks and radiators are rusty and must be replaced. And I might as well get the gen 4 engine because it has stronger rods. And all the cool kids are running the Holley terminator X system. See it's not as cheap as you said! I'm already $8000 into this swap that people lied and told me was cheap. 😂 Lmao It's funny to see the guys that say they want a "budget swap" then watch as they waste money on unnecessary crap. But I get it. It takes will power to keep it simple.
Yup. Expensive LS swaps have become a plague on the internet now. When I got into them. The cool thing to do was to do them as cheap as possible. Now you're not cool if you don't spend at least 10k before you even hear it run. Guess I'm just never gonna be cool... sigh
Just bought a 130.000 mile LQ9 think was an 05 Escalade $1100.00 everything included down to the pedal. Also a Gen 3 LQ4 with everything $1000.00 think that was 180.000 mile.. Idk thought that was kinda much but i grabbed while the getting was good.. They pulled and shrink wrapped for me so easy load up
Only thing I don't like about the Amazon/Ebay harness is they are not txl/gxl wire, they are pvc sheathed and will melt. In a pinch or extremely tight budget they will work. For me I'd skimp somewhere else.
Have a question! I’m more a cheapy guy, do you think it would be a simple swap to install a 3800 series 3 motor into a Monte Carlo SS 80’s model? I like the fact that they’re the most reliable engines and I want a cruiser!
I would like to do that in my 66 impala SS. Looks intimidating. wouldn't even know where to start. Motor mounts and transmission mounts are different. What about the drive shaft? Very reliable option.
If the ls motor will fit without having to change intake, exhaust manifolds or the accessories, it can probabky be done cheap without too many problems. If the ls motor won't fit as complete, doing a cheap ls swap is a real pain and takes some real creativity and effort.
The cheapest engine you can do in California from pick n pull is less then 100$ on 50% off day. Will be more if you keep the accessories. Only issue is your gonna be fighting over spots
you got roughly $4k in befor selling used parts getting money back, then if you cant do the work yourself, you gotta pay someone like me. I get so many calls, with " i got the motor sitting in the car " well thats the easy part, Swap is still full price after that, 9 times out of 10 i have to pull the motor back out. Labors running $2800- $3500, before ac, and tune on a basic swap. I usually tell people be ready spend $8k, dont want a cam, and or motor built, trans built etc. Price can Jump to $12k quick, plus we run mostly gen 4 6.0 and up.
Awesome info, I been threating to yank my 318/904 on my 72 Duster for an LS for awhile...this might give me the push, i already have HEI ignition on it and pissed off a few buddies, would lose their @#$% if i finally did LS LOL
I have a 64 Skylark I was going to put a Nailhead in it.....but I have a 2000 Yukon XL I stopped driving but it still runs....after this....I'll pull it...freshen it up & put it in the Skylark.
Can you tag which wiring harness from Amazon you have been using? Also why did you need a new accessory drive bracket and power steering pump? Clearance?
Hey i love the content! I want to start by saying I just picked up my first project. I am not the most mechanically inclined person but this has given me a ton of confidence to tackle a project like this. Would you mind sharing how you source these engines? Simple google search usually results in prices that seem drastically higher than what your referencing. Keep up the awesome videos!
I am doing an ls2 s2000 swap, what has your experience been with which harness might work with ls2, they mostly say ls1, and have you figured out which headers or manifolds are closest to the block. Clearance problem with clearance on honda swaps. Good and much needed video. Thanks
What up! New sub from Georgetown Tx. Just watch this episode online but couldn’t 👍 or sub till I got home. Great video. Looking fwd to more videos, I’m getting ready to swapping my ‘95 Jeep YJ. I just smoked my water pump so I’m thinking it’s time to upgrade. Thanks bro.
Dig the build bro. I was taught to work on my own ride and where you can save is always a come up Soo I think you're s was near 3,500 that's more than reasonable wish you could've started it just cause nothing catches the attention like a good roaring engine and I'm curious as to the mpg .....I have Chevy Camaro 77 just waiting for that LS moneys tight however the info on gen 3 now gives me an idea of what to go with Soo I don't regret the build later! ..and hey if I Fall into some money I'll take it to you 👍 @$3500 that's solid price
Couple quick questions, If I found a donor 4wd truck, could I just remove the transfer case and use the motor/trans? Alot of old rusty trucks here in the Midwest but the drivetrains still going strong. Other question, if I wanted cruise control, how could I swap the steering column or use an 80's style steering column?
