Caprice engine swap?
Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 9:21 am
I could argue that the clock is ticking on the Caprice being worth putting the time and money into an engine swap. I could also easily argue that the time has already passed.
However, if it hasn't, I am narrowing in on a plan. Granted a very coarse plan at this point. More of an academic exercise even.
Engine
Due to price and availability, it looks like the dime-a-dozen LM7 (1999-2006 or 2007 in the Silverado Classic) is plentiful. Prices range from $350 to $550 for good grade engines that aren't too far away.
The other option looks like the L59 which was a flex fuel version and had an additional 10hp. These are also fairly plentiful but not as available as the LM7.
Perhaps the sweet spot is the 2005+ LM7 which should have the upgraded rods. Not that I need them but I guess I like that.
The other thing is I really need something complete, just to have a starting point, even if I have to replace certain parts (like the car intake and also the oil pan). Actually, the truck accessories may not even work on a B-body. I wonder if there's an accessory plan that allows me to keep my R4 compressor and also not have to BFH mod the frame. These are the details that make what could be a somewhat simple swap turn into a big project.
For a trans, there is no doubt that due to price and availability, I would want a 4L60-E, ideally from a 2WD truck that donated the engine. This will require placing phone calls. It would be easier, perhaps, to find a 2WD trans and then call and see if the engine is also available. For example, Linder's in Worcester has a 2WD 4L60-E from a 2006 that had the 5.3L, in grade A, only 94k miles, for $795. If they'd sell me the complete engine w/ harness and accessories for a reasonable price, that would be a good one. Unfortunately a 4WD 4L60E won't work. Too many differences that can't be rectified easily.
I need to read this thread:
http://www.impalassforum.com/vBulletin/ ... p?t=228454
I could look at LQ4s but I like the 5.3 and it's probably cheaper. I've lived with my car with a mid-80s trap speed for almost 15 years. There's no reason it needs to automatically jump to run low 12s or something. I'd be happy with trapping 100. Which should require about 350hp, or well within reach with bolt-ons and a cam. Probably just bolt-ons and tuning if I really wanted to. In fact if I was going to bother with a cam, I'd probably shoot for 400hp and closer to a 105 mph trap, which gets me out of LT1 F-body performance. I already owned a car back in 2004 that trapped 100. I need to aim a little higher in 2015, regardless of the starting platform.
Exhaust
Need to retain cats, unless I don't need emissions in my 2017 inspection. Custom exhaust obviously required either way.
Could do DBW throttle or cable. I don't really care.
I think I'll be fine with a Dakota Digital box for my speedo. For the tach, I may be able to get the PCM to output what my tach needs, or get another Dakota Digital converter box.
The rest of the gauges are 100% discrete sensor driven. A 90s B-body is an ideal candidate for this swap. Consider crash standards (good), airbags, ABS, good passenger and trunk space. Plenty of handling and braking potential. Yet not so new that there is complicated BCM/CAN stuff to have to hack around the to get everything to work. Already EFI, so no gas tank BS to deal with. I can probably keep the stock fuel lines even (adapt in the engine bay of course).
I already have an 8.5" ring 10-bolt with a good Detroit Truetrac posi carrier. Hell I may even be able to reuse my driveshaft (maybe an excuse to finally do U-joints). The 3.42 is also perfect, right off the bat. By sticking with an auto, I keep things simple (i.e. no T56 conversion).
However, if it hasn't, I am narrowing in on a plan. Granted a very coarse plan at this point. More of an academic exercise even.
Engine
Due to price and availability, it looks like the dime-a-dozen LM7 (1999-2006 or 2007 in the Silverado Classic) is plentiful. Prices range from $350 to $550 for good grade engines that aren't too far away.
The other option looks like the L59 which was a flex fuel version and had an additional 10hp. These are also fairly plentiful but not as available as the LM7.
Perhaps the sweet spot is the 2005+ LM7 which should have the upgraded rods. Not that I need them but I guess I like that.
The other thing is I really need something complete, just to have a starting point, even if I have to replace certain parts (like the car intake and also the oil pan). Actually, the truck accessories may not even work on a B-body. I wonder if there's an accessory plan that allows me to keep my R4 compressor and also not have to BFH mod the frame. These are the details that make what could be a somewhat simple swap turn into a big project.
For a trans, there is no doubt that due to price and availability, I would want a 4L60-E, ideally from a 2WD truck that donated the engine. This will require placing phone calls. It would be easier, perhaps, to find a 2WD trans and then call and see if the engine is also available. For example, Linder's in Worcester has a 2WD 4L60-E from a 2006 that had the 5.3L, in grade A, only 94k miles, for $795. If they'd sell me the complete engine w/ harness and accessories for a reasonable price, that would be a good one. Unfortunately a 4WD 4L60E won't work. Too many differences that can't be rectified easily.
I need to read this thread:
http://www.impalassforum.com/vBulletin/ ... p?t=228454
I could look at LQ4s but I like the 5.3 and it's probably cheaper. I've lived with my car with a mid-80s trap speed for almost 15 years. There's no reason it needs to automatically jump to run low 12s or something. I'd be happy with trapping 100. Which should require about 350hp, or well within reach with bolt-ons and a cam. Probably just bolt-ons and tuning if I really wanted to. In fact if I was going to bother with a cam, I'd probably shoot for 400hp and closer to a 105 mph trap, which gets me out of LT1 F-body performance. I already owned a car back in 2004 that trapped 100. I need to aim a little higher in 2015, regardless of the starting platform.
Exhaust
Need to retain cats, unless I don't need emissions in my 2017 inspection. Custom exhaust obviously required either way.
Could do DBW throttle or cable. I don't really care.
I think I'll be fine with a Dakota Digital box for my speedo. For the tach, I may be able to get the PCM to output what my tach needs, or get another Dakota Digital converter box.
The rest of the gauges are 100% discrete sensor driven. A 90s B-body is an ideal candidate for this swap. Consider crash standards (good), airbags, ABS, good passenger and trunk space. Plenty of handling and braking potential. Yet not so new that there is complicated BCM/CAN stuff to have to hack around the to get everything to work. Already EFI, so no gas tank BS to deal with. I can probably keep the stock fuel lines even (adapt in the engine bay of course).
I already have an 8.5" ring 10-bolt with a good Detroit Truetrac posi carrier. Hell I may even be able to reuse my driveshaft (maybe an excuse to finally do U-joints). The 3.42 is also perfect, right off the bat. By sticking with an auto, I keep things simple (i.e. no T56 conversion).