I had a 1984 Chevy Scottsdale 4x4 and I put a NEW GM 350 create motor in it in 1990 and it cost about $500 new from GM. it ran good. It had a port injected carburetor and got good gas mileage. I really liked that truck because it never let me down. Very reliable.
You really nailed it with the, “be realistic,” stuff. Got a friend that’s been trying to restore a Galaxy (59, I believe) for probably 8 years, if not more. He’s had it painted, done a lot of body stuff, hydraulics, engine work, etc. He’s convinced that once he’s done, it will sell for 25k. Even if he does, he’s probably put damn near 20k into it.
1987- first year for TBI on Chevy trucks. Gm switched to vortec in 96, main difference is the cylinder head and intake pattern. TBI heads are the same style through most of the 80s, and they are some of the worst flowing, least power producing heads for an sbc. The vortec heads (1996^) are some of the best heads for a budget power build.
I ls swaped my C10 with a 5.3 Vortec and in total I spent around 2000 in parts including the motor. Best investment ever and pretty cheap compared to other LS swaps
Good pointers on the re-sale parts I usually keep a handful laying around my self when in need of extra cash it always has worked for me just like you bro great video
I'm really appreciating these videos man. I'm ls swapping my s10 blazer which was already 350 swapped (poorly) and you're really clearing up a bunch of questions I had.
I don't think that the old school folk shy away from LS swaps because they're afraid of them. It's more that the SBC with a carburetor is just simple and pure It harkens back to a time when life and things where far simpler, and most folks could and did work on a vehicle with only a few simple hand tools in the trunk, even on the side of the road. I get into my truck to GET AWAY from computers and electronic control - the only "electronics" on my truck are in the 8-track radio. There is just something about an all-analog device, like an old truck, or self-winding wristwatch or grandfather clock, the older bowling alley pinsetters, an acoustic guitar - that are timeless, unlike the ever-changing world of electronic devices and the rat race they create, wanting for more and almost never satisfied. Not knocking the LS swap crowd, and I understand the appeal. Just food for thought.
I will never knock Summit brand headers again. We bought a set for my brothers 5.0 mustang build. They were polished stainless. Have a really solid head flange. Welds all looked perfect. I didn't have to knock a single bur or piece of slag off them. They were like $175 when bbk were $100 more. I guarantee they come from the same people the way they are made. minus the $100 BBK weld on tag. I have a set of $300 flowtech stainless turbo headers on my 6.0 I'm really impressed with also. The 3" v-band suck! but headers look really good
i made a video about a week ago regarding how i did mine for under $500 . when i did it originally a year ago, i did it to prove that it can be done cheap. everybody told me i needed a tuner, and told me it would cost 3k, told me i'd never get it runing by myself. i proved all 3 wrong. i got it runnning by myself , no tuner, only cost me about 100 for the headers, 120 for the o2 sensors, and 100 for the sending unit. everything else i already had lying around or was just nickle dime schtuff. i originally set out to show that it can be done for under 500, and that i can get it running by myslf, with EFI and no tuner and stock CPU.
@@JovaniDanteGriego if i post a link on your channel, it will just go straight to the spam folder. but i can post the link , you'll have to find it and approve the comment in your studio community / comments. anyway here it is th-cam.com/video/MagKrC93j80/w-d-xo.html
Man I picked up 3 ls's a 4.8 complete running harness ecu and all for 50 bucks, a 5.3 block and heads, complete rolling assembly. And a blown up ls3 6.2 with 2 bent rods for 50 bucks, reused the 6 good rods and bout 2 more gen 4 rods and flat tops for 125 LS's are cheap affordable power.
Nice video jovani I was just searching for LS content for more information to swap an older truck. Appreciate the video, appreciated the information. 🙏 I’m subscribed
It’s really budget friendly actually, I work at a shop that does Ls swaps on pretty much anything and it’s really worth while. Even a junkyard motor will put out 400+hp
@@JovaniDanteGriego I’m sorry to bother you but I have a question, where I am I don’t have to pass inspection or emissions. I have a 4.8 vortec out of a 2005, is there anything I would readily need to do to the stock ecu to make it run or will it manage on its own?
I have a c3 Corvette and I’m trying to figure out what type of engine to swap into it with out breaking the bank. I don’t want to spend a ton of money rebuilding. Would love to find something in junkyard in good condition and do minor things .. what engine would you recommend? Lm7 ?? Thank you
I would opt for aluminum but honestly your probably still saving weight over the SBC with a iron block 5.3. where your going to have to spend money is on a lower profile intake like a LS1 intake and accessories mounts that will fit your package
Around my area you can get a junk yard ls for 750 and it have around 90-100k miles and be considered a great deal,but you can go into an autozone and get an intake,carb,high performance distributor,gaskets and fuel systems for around 1200-1400 all together
I think he meant the 350 specifically, which did show up in the mid sixties. Most don’t even know that the 265 was the first sbc, and that the 283 was the first American engine to make 1hp per cubic inch, people only care about 350s, 427s, and 454s.