Awesome job I'm not a LS guy but I would like to do a s10 swap LS . What part of Texas are you in? I'm getting ready to put my big block in my 88 monte carlo SS in 2 weeks. Thanks for the video
i want to yank the 350 from my 90 obs chevy and put in an LS. But yeah, i feel ya on the junkyard prices, for some reason they can be "expensive" for them here in NC. There are exceptions of course. I'd love to find a 6.0 but i'll settle for the 5.3 :)
Can you go over what you needed for you harness for the 4l60 n 4.8,what was needed for the ls 1 intake fuel pump set up ect,what you all did to make it work
Grate info bro!! Im just to start working on my 59 chevy apache, and ill be intouch with yor chanel to be apdate on any info ill going to be need. Thanks buddy.
I thoroughly enjoyed video and learned somethings as well. I'm in a position where I can't do all that work. Estimated time would be helpful so (labor rates are different everywhere) approximate labor could be factored. Just a suggestion and looking forward to an answer if you have time. Thanks
I like the alternator on the passenger side. Will the wire reach if I switch it gyro the driver side? Or do I have to get a wire harness with a longer wire
I'm getting a 5.3 out of a 2000 4x4 chevy truck. I wanna put it in a box chevy impala. Do I need to get the harness setup from the truck to go with the motor?
Besides trying to do it yourself, I bought a 5.3 swapped iroc z, it drives but nothing else works, wiring and gauge wise, where do I get all the knowledge to know how to fix a rear diff or suspension or fix a rusty body, I'm looking to start building a car from the frame up next but I've had 0 car building experience
Hey great video, truly. I watch the whole video, I wrote everything you mention. What vehicle comes with a 4.8L? That’s a very cheap build. Do you think the LS would work with a Doug Nash 4+3?
Serious question... I have a 2015 Altima and I have a 2006 gmc with a 5.3 How much would you charge for labor for the swap? Also do you rebuild engines also? If not id get that done then have you do the rest. Literally being very serious.
your channel should have 50k subs.. Straight talk no BS and your not pushing "affiliate" sales like all the other guys.
I appreciate it. I try to be more educational than entertaining.
would love to hear what you think of my channel dude, been putting a lot of effort into it!
@@krustyclassicsgaragewhat type of harness u use
A good option is to get a complete donor vehicle. That way you get a complete motor, transmission, wiring harness, fuse block and PCM all together.
Hi, I want to use a 98-2002 Camaro as a donor. Including disk brakes. Any advice is helpful. 87 Cutlass
@Astro Not a donor Camaro might get expensive, I would suggest finding a rear ended tahoe,the 4.8 and 5.3 are great engines
@@SupDoggyTVthat’s what I did. 2000 camaro with 6 speed for 3200 running and driving and swapped everything over but I used holley efi harness. Kept the 10 bolt in the elco and used a rear brake conversion kit to swap the discs over.
Right or if you get your engine and transmission somewhere else and you have a pull a part in your area you can at the very least pull all the supporting stuff like wiring harness ECM fuse block etc for very cheap
I got an fbody in pa, fresh rebuilt trans 7k complete. Runs and drives.
Ive been looking into an ls swap for my *drum roll* e30. Seeing everyone say 10k + to do it "right"
Im thinking theres gotta be a cheaper way. People like you give me hope.
turbo 4.8
U guys are using the cheapest of the l.s I'm only using 6.0
I’ve got a ranger 4x4 I’m doing a ls swap in, it makes me laugh how much I’ve spent researching, and here’s your video with all the information I had to learn the hard way
Thats the best way to learn though. Thanks for watching.
I hate your LS swap into your cuda but after introspective thought I realize this is hot rodding in a pure form. Hate it but love it.
You did an awesome job explaining everything you were a great help and I appreciate it. I’ll make sure to share them and wish you a lot of luck.
Thanks!
