Thinking about buying a used LS 4.8L motor and 4L60E tranny from a 1998-2002 wreck chevy/gmc truck. There's a guy in Livermore, CA that finds these trucks and will setup a complete motor an tranny with harness and flashed computer. TURN KEY ready to drop in my truck with around 90,000 miles. He said, he would also take all the smog stuff off and all I need is the GM wiring harness for my truck to hook up to the engine and that's it and I can pick it up this conversion for $2400. My question is has anyone put a LS motor an tranny or just the motor in our trucks before? Just want to know what to expect in doing this conversion. Is it a pain in the butt or is it fairly simple? Thanks, Rico
The motor mounts need a conversion plate to use traditional mounts, the pan will need changed to the Corvette style, and the biggest hassle is the lower coolant hose connection. We cut and heliarc it back at the correct angle but as many of these engines that are being used surely someone will make a casting to just bolt on. Maybe someone like Ken can ferret out info on this. The fuel system has to be converted to a high pressure pump with a return and is much easier done with a tank that lays flat, like an S10, rather than one that stands verticle like the factory tank. About 3 or 4 times as hard as a regular V8 but one heck of an engine when all tuned out right.
I've already installed a Mustang II so I have to make or order some aftermarket mounts to weld to the frame for the engine. Also I found out a 1970 mustang gas tank 22 gal is about the right size to put behind the rear end, it's even tapped in the back so it won't hit anything while going in an out of driveways. I've been told these engines are really nice and have great power and good gas mileage and will last a long time so I'm seriously thinking about it. Every time I call the junk yards they say they can't keep them in the yard, as soon as they get them there sold.