$2500 dollars is cheap for obs truck. I’m located in Southern California. GM engines are pretty easy to work on compared to other’s manufacturers. I have a 1998 obs ext cab with a blown engine. There are some many LS swaps info on the net it’s crazy.
Quite the opposite around here in the northeast. Old school stuff is what no one wants anymore.. Especially since the first thing the younger crowd thinks of is ".. LS Swap it!..." Me, ... no thanks... Been there and done that on swapping LS engines into the older cars.... No one talks about complete fuel pump, regulator and line replacement costs.. The cooling system complete change... And mounting the overflow tank and cooling lines correctly in non stock applications... The "plug and pray" ecu is still a grand by itself . (Half the price of getting the 350 redone at the machine shop the right way..). Plus, then you still need to pay a "tuner" big bucks for an actual dyno tune. Headers, pan... Mounts..... "Custom" hand made brackets and adapters.... Yeah, it's cheap... When it doesn't start... Which sensor, hack job wire splice or ground connection is it? Yes, I'm 55, after 40 years of old style small blocks... I'll stick with that. Local unmolested core 350 is anywhere from 150 to 300 here... Add Vortec heads and a decent cam, the usual bits, etc and its 350 hp easy...
Carbs might be ancient, but they work and are cheap and easy to work on. Same with points distributors. I was a driveability tech at a GM dealership for 25 years, I love and know computer systems. But if the shit hits the fan, electronics will be fried, and only old school cars and trucks will work
Well I'm one of those old chevy dudes now. Just so you know - we are not scared of fuel injection. One reason I stay old school (no computer stuff) is that the wiring harnesses, sensors, etc cannot stand up to the test of time and endurance. Old school small block for example - we could go to a junkyard beat the the thing with a hammer and fill it with oil AND IT WILL RUN. Just an old guy's point of view - lol
I mean that's cool if your building something to sit for 30 years in your yard. I but as long as you keep the car going most everything you mentioned will be fine.
The affordability isn't the issue. Is the fact that people think you just take out one engine and put it in another crank up the car and go? And it doesn't work like that. For example look at your local Craigslist and look at how many cars are for sale without Motors. That let you know right then and there that swapping an engine. Is not as easy as people think?
I swapped an put a 5.3 in my 84 c10, I did carb on it because I pretty much got a long block with no computer an got the edlebrook. Ls firing module for dirt cheap. Only thing I bought new was a edlebrook carb on it for it.
@@JovaniDanteGriego I know a guy that has a whole shed full of chevy and Pontiac v8's . Said he's been trying to sell them but can't even get $200 for them.
Th350’s can too I’ve seen a twin turbo ls with 800hp on a stock th350 and it ran like a champ not too sure how long but that’s impressive for a stocker
I am doing same swap... I have a 4.8 laying around... Actually a whole truck. Long story short my son and i own it for $200 each. He took rear end and don't really want much else... The truck originally just needed a fuel pump but sat so long the rear spring hanger broke and went through the bed... So i want to do my first swap using as many parts i can off that truck... My goal for the build on my channel is to build an 88 k5 blazer ls swap... All in for $2,000
@@JovaniDanteGriego i have the blazer lined up for $600... Motor is bad and no trans... Throttle body 350 so probably just junk it... And i will try to list the plow frame... In new york with our rust... We get ls trucks for 500 to 1,000 all day long. If the 4.8 is bad, i can get 6.0 in a running driving truck for $1,000... Then part out what i don't need to put the money bad in budget...
I like pointers on the ls swap but don't forget it's a custom not a Silverado too. What state do you live in if the salvage yard's didn't have hardly any LS, California?
@@JovaniDanteGriego what's always confused me was the electric and computer system. I want to get a Ls out of a suburban and use it in a short bed truck. Would I be able to take it out of the suburban and put it into the truck as is or do I need to modify it? Also would I be able to use the braking and AC systems? What I figured is I can put air bag system, change motor, add an updated braking system and put a nice paint job and resell it.