Agreed, if YOU do it yourself and are on a budget, you can do them this cheap. But I get people asking me for quotes and expecting me to quote them $4500 for a swap, parts and labor! lol
Hey great video! Quick tip. Early 90s to about 2003 volvo cooling fans come either relays for about $25! They last forever and are low sound! Next check out the Dorman fbody ls intake. It is cheaper than a gm intake and will out flow the z06 intake!
With soo many companies making harnesses, brackets, adapters, and many other things now, its cheaper than it's ever been. It will get cheaper and cheaper over time
I paid $4000 on a L92 6.2 ltr with computer and harness it's from a 2007 Yukon Denali engine.
Trying to put it into a 86 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme.
i have a 6.0 to put in my 71 C10 and a 5.3 to put in my 50 model 5 window. thanks for the budget options!
THANK YOU SO MUCH. I LOVE LS SWAPS !!!!!JUST KEEP EVERYTHING SIMPLE AND BASIC.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge on doing these swaps. I am getting ready to swap and restore my fathers Chevy 150 sedan and although i have a general idea of how to do it, your videos have helped me simplify a plan to do it right and stay basic. I'll have to tackled the rear end since it shot but thats going to take some time and research. I'm super happy i found your channel.
I rebuild transmissions for a living and you should definitely run it to the radiator. Adding an aftermarket cooler after the radiator is great but you want that stock cooler
About to undergo my first LS swap into an 83 RX7, very excited watching something like this as I’m used to dumping 10K into a rotary and it dying ☠️
YO I just got an 88 😂 and I’m doing the same
Thanks for the video, working on my first c10 ls swap, so far on the right track.
Really appreciate people taking the time helping out people like me
Appreciate you giving us an update, most of the stuff I see is pretty dated now, I like you comment about trying to use Amazon first then E bay due to the ease of returning, thanks!
This was super helpful for me because I was one of those saying to myself I'm gonna have to drop ten grand to get it done "right" 👍👍 Thanks, bro.
Awesome information. I'm doing a 5.3 swap into a 1995 Astro. I should be able to do it for about $1,000.00. I got a complete running 2004 Suburban for the donor for FREE. I'm going to use the stock ECU and fuse/relay box. I'm backing it with an NV4500 so I'm going to have to buy a flywheel, pressure plate and clutch though.
Awd or RWD?
@Logan Staal , it's AWD but I'm also swapping the AWD transfer case with a NP241c so it will be 4WD.
I can’t wait to swap my 2011 Cadillac CTS coupe with a 5.7 or 6.0 I want to keep it like OEM on the outside but , under the hood would be a beast of an engine
I've always run my automatic cars with a separate trans cooler. I heard years ago if your motor runs hot and trans is hooked up to radiator it will make trans run hot too.
Trans coolers save transmissions! Especially the weak POS 4L60Es but I put them on everything I tow with. They're cheap insurance and it's satisfying never having your transmission get hot. Hydraulic fluid does not benefit from high temperatures (the reason jet fighters use fuel/hydraulic heat exchangers). Trans coolers are like a sore dick, ya can't beat it!
@@obfuscated3090 🤣🤣🤣👍
If you know how to use tools, follow directions, are interested in the process, and are patient, anyone IMO can do an LS swap. RUclips is your best friend and you can find everything there and on the internet. I bought a wrecked Escalade with a 6.0 from Copart (which was the biggest expense by far, but it was running so I went with it), did my own engine rebuild with a mild stage II cam, had my tranny billet built, and bought build parts as necessary. Like he said, go Gen III. If I had to guess, I'm probably around $7k in, but my truck powertrain is practically brand new. I used probably 80-90% of the donor (engine/tranny/ecu/intake manifold/drive shaft shortened). The most expensive parts that weren't off the donor were the radiator, harness, and fuel tank. I also went with aftermarket gauges and put 3.73 gears in as well. I work and have 3 kids, so it took me about 10 months to finish. I'd put my build up against any garage because I'm an OCD perfectionist.
Awesome job explaining the swap. Very informative. We haven’t made the jump to ls yet but gonna try it eventually. Good job !!
in the process of swapping a Datsun 280z over on my channel. some great info in here, thanks dude
pretty cool car, subbed
I have a ‘08 gmc work 2wd truck the frame has cracked. Only 110k miles so thinking about using it as a donor for something classic. Good video!
