restomod engine swap

Discussion in 'High Tech for Old Iron' started by Furious_styles6, Nov 11, 2014.

  1. Furious_styles6

    Furious_styles6 Furious_styles6

    I have a 1970 Buick Skylark. The transmission leaks and the engine runs ok. AC and heat don't work. Rather than rebuilding everything I'm thinking about dropping in a LS engine with all the accessories and transmission. Does anyone know of any good engine transmission combinations for this type of thing? the budget would be about 3500. Thanks for any advice you have.
     
  2. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    $3500 gonna be tough, the easiest way and cheapest would be a 5.3 $750 to 1000 in the yards for a low mile one, 4l60 gonna be another $500 and then you gonna need a harness for the trans and FI, or go a more mechanical approach with a carbed 5.3 with GM or MSD control box and a 2004 or 700r trans, either way your gonna spend more than $3500
     
  3. 66larkgs

    66larkgs paul 66gs turbo nailhead

    I would look into a 6.0 with a 4l60e or a 4l80e. should be able to pick up a setup for around $1500-1800. are you planning on keeping it carb or efi? this matters for your budget. Msd does make a box that will control the ignition coils and everyone make a intake. use your old carb and fuel system to save money. TCI make a controller to run the 4l60e that is around $600. msd box around $500, intake is around $300. Their is a lot of controllers like accell and fast that would control the trans and efi function but still would have to build a fuel system to handle Efi. dont forget a radiator. You can use stock ls manifolds but still need to modify exhaust. Power steering lines, oil pan and pickup. The nice thing about the 6.0 is throw a nice cam and make some nice power.. can always go 5.3 with a s475 turbo and make some crazy numbers.
     
  4. ceas350

    ceas350 "THE BURNER"

    Here's my yards prices. Both Complete (drop outs) engine, trans, computer, wiring harness, all accessories needed. 5.3 $1300& 6.0 $2100. My builder wants $2100 to rebuild the 6.0. Plus you'll need engine mounts, radiator, cooling fan, beer and gas :) ls engines are known for going 300k miles no prob, so you can just install and ride. I hear the 6.0 loves a good cam and headers....$,$$$
    I'm going to be swapping a 6.0 in mine. No more temperamental carbed engine :)
     
  5. 1967BuickGS400

    1967BuickGS400 Well-Known Member

    Any updates on your build?
     
  6. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Might as well go with the 6.0... I love the 5.3 in my truck but the low end torque of the 6.0 is good for a heavy vehicle... I would buy a banged up 2 wd truck with the 6.0 and 4L80E and use that for the swap...
     
  7. ceas350

    ceas350 "THE BURNER"

    Yea a simple cam swap and bam 400hp :)
     
  8. GotTattooz

    GotTattooz Well-Known Member

    I bought a wrecked truck for $1300.00 and swapped everything into my 65 Buick wagon. 5.3l/ 4l60e. Keep in mind, these new trucks weigh almost 7k lbs. Our cars weigh half that. My wagon hauls ass with the stock engine and transmission.

    -Josh
     
    ceas350 and BBRUCE like this.

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