So I could get a 5.3 or 6.0, and this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LS-Carb-Intake- ... FQ&vxp=mtr
Then I would need engine mounts, trans adapter or trans and modified drive shaft, and figure out how to drive the gauges.
Or I could "just drop this in".:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350-Chevy-High- ... Pq&vxp=mtr
You look at this price and think oh that is so expensive, but, You don't need mounts, you don't have to redo the entire fuel system, you don't have to redo the gauges. 425 HP is pretty good. You aren't even getting that with a stock LS swap so that is even more money. Sure you will blow the trans in the Monte and need a stronger one, but you will do that with an LS motor too.
I am just saying that this option should at least be considered for a car as old as the Monte. On a newer car that already has EFI fuel delivery, electronic trans, gauges that work with the LS motor etc, sure LS is the way to go. As you have seen, the cheapness of these swaps is overrated.
Monte Carlo SS Hunting
Re: Monte Carlo SS Hunting
A few general comments...
- Sometimes kits are cheaper and sometimes putting the pieces together yourself is cheaper. You have to do the research.
- Learning to weld and cut metal is going to save you a ton of money in the long run so the sooner you learn how to do simple stuff (and then more complex as you get better) will pay dividends down the road. Learning to tune vs paying someone is another great example. That said, there will always be things that are worth buying or paying someone else to do. It's never all or nothing. Always be thinking about this rather than assume "I cannot do this." Or struggle endlessly with something that someone else can do far more efficiently (which may be cost/time effective). Know when to invest in learning, and when to quit.
- A carb LS swap has the benefits of the durability of the newer engine design, better sealing, better heads. You just don't get the EFI benefits (including electronic spark control which is also a big benefit). It also means you can use the same mechanical gauges as stock.
- I would personally have a hard time spending a dime on a Gen I small block. And if I did, I wouldn't spend 3 grand on a built engine. But that's me.
- There is no "one price" or "minimum price" to do anything. It all depends on what your goals are, and how much time you want to invest. Speaking of goals, I also don't believe in one single goal. Goals can also evolve or be accomplished in stages.
- Doing something is better than doing nothing, so don't get planning paralysis.
Did I cover everything?
- Sometimes kits are cheaper and sometimes putting the pieces together yourself is cheaper. You have to do the research.
- Learning to weld and cut metal is going to save you a ton of money in the long run so the sooner you learn how to do simple stuff (and then more complex as you get better) will pay dividends down the road. Learning to tune vs paying someone is another great example. That said, there will always be things that are worth buying or paying someone else to do. It's never all or nothing. Always be thinking about this rather than assume "I cannot do this." Or struggle endlessly with something that someone else can do far more efficiently (which may be cost/time effective). Know when to invest in learning, and when to quit.
- A carb LS swap has the benefits of the durability of the newer engine design, better sealing, better heads. You just don't get the EFI benefits (including electronic spark control which is also a big benefit). It also means you can use the same mechanical gauges as stock.
- I would personally have a hard time spending a dime on a Gen I small block. And if I did, I wouldn't spend 3 grand on a built engine. But that's me.
- There is no "one price" or "minimum price" to do anything. It all depends on what your goals are, and how much time you want to invest. Speaking of goals, I also don't believe in one single goal. Goals can also evolve or be accomplished in stages.
- Doing something is better than doing nothing, so don't get planning paralysis.
Did I cover everything?
Re: Monte Carlo SS Hunting
I can see not going old school block if you can get the ease of install with the LS. The first kit I posted on EBay includes a MSD 6010 Ignition Controller which does allow spark advance etc. on a LS engine. So in this package, You would carb an LS motor, and not use a distributor, you would use the MSD kit. I have been looking into options for a while and this seems reasonable. I am still iffy on how the factory gauges would work with this setup though which it sounded like you were saying should be possible.
If you can get the gauges to work, you could get:
The junkyard engine 5.3 for say $700,
you would need motor mounts - ~$75
a trans adaptor - $167
http://www.northwestfab.com/GM-Gen-3LS- ... p_981.html
http://www.advanceadapters.com/products ... plate-kit/
And this kit for 950:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LS-Carb-Intake- ... FQ&vxp=mtr
Total of $1,892.
This assumes the stock radiator/cooling system is adequate, and doesn't include rerouting accessories which is a whole other story or the custom exhaust that will be required, or the different oil pan.
Like I said. There are a lot of hidden costs.
On the plus side of the old block, the exhaust and cooling work, the gauges work, trans adapter is not needed, mounts are not needed, $1000 kit is not needed. Re-routing of accessories is not needed. So you see the 3K cost of that built sbc and freak out, but I still say you are not getting an LS to 415 HP in the Monte for less.
It is interesting to look at it that way because of how cheap the engine is, but that is a nominal percentage of the total cost. Yes I could learn to fabricate the mounts, and probably the exhaust, but probably not accessory mounts, the new oil pan, etc. The most expensive things in the list are not things you would fabricate. and again, to get to 400+ HP, you are going to need a cam, etc. since the motor I quoted is only barely 300.
If you can get the gauges to work, you could get:
The junkyard engine 5.3 for say $700,
you would need motor mounts - ~$75
a trans adaptor - $167
http://www.northwestfab.com/GM-Gen-3LS- ... p_981.html
http://www.advanceadapters.com/products ... plate-kit/
And this kit for 950:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LS-Carb-Intake- ... FQ&vxp=mtr
Total of $1,892.
This assumes the stock radiator/cooling system is adequate, and doesn't include rerouting accessories which is a whole other story or the custom exhaust that will be required, or the different oil pan.
Like I said. There are a lot of hidden costs.
On the plus side of the old block, the exhaust and cooling work, the gauges work, trans adapter is not needed, mounts are not needed, $1000 kit is not needed. Re-routing of accessories is not needed. So you see the 3K cost of that built sbc and freak out, but I still say you are not getting an LS to 415 HP in the Monte for less.
It is interesting to look at it that way because of how cheap the engine is, but that is a nominal percentage of the total cost. Yes I could learn to fabricate the mounts, and probably the exhaust, but probably not accessory mounts, the new oil pan, etc. The most expensive things in the list are not things you would fabricate. and again, to get to 400+ HP, you are going to need a cam, etc. since the motor I quoted is only barely 300.
Re: Monte Carlo SS Hunting
A lot of this is just me thinking out loud. If I like the Monte old school, I could do the built sbc option, and make the Gen 5 Camaro the turbo LS swap. I think that would be a lot easier and cheaper and meet the goals of having a cool street-rod and a real performance car with safety equipment, rather than putting the turbo LS in the Monte with no airbags. Plus the Camaro is a more capable chassis to handle that power.
I will probably never own both of these, but that would be awesome.
I will probably never own both of these, but that would be awesome.
Re: Monte Carlo SS Hunting
Potential car here:
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/5463231314.html
Who want's to go to Long Island?
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/5463231314.html
Who want's to go to Long Island?
Re: Monte Carlo SS Hunting
Call the guy. Make sure it's still for sale. Ask a few token questions to confirm interest. Find out where on LI it is. Find out when he is available. Then tell him you'll call back when you firm up plans.
Re: Monte Carlo SS Hunting
Some thoughts: the car has been repainted at some point in its life (no sweet 80's stripes), the A/C has been removed, might have some inner fender rust in the trunk, interior looks pretty nice, $1000 extra for a running engine and trans isn't bad, but that's some of the way to an LS swap.
Re: Monte Carlo SS Hunting
Post expired. Is there a new one? If not, probably already sold and he just didn't know to remove the listing.
Re: Monte Carlo SS Hunting
This looks to be a nice example: http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5542688825.html