Appreciate the video and info.
You started with a surplus of $50, though.
Sold an engine and trans for $900, then paid $850 for the LS, which left you $50 in surplus.
Good video. I have a 60e in my wagon swap still hanging on. Cool thing about the 60e, is your buddies will pay you to haul them off.
My opinion is ls are cheap if you can still source them in the same manner. Junkyards are a wast of time now days. You just need to be creative.
I got a $2000 doner denali escalade $2500 for internals
$3500 t56, microsquirt ecm and harness $400, $300 radiator, $600 driveshaft and then $300 for misc. So i did my whole swap for about $8,000 total. Less then a new ls3. And i got a brandnew tranny and basically motor. I consider that really cheap for a fresh 600hp.
If I had a way to ship engines out your way reasonably I would do it. I'm up in the Northeast and the yards are polluted with rusted/crashed trucks and vans.
The past 3 engines I bought off of marketplace or local cuz they were not much more then junkyards and I didn't have to pull them.
Where ?
I'm in MASS I'm looking to do an ls swap into a 00-02 4wd S10 pickup. Id be on the tightest budget possible and be doing as much if the work myself which I'm hoping would be about 75%. I have a 00 crown Vic w. A 4.6 w. Exactly 100k and chance ran fine when I parked it 2 yrs ago and the transmission only has a little over 10k on it (newly replaced) so I'm considering pulling that motor and trans and either selling it to buy the LS or possibly just building it and saving it for another ford. The car has some from the rmv in it so I can't move it or start it or drive the car only reason it's sitting. Mass rmv is the worst. Sorry for the long response. Alot going on lol
Also no one considers changing platforms. Exaple if your putting one in a 4cyl car youll need a a lot more stuff like radiator, driveshaft, axles, mounts, linkage, and plumming
Great video, great plan! I totally agree, although ive only thought about doing this. But I will, eventually. I overheard co workers talking about LS swapping a 1st gen camaro. So one ghy says "youre looking at $15k to swap it". I didnt wanna butt in, but i totally disagree, as do you. I feel even as a budget swap (4.8, 5.3 salvage), as you did, it lays down a foundation. After its running and the bugs are worked out, you can swap to a better , "more built" motor, say a 6.0, 6.2, LSx. Thats how i see it. Great video like i said.
I'll swap an ls into a first gen camaro for $10k 😁
@@cruisinspecialtiesllc6104
9k over here..lol
Yeah I’m not trying to do anything crazy, just thinking bout LS swapping a BRZ
Somebody has probably done it. I've seen LS swapped 350z. It might be better to get a WRX donor and swap that motor and trans.
Thanks for the info. Thinking of swapping my daughter's 78 Z28 Camaro. The 400 Pontiac I put in there 20 years ago is about done.
How much do u do ls swap for
Terrific video!!!! I’m just getting my 92 Camaro LS 6 liter with a Aisin 5 speed from a Chev Colorado and Fabbot conversion I have done a complete ground up build by myself on a budget
Thank you for your video
I have a question the motor mounts plates you showed on this video with all the holes in it.????
Are they adjustable motor mount plates so you can push the engine back more further or you can move the engine further forward for different combos and setups????
MY LS SWAP WAS NOT CHEAP...!
i had a running 305 in my 85 cutlass supreme and thought i would do a super cheap Ls swap for 450 $ running 5.3 Ls.
the engine itself was cheap but all the modding and brackets and conversion hardware ended up costing several thousand bucks.
Maybe couldve done it cheaper but not in middle of covid and it wouldve taken a year instead of 2 months.
Looking back in hindsight not sure i would do the LS swap again, depending on price of a basic 300 Hp crate engine , it definitely wouldve been easier to stick with a SBC and i may still have AC which wouldnt easily fit with Ls engine.
Yeah all these people on RUclips saying 5-10k on parts for an old motor is cheap.. like what? You could have just got a new crate motor that's more reliable. all these foreign third parties making replacements also ads to the price. Can't get cheap factory parts when the factory doesn't care anymore. 😂
Same. Did mine during Covid. 85 Monte. Paid 600 for engine and trans. Everything else was about 4k plus the 1500 for labor. I didn’t do it. So it was a little over 6grand. Out the door. Took a while. Almost a year due to Covid couldn’t get parts unfortunately. And it wasn’t even a “LS”it was out of a Tahoe. But for another 300plus I can get the ls intake which looks way better than the truck intake manifold.