@@JasonJordan198 your giving me very generic terms here. If you pulled an engine from a 02 suburban and put it in your 02 Silverado. Yes pretty much everything would drop right in. If you took that 02 engine and put it in a 87 Silverado then no you would have to do a lot of modification. Watch some more of my squarebody LS swap videos to understand a bit better
@@JovaniDanteGriego I'm sorry I was talking about an older short bed truck. See the thing is I can find complete suburbans and Tahoe's for cheap and I can find roller trucks for cheap as well and as you stated in the video here the obs Chevys are up in price and I know if I can properly put an ls, do the braking system, put ac and a decent paint job I can resell for good profits. Interior isn't a big deal to me I can usually find some decent seats for cheap too.
I don't do this to make a profit, so I can't help you there. I'll tell you your margins aren't going to be what you think, especially since you are coming from not a lot of experience. You'll spend more figuring things out than you will make.
What is a "headache rack" ??? The youtube closed caption tells me this is what he is talking about at 10:20 - 10:30 Maybe he is saying something else and I am just not understanding the words he is saying
Man I'm stuck in between doing a LS or finishing 1 of the 350s I have sitting around... (one is stock bore with a blue print build but stock pistons.... the other is just tossed together with 30 over flattops) but I also have aftermarket 2.05 heads and alot of good parts... idk what I want to do..... lol
i got a secret on getting good running low mile ho crate engines just they are all complete with alt , power steering pump carb everything u need even coolers to put the engine in for free or real cheap . just got 2 4 inch stroke 454 450 hp at 485 torque stock with the heavy duty 400 turbo . the engine has steel crank heavy rods the trans has the bigger pump heavy clutches stage 1 shift kit . one had 6000 miles on it the other one has 38,000 miles on it got both for free and made 2000 of what was left that they came out of . i just gave a l.s. engine in a 4x4 all that was wrong with the truck was a bad trans but my friend needed a project and a truck . i got for free so i let him have it .my 68 chevy short box pu i have 300 in it if u count the 2000 i got out of the left overs and still have the fresh 327 and 400 turbo that came with the truck . all i have left to do is final paint and interior have the full chrome set for it clean rust free truck . the 454 i built it up a little with a tunnel ram the under side is all painted with new lines have factory rally wheels and still have a lot of parts left over my kid built a 67 out of some of the parts but have 2 perfect cabs sitting doors and fenders . best deal i got was a 79 chevy short box 4x4 cheyenne full option truck 400 sb with 400 turbo under 35,000 miles on it in mint condition for free with 19 other rigs 2 first gen camaros 2 second gen camaros being built in a shop with 15 other rigs sitting out side mostly pu . if u ever need parts for a square body i have a shit ton of them sitting all are rust free trucks i have 79 Scottsdale that has Cadillac suspension under it from the factory it all so has the hydraulic break can instead of vacuum-assisted breaks plus it sits 3 inches lower then a normal truck it is pretty low for a stock truck . i had it years ago pulled the diesel engine out and put a 68 442 350 engine in it and traded it . then 15 years later the guy said the engine has a knock to it and i could have it back still in the same shape silver and blue all the chrome was in good shape could not believe it the inside the box still looks new the body is still mint also have a black and silver from factory that has a really good body no engine or trans . i get a lot of rigs free doing scrap metal but i only do cars and trucks and only keep from 79 and older rigs that are really good clean bodies some time i buy them if they are really good and really cheap like a 65 short box for a 100 bucks with just a little rust in the front fender in front of the doors all complete with the 283 that mite still run all matching # .
I have a 2000 ford ranger 3.0L V6. I have put a lot of love into the truck inside and out, and have a customized audio system blowthrough and all and just want to throw some power behind it. Wanting to try my hand at a swap and the trans is going out on it. I have minimal cash to spend but im handy and provided I can source the parts I feel fairly confident im stubborn enough to do a swap right (especially with the help of a fellow well rounded mechanic friend). Long story short, im at a loss as to what would be the most cost efficient bang for your buck swap that will be reliable, as well as make whats under the hood sound and run as great as the audio system I have in it does. No point in having a killer exterior and sound system if I can't leave the driveway with it 😅
Vortec 350s and 454s continued up until 2000 in the heavy duty and work trucks, which were also still the old body style. Also the small block chevy made it's debut in 1955 as a 265 cubic inch engine. same basic block except for bore and stroke ran all the way through 2000 model year.
What do you think about puting ls on a g wagon, and which motor should i put in, will it be relable and how much do you think it might cost me. Thanks a lot, love vedio btw
I can tell he doesnt work much on SBC's, the vortec engine is the same block just different heads and intake, but they interchanged and all sbc alternators are interchangeable, if the guy said he got the wrong alternator, they both dont know much about SBC engines and parts
And actually just for fun I checked oreillys and it's two different part numbers for a 1982 alternator and 1997. And also they do look different so maybe you're just wrong?
