LS engine swap in a 74 GTO question
 

I am thinking about putting a LS engine in my 74 GTO. Do I need a motor mount conversion to do this? What other things do I need? Thanks in advance. Steve

Don't take this the wrong way but your question might get more traction on a board dedicated to the LS engine, or maybe here on the forums in the 1993-02 Firebird section or the 04-08 GTO section, where folks more knowledgeable about LS mods may be lurking. I can tell you right off the bat you're going to need different engine and transmission mounts, which will require some fabrication, unless someone out there makes a conversion for the X-body (which is shared with the Nova, so I'm almost certain there is already an existing mount kit to swap the LS into an early Nova).

This is a start of a list.

https://www.holley.com/products/ls_p...ap_components/

You'll need a lot of stuff, but it's a relatively common swap.

Discussion moved to the appropriate forum.
Since the 1974 GTO is based on the X body platform, a kit designed for a Chevy Nova would probably work.

A good resource for research and knowledge on a swap such as you are planning is the conversions and hybrids section of ls1tech.com. I will agree with the above post that your best course of action will be to buy your swap components from Holley. Over the last few years they have engineered a great set of systems to drop an LS engine into various classics and achieve good driveline angles and clearances. A good source for swap headers is speed-engineering.com. they put out a great stainless header at a nice value and I have been pleased with their fit and quality in the 2 instances I have used them. Good luck!

Very simple... search LS conversion for a '69 Camaro.

-The LS1 motor mount conversion brackets are going to bolt on to the subframe, just like SBC or Pontiac V8 motor mount stands bolt on. '73-74 X-body subframes are very similar to the '69 F-body subframes. The main difference being small details at the front of each front frame horn. '73 & 74 X-body's used energy absorbing front bumpers. Years ago, I pulled a subframe out a 74 Buick Apollo at a local crusher yard & dropped it off at a local friend who was needed a subframe to stick under a '68 Firebird.
-the factory dimensions between the back of the engine & the face of the cowl are going to be the same between a factory installed Pontiac 350 in a '72-74 Ventura & a factory installed 396 in a '68 or 69 Camaro.
-the V8 core support designs between each are very similar, you may be able to use the same aluminum radiator in the V8 Ventura/'74 GTO core support as would be spec'ed as a swap radiator for a '69 Camaro LS1 install. definitely something to measure.

Quick DuckDuckGo search...

http://www.brphotrods.com/products/1...cts/index.html

Thanks everybody. Here is what I am thinking of doing, LS 2 with distributor conversion ( so I can make the hood scoop work ). I have a M21 tranny and a 373 gear 12 bolt that I can put in the car. I am assuming this can be done. Steve

While you can retrofit an LS motor with a distributor, it's expensive and I can't see how this would have anything to do with a hood scoop? If you are thinking of going with a 4 barrel carb and traditional intake manifold, this is easily done and works well with either a dual plane or single plane manifold and carb of your choice. In this case, the last thing you want is a distributor. MSD makes a nice digital box that mounts right on the intake (if you use the dual plane Edelbrock) and retains the LS coil on plug ignition system with reluctor wheel.

https://www.holley.com/products/igni...rip/parts/6014

While you do not need a laptop to set timing if you don't want to, you can use one to set the timing curve and it is very powerful and super easy to use. I've done several carbureted LS motors and always use this box for ignition.

Thanks darbikrash, where can I find the information for the application you mentioned. Steve

Carbureted LS motors are pretty popular, many people don’t want the hassle of fuel injection and a computer. Head over to the LS1 Tech forum where they have an entire section for carbureted LS motors.


https://ls1tech.com/forums/carbureted-lsx-forum-172/

Is the MSD 6010 still available? Steve

No, it's not. I believe it was superseded by the 6014 I linked to above. The 6014 has a lot more features and is compatible with either the 24X or 58X reluctor.

Besides LS1Tech.com there is also LS1.com where they also have an entire section devoted to retro fitting an LS engine to a older/different car/chassis.

https://www.ls1.com/forums/f124/

When searching don't forget to look for Chevy Novas (and early Camaros as ol'Pinionhead recommended here: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...89&postcount=6 )

Good luck with all this.