Same, I'm staying naturally aspirated for that reason. Such a hassle, I just wanted to ride. Which is what I'm doing now
Yea when you're paying a shop a 100 plus an hour
@@patrickdolan. i did the work myself bro, 99% of it
Mane im only in about 550. Not including the trailer I had to rent to tow the vehicle. But a complete 2000 silverado, just a broken tie rod and cut thru tank. Me and my dad went half cuz he needed the trans for his 2006, and other interior stuff.
That’s fantastic! I had an ‘03 Silverado
Dude, is that a '72 Chevy Vega GT wagon I see? Cobbled together may not be the 'right way', but it sure as hell can be considered a 'proper way' if it all works together w/out major flaws :) Love it!
I have a 1978 D150 with an LA 360 that runs great! I wanted to rebuild the motor or do a Hemi swap, but I'm leaning towards an LS swap!
Yuo make looks easy because yuo have everything under control
I have a 280zx I’m going to do a v8 swap as I have a great 350 SBC. I was going that route becaus everyone said an LS swap would cost me 10-12k. But you give me hope. I’m going to sell the L28 engine that’s in the 280zx.
Awesome video. I'm in the process of putting a 5.3 in a S15 and this video answered a lot of my questions! 👍
I sincerely appreciate the honesty Man... Subscribed...
Good video on getting me started on my 86 Chevy Silverado that was my fathers I’ve been holding onto for 20 years and finally I’m on my way with a swap! Thx but I have a 6.0 2012 L96! Might get a little bit more pricey
I just paid 490.00 for a complete 2003 gmc 1500 wrecked and will be using the 4.8 for a swap and selling off parts to help fund the ls swap.
Awesome vid. I'm eventually gonna pickup a vortec or something similar for my corvette. I'd absolutely love to build a street motor that hits 7k rpm. This current L98 is not capable lol.
Sir, i see you might have saved money on LS swap but i see you spent money where it counts on tools! I see SnapOn and Bluepoint! 🖐 I'm guilty of it too! 🤷♂️
Hates the word do it right, proceeds to show you a swap done right lol. That’s a clean set up. You can do it for cheap if you got the skills. That harness is indicative of your work. Looks sharp.
Great video very informative and to the point thank you,how much are you changing for labor?
Wicked! Another Texas native! Where abouts you at? I'd love to pick your brain on swaps.
Can you send me the link for the wiring harness you use? Thank you
17:19
np broski
@@joogullae3456 - actually he made a newer video with the links
hey I like your channel I think that's cool for a basic swap
But what about the new cam to make the chop chop. And then the new torque converter. And you got to upgrade the springs to work with that. Not to mention the internet told me that the 4L60 will fail so I have to spend money and get the 4L80. They also said old fuel tanks and radiators are rusty and must be replaced. And I might as well get the gen 4 engine because it has stronger rods. And all the cool kids are running the Holley terminator X system. See it's not as cheap as you said! I'm already $8000 into this swap that people lied and told me was cheap. 😂 Lmao
It's funny to see the guys that say they want a "budget swap" then watch as they waste money on unnecessary crap. But I get it. It takes will power to keep it simple.
Yup. Expensive LS swaps have become a plague on the internet now. When I got into them. The cool thing to do was to do them as cheap as possible. Now you're not cool if you don't spend at least 10k before you even hear it run. Guess I'm just never gonna be cool... sigh
I bought a 02 Yukon Denali with bad 4l60e. 3/4 was gone but they can be fixed to work right.
Love the video bro !! Straight to the point and you answered all my questions!! I’m swapping my 85 cutlass with a 4.8 next month.
how is it going? your LS
We should start sendin you some stuff from here in South Carolina still kinda cheap here. Good videos, keep em coming
Just bought a 130.000 mile LQ9 think was an 05 Escalade $1100.00 everything included down to the pedal. Also a Gen 3 LQ4 with everything $1000.00 think that was 180.000 mile.. Idk thought that was kinda much but i grabbed while the getting was good.. They pulled and shrink wrapped for me so easy load up
Florida too bro. Up in Pittsburgh people give 4.8s away to get them out of the way.
