lsx and ltx pro's and con's

JeffP1167

JeffP1167

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Joined
Dec 21, 2009
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Location
Yucaipa, CA.
Yes I know of the optispark issues.

My 97 camaro 3.8 has started the dreaded rod/main knock and started using coolant at a concerning rate.

I have done one engine pull on a 4th gen through the bottom.

so my question is this, (keep in mind I live in california so it must have full emissions stuff)

which engine would you use, can the lower hood slope of a 97 create engine/air cleaner clearance issues?

was the lsx in reality more dependable/fuel economy better

seems the 98 f-bodies used 4 channel abs where mine used 3 channel

I for the most part want no electrical nightmare issues

wont be used for super/turbo charger

just want a v-8 to replace my 6 banger with the least amount of hassles.

so is a lsx over a ltx worth it? I have 3.42 gears and disc rear so that isnt a problem

yes I know some say buy instead of build it but I have had this since new and it is still in perfect condition

I am also not looking for performance add-ons now nor later

just the 3.8 rebuild is up about 2500 and for that figure I could buy a totalled 97-98 and just do a v8 conversion.

so lets here "stock" pros & cons of the 2 families
 
Just buy a ratted out parts car if you really want to go through the effort. I would think a LT car would be the more cost effective way to go.

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Test drive a LS1 Fbody and you'll have all your answers :)

The LT is cheaper and maybe easier to swap ..... The LS is still well worth the extra effort
 
I would think that the 6 cylinder car would have to be extremely nice to justify the swap over just buying a nice v8 car and be done with it especially for someone that doesn't live up here in the rust belt.

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Fuelie74 said:
I would think that the 6 cylinder car would have to be extremely nice to justify the swap over just buying a nice v8 car and be done with it especially for someone that doesn't live up here in the rust belt.

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I purchased it new and it is mint condition
 
JeffP1167 said:
Fuelie74 said:
I would think that the 6 cylinder car would have to be extremely nice to justify the swap over just buying a nice v8 car and be done with it especially for someone that doesn't live up here in the rust belt.

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Click to expand...

I purchased it new and it is mint condition
Click to expand...

Then put a LS1 between the fenders !!!! :thumbs:
 
MYBAD79 said:
JeffP1167 said:
Fuelie74 said:
I would think that the 6 cylinder car would have to be extremely nice to justify the swap over just buying a nice v8 car and be done with it especially for someone that doesn't live up here in the rust belt.

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...

I purchased it new and it is mint condition
Click to expand...

Then put a LS1 between the fenders !!!! :thumbs:
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:goodevil: That's what I would have done, IF they were not about 6 grand/copy...back in '97 or so when I put in the roller block/engine I have now....I can't justify the cost/effort doing it now....:clobbered:
 
Can't blame you, nice ride, only thing better would be a convertible....;)

kinda like me, in '97, decided to put a updated tech engine in the car, and overdrive...for the higher speeds/distances here.....

My son picked up an LS for only 500 bux DELIVERED......he was in Berzerkly at that time, now Nevada City....

:bounce:
 
Unless you're planning on building 500+hp, LT is the easier and cheaper way to go. I was just at the JY this weekend and there at least three different F-bodies that had decent donor drivetrains. Everything from the plenum down.
 
DeeVeeEight said:
I had a 95 firebird with the 3.8. It was a great car and could deliver 33 mpg highway. I would go with another 3.8.
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Fuelie74 said:
Have you considered rebuilding it then?

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I'm not going to rebuild the 3.8, it is getting V-8.

Already have another 97 with a 3.8 and a 5 speed. So fuel economy not a issue, want fun factor with my camaro now but in california so it needs a 97 or newer engine.

I found with my 97 firebird when it needed an engine the 3.8 is more costly then a LTx and close in price to a LSx. They are a pain in the ass to change motors so now that I have to I'm am going to just go with a V-8. I also have no desire for above H.P then stock levels.

the easiest way to pull an engine on these is through the bottom so replacing the engine/suspension cradle won't be any more work. It is also setup with dual fans like the v-8 has, probably would just need v-8 radiator.

This camaro already has 4wdb with a 3.42 limited slip and z-28 sway bars, interior is immaculate so it is worthy of a v-8 swap.
 
Huhhh....dumb question, I have a engine hook stands and a floor jack, so just how in hell would I ever drop an engine/trans/whatever outta the bottom of a car without a lift??? can such an operation be done from the top, screw the subframe shit.....I did my wife's '99 Escort, whole engine out top....#4 intake at 150k , same one she lost in the wreck just before Xmas....:mad: not her fault at all.....I dunno if there was a subframe there or not....

friends here just battles a Honda small SUV, 4 cyl, for the starter motor in front of engine, had to remove the radiator and upper support cross piece....what a mess, but all the bolts took a 10mm socket.....:devil::yahoo:
 
Shipping an engine is no big deal nowadays, there are plenty of places who sell complete take outs incl computer and all that other stuff that's needed for the swap.... Just an example: saw a Mustang 5.0 takeout, 27k miles incl engine, trans , computer, all accessories incl ac and alternator, complete wiring etc for $8400 shipped.... Considering that's not a whole lot more than what I spent on my 383 and the TKO conversion I have to say, if I had to do it again (or could do it again) I'd go with a LS1 or 2 and a 6spd.....

Brakes/radiator is the same on the v6 and v8 fbodies.... Shocks/springs are different.... Power steering is different too, 8 had a lot stiffer steering on my Z28 than on my ex's v6....

The LS is the better engine, if it's a little more than the LT it's well worth it. Drive one and you'll know. I've had an LS1 and currently have the LS2, never done anything to the engine to get more power... Never needed to.... This is so unlike me...... :bonkers:
 
MYBAD79 said:
Shipping an engine is no big deal nowadays, there are plenty of places who sell complete take outs incl computer and all that other stuff that's needed for the swap.... Just an example: saw a Mustang 5.0 takeout, 27k miles incl engine, trans , computer, all accessories incl ac and alternator, complete wiring etc for $8400 shipped.... Considering that's not a whole lot more than what I spent on my 383 and the TKO conversion I have to say, if I had to do it again (or could do it again) I'd go with a LS1 or 2 and a 6spd.....

Brakes/radiator is the same on the v6 and v8 fbodies.... Shocks/springs are different.... Power steering is different too, 8 had a lot stiffer steering on my Z28 than on my ex's v6....

The LS is the better engine, if it's a little more than the LT it's well worth it. Drive one and you'll know. I've had an LS1 and currently have the LS2, never done anything to the engine to get more power... Never needed to.... This is so unlike me...... :bonkers:
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Think mine has a z28 rack it was ordered with some performance package. It steers much different then my 97 firebird.
 
The LSx all the way, I've done 2, including my 72 Olds DD.
Go over to LS1tech conversions forum. There are several V6 to 8 swap writeups. I guess you've discovered the front crossmember has to be swapped as well. And don't forget a new trans. If it's a T5 too weak, 4L60, problems with TCC solenoid.
Problem with LS1s is that they have not been made in 10 years. You might get an LS with more problems than your 3.8. An iron block 5.3 or 6.0 would be more available at a cheaper price, and lower miles.
 
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