LS Talk All things based on the GM LS platform engine

          
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Old 08-27-2025, 11:41 PM
kpbrown31 kpbrown31 is offline
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Default B Body LS swap

Didn't someone on here swap an LS into a B body platform? Trying to get a running start at this winter project and foreseeing issues I might encounter. So figured I'd ask some questions if I could find the guy with the car I once saw.

I currently have a 461 in my 66 Catalina wagon that I'm going to pull out, sell, and replace with a 6.0 LS that I've been staring at on my shop floor for years. I'll likely go with a 4L80e transmission. Probably an older year model so that I get both cooler lines entering/exiting near the bellhousing for better clearance.

I know a lot of people like their Holley setups, but I just don't know if I'll ever mess with tuning much once I get it set for a street cruiser. So I'm leaning towards a cheaper setup...maybe try ACE's?

  #2  
Old 08-28-2025, 12:45 PM
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JSchmitz JSchmitz is offline
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Never did a B-body. I did a 5.3, and then a 6.2, in my '64 GTO. I modified the factory harness, and PCM, for the 5,3. It wasn't bad. Just time consuming. I learned A LOT! The went with Holley Terminator X Max for the 6.2. The Holey harness is much easier and cleaner. I still stripped a few thing out of it. But the PCM/ECU is plug and play. Self learning is nice. Plus runs on wide band for full throttle learning. If ya want to put in the time, the factory stuff works great. Especially on stock components. Check out: https://lt1swap.com/wiringharness.htm

Next is A/C and a 5-speed stick. Couldn't have gotten away with A/C and 455 (no comments from the peanut gallery please). Probably not gonna drag race it much (or at all). So back to banging gears and factory console.

Good luck!

  #3  
Old 08-28-2025, 01:33 PM
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We’re running a stroked LQ4 in my son’s 79 TA. Using Holley Terminator X Max…very easy to install and set-up…car runs great, but not a ton of miles on it yet. I did one remote tuning session to set up some feature I was unfamiliar with. Fuel system is important to consider.

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  #4  
Old 08-28-2025, 08:10 PM
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Scarebird Scarebird is offline
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I am thinking the biggest issue you will run into here may be the exhaust? Not sure if A Body type manifolds will work with a B (will it with a Strato motor?).

Or I could be completely wrong and the B's are far easier to route exhaust...


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Old 08-31-2025, 11:32 PM
kpbrown31 kpbrown31 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JSchmitz View Post
Never did a B-body. I did a 5.3, and then a 6.2, in my '64 GTO. I modified the factory harness, and PCM, for the 5,3. It wasn't bad. Just time consuming. I learned A LOT! The went with Holley Terminator X Max for the 6.2. The Holey harness is much easier and cleaner. I still stripped a few thing out of it. But the PCM/ECU is plug and play. Self learning is nice. Plus runs on wide band for full throttle learning. If ya want to put in the time, the factory stuff works great. Especially on stock components. Check out: https://lt1swap.com/wiringharness.htm

Next is A/C and a 5-speed stick. Couldn't have gotten away with A/C and 455 (no comments from the peanut gallery please). Probably not gonna drag race it much (or at all). So back to banging gears and factory console.

Good luck!

I'm not against the factory stuff as I'm going to mostly be stock on the build, other than a cam swap. I just can't recall if I have a harness I can send it to be reworked. I know I have a few computers. I'm still unsure what direction I'll go with wiring. I just know I realistically probably won't take the time to rework a harness on my own vs breaking down and buying one already completed. So at that point do I just go aftermarket. I need to compare price points I guess.

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Old 08-31-2025, 11:33 PM
kpbrown31 kpbrown31 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scarebird View Post
I am thinking the biggest issue you will run into here may be the exhaust? Not sure if A Body type manifolds will work with a B (will it with a Strato motor?).

Or I could be completely wrong and the B's are far easier to route exhaust...

Exhaust has been a bear on this car. I had to massage the current headers with a ball pean hammer to allow them to squeeze past the steering gear box. I was hoping a set of LS manifolds or shorty style headers would make life easier for the swap. But I'm still in the early stages of planning that out!

  #7  
Old 09-01-2025, 03:41 AM
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In that case 67-69 Firebird swap manifolds may be best.

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