Amazing setup, good stuff. Sleeper exterior, now if you spend some money and clean up that nasty interior that thing will be amazing all around.
Only thing I don't like about the Amazon/Ebay harness is they are not txl/gxl wire, they are pvc sheathed and will melt. In a pinch or extremely tight budget they will work. For me I'd skimp somewhere else.
Have a question! I’m more a cheapy guy, do you think it would be a simple swap to install a 3800 series 3 motor into a Monte Carlo SS 80’s model? I like the fact that they’re the most reliable engines and I want a cruiser!
$850! You’d be lucky just to get the block for that price out here in Cali
I would like to do that in my 66 impala SS. Looks intimidating. wouldn't even know where to start. Motor mounts and transmission mounts are different. What about the drive shaft? Very reliable option.
If the ls motor will fit without having to change intake, exhaust manifolds or the accessories, it can probabky be done cheap without too many problems. If the ls motor won't fit as complete, doing a cheap ls swap is a real pain and takes some real creativity and effort.
I’ve had good luck with the eBay/amazon 6an line kits. Have it on my 84 dodge d150
Yup. Used the Evil Energy PTF lines and fittings on the c10 I just finished in my last couple videos.
The cheapest engine you can do in California from pick n pull is less then 100$ on 50% off day. Will be more if you keep the accessories. Only issue is your gonna be fighting over spots
you got roughly $4k in befor selling used parts getting money back, then if you cant do the work yourself, you gotta pay someone like me. I get so many calls, with " i got the motor sitting in the car " well thats the easy part, Swap is still full price after that, 9 times out of 10 i have to pull the motor back out. Labors running $2800- $3500, before ac, and tune on a basic swap. I usually tell people be ready spend $8k, dont want a cam, and or motor built, trans built etc. Price can Jump to $12k quick, plus we run mostly gen 4 6.0 and up.
Wow man those motor prices are high. You can get a 5.3 with the harness, ECM and transmission for 650$ here in Ga.
just found your channel. definitely looking to LS2 T56 swap my 2004 Lexus IS300 in the future. great videos. keep up the awesome content
Awesome info, I been threating to yank my 318/904 on my 72 Duster for an LS for awhile...this might give me the push, i already have HEI ignition on it and pissed off a few buddies, would lose their @#$% if i finally did LS LOL
Thank you for this video I hate seeing the post on fb and the shops chiming in saying start at $10k I troll every post I find about this
That's a cool Mopar. Did you have to fab up the trans brckts? Always wanted to get an LS in a A-body. Great vid
I have a 64 Skylark I was going to put a Nailhead in it.....but I have a 2000 Yukon XL I stopped driving but it still runs....after this....I'll pull it...freshen it up & put it in the Skylark.
Have you ever used those harnesses on a 4l80 when doing a ls swap? Have a link for the harness you’re using currently?
What LS’ is better 5.3 2008, or 5.3 2003.
2003 won't have Displacement on Demand. You'll also need to decide if you want Drive by Cable or Drive by Wire.
Man you should put a link up to all of these parts that you’ve used. Like the trans cooler
I made a video of cheap LS swap parts list.
@@krustyclassicsgarage where you located ? For some work ?
@@SamAugust - Temple , TX
@@RustyZipper you have a contact number?
@@krustyclassicsgarageWhat will you charge for a ls swap on a 84 Montecarlo
Can you tag which wiring harness from Amazon you have been using? Also why did you need a new accessory drive bracket and power steering pump? Clearance?
Hey i love the content!
I want to start by saying I just picked up my first project. I am not the most mechanically inclined person but this has given me a ton of confidence to tackle a project like this.
Would you mind sharing how you source these engines? Simple google search usually results in prices that seem drastically higher than what your referencing.
Keep up the awesome videos!
I’m about 2 1/2 hours from your shop. I need to get in touch with you and see what we can do. The guy quoted me 10k was a shop in okc
I am doing an ls2 s2000 swap, what has your experience been with which harness might work with ls2, they mostly say ls1, and have you figured out which headers or manifolds are closest to the block. Clearance problem with clearance on honda swaps. Good and much needed video. Thanks
What up! New sub from Georgetown Tx. Just watch this episode online but couldn’t 👍 or sub till I got home. Great video. Looking fwd to more videos, I’m getting ready to swapping my ‘95 Jeep YJ. I just smoked my water pump so I’m thinking it’s time to upgrade. Thanks bro.
Dig the build bro. I was taught to work on my own ride and where you can save is always a come up Soo I think you're s was near 3,500 that's more than reasonable wish you could've started it just cause nothing catches the attention like a good roaring engine and I'm curious as to the mpg .....I have Chevy Camaro 77 just waiting for that LS moneys tight however the info on gen 3 now gives me an idea of what to go with Soo I don't regret the build later! ..and hey if I Fall into some money I'll take it to you 👍 @$3500 that's solid price
Couple quick questions, If I found a donor 4wd truck, could I just remove the transfer case and use the motor/trans? Alot of old rusty trucks here in the Midwest but the drivetrains still going strong. Other question, if I wanted cruise control, how could I swap the steering column or use an 80's style steering column?
Awesome job I'm not a LS guy but I would like to do a s10 swap LS . What part of Texas are you in? I'm getting ready to put my big block in my 88 monte carlo SS in 2 weeks. Thanks for the video
Temple, TX
i want to yank the 350 from my 90 obs chevy and put in an LS. But yeah, i feel ya on the junkyard prices, for some reason they can be "expensive" for them here in NC. There are exceptions of course. I'd love to find a 6.0 but i'll settle for the 5.3 :)
I’m in NC too wya
@@mariobell9476 Raleigh area, you?
I had to settle for a 5.3. Lol
6.0 prices are around $1500 here in Texas. Then you have to switch out the cam because if the DOD. It's crazy
@@Thomzombie303 In Clayton bro
@@mariobell9476 im in Garner actually
Can you go over what you needed for you harness for the 4l60 n 4.8,what was needed for the ls 1 intake fuel pump set up ect,what you all did to make it work
its all in the video Ace
Nice vid.. I got a chevelle I'd like to ls swap. Got a engine and everything sitting outside in a old gmc yukon ..
Fuck yeah Amazon LS swap? Count me in 😂 I'm already lookin at parts
Grate info bro!!
Im just to start working on my 59 chevy apache, and ill be intouch with yor chanel to be apdate on any info ill going to be need.
Thanks buddy.
I thoroughly enjoyed video and learned somethings as well. I'm in a position where I can't do all that work. Estimated time would be helpful so (labor rates are different everywhere) approximate labor could be factored. Just a suggestion and looking forward to an answer if you have time. Thanks
I like the alternator on the passenger side. Will the wire reach if I switch it gyro the driver side? Or do I have to get a wire harness with a longer wire
What scares me is the fuel lines and electrical. Got a 98 gmc Sierra I’d like to LS swap.
I really want more power in my ford ecoline van. That haul my turbo busa in for track use. I really want a LS swap for it.
I'm doing my first swap and I just Wana do basic any way you can put the links of what you bought ?
I got my first 5.3 for 150 with everything wiring harness and all belt accessories
I'm getting a 5.3 out of a 2000 4x4 chevy truck. I wanna put it in a box chevy impala. Do I need to get the harness setup from the truck to go with the motor?
Dude that bay is beautiful
Besides trying to do it yourself, I bought a 5.3 swapped iroc z, it drives but nothing else works, wiring and gauge wise, where do I get all the knowledge to know how to fix a rear diff or suspension or fix a rusty body, I'm looking to start building a car from the frame up next but I've had 0 car building experience
Hey great video, truly. I watch the whole video, I wrote everything you mention. What vehicle comes with a 4.8L? That’s a very cheap build.
Do you think the LS would work with a Doug Nash 4+3?
I’m in Killeen doing a swap. I bought a donor avalanche for $1000.
Serious question... I have a 2015 Altima and I have a 2006 gmc with a 5.3
How much would you charge for labor for the swap? Also do you rebuild engines also? If not id get that done then have you do the rest. Literally being very serious.
How about Oil pans ?
The more clearance the the better I'm assuming.