There's plenty of different ways a sbc alternator can be clocked, i remember these guys coming into the parts store when i was a teenager. Telling us "just gimme one for a small block chevy"... yeah sure thing buddy... we'll see you later
Amen but, don’t sell yourself too short, LS swapping it and maybe doing a handful of things to restomod it further like converting it to short bed and adding some modern interior accessories will have people drooling for it, at least where I live. :-) You should also tag a video to the truck listing showing the buyers what you did to it. Small marketing techniques go a long way. :-)
That's a great idea! I really want to shorten it because it's a a rust free frame but I just really don't want to do any more than is necessary to sell it
Did you say sbc were released in the late 60s?? It was first produced in 1954 and came out in 1955 as a 265 then slowly grew to the 283 then the 327 then 350 and finally 400 cubic inches.
The small block Chevy engine is from 1955-1999. Between those years there was minor changes that makes them not interchangeable. For instance prior to 1986 engines were 2 piece rear main seal and prior to 84 they had perimeter bolt style valve covers. 86 and up also had 168tooth flywheels where 86 and down had 154tooth flywheels. The newer Vortec engines from 95 and up are still small blocks but like you said they do have different cylinder heads, starters, and other accessories. It's not your fault that someone came at you sideways over an alternator, it's theirs. For any engine build a little research goes a long way. And those who don't know where to start or can't find the proper application should probably not tare into something they're not truly ready to get into and should consider an engine builder or recommended repair shop to help with their expectations. That being said, $700 bucks for a SBC is freakin nuts! That thing better be a 400ci or a rare 327, or a recent rebuild, or has double hump heads, something definitely worth that cost. Chrome covers don't equal the additional cost, don't get hustled bro.
There's obviously other big differences as well I mean you can't put 265 pistons in a 350, even some crankshafts between 350s have different journal sizes. And thaats why research is very important.
The motor mount plates you bought would they work if I do my LS swap on my 81 Cadillac fleetwood ?? It has a junkie 6.0 L engine in it the 4-6-8 engine nightmare
Where do you live where a sbc 350 is $1000? I have 3 with a total investment of $400. I am building one of them right now with bearings, rods and pistons from one of the others. Then a set of Edelbrock Performer RPM heads and a roller cam (from a friend), victor JR. Intake and headers complete for under $1,000 and will easily run 11's in the 1/4 and 10's on the bottle. A SBC is and always has been the absolute cheapest thing you could possibly build. But with that said after this is running I am planning a turbo LS build. Just need a better job first..... lol.
Small block Chevy is just as expensive as the LS in my opinion. If it wasn't for MPG I'd go with the old 350. Both the Ls and the original 350 are small blocks.
Yea but when we refer to small blocks now it almost always means pre LS Chevy, since there isn't a current big block chevy any more ( minus the 8.1 that stopped production in the early 2000s)
I NEED YOUR HELP..... I PICKED UP A 84 C4 CORVETTE...TAKING THE CROSSFIRE OUT AND WANT TO PUT A LS - ENGINE IN THE VETTE. FIRST OFF, HOW BIG CAN I GO...IM LOOKING TOO KILL "HELLCATS" HOW MUCH ? GENERAL RANGE ,IF POSSIBLE..... ANY HELP IS USEFUL...
I want to purchase 6.0 LS2 out of 2005 Vette that used the 4l65e with transaxle. The engine is for automatic which is what I want and can I hook the 4L60e to this engine and get the computer change for different trans.
@@JovaniDanteGriego thanks for getting back and I know you don't like answering irrelevant questions but to be clear it doesn't matter where I get the 4L60e trans from and it will work with the Corvette C6 2005 LS2 once the ECU is reprogrammed?
looks good dude. Im 5.3 swapping my montero. I need the trans and transfer case so my best bet is to buy a whole running driving tahoe/yukon/suburban whatever. I believe that this will be the cheapest way to do it. i can pick up a running truck for $800 all day, and part out everything I dont need. (Just the front leather seats go for $350). Of course, if you dont have the room/ dont want a shell sitting in your yard this isnt the way to go. I actually just bought a running driving 02 silverado for $500, and drove it 80 miles back home. I realized that its just too nice to dismantle haha. On the look for another running car haha.
What's up dude I own a dodge ramcharger 1991 4×4 with a 318 engine on it but unfortunately it's getting worn out, i would like to know what would you do in my case, rebuild the dodge 318, buy another more modern dodge engine ( maybe a hemi) or go GM route and do an LS swap? And of course thanks in advance for the advice
What all would I need for swap. I have 87 4x4 shortbed sm465. The donor is 2003 4x4 has a 4.8. What all should I keep from 2003. Do you think i can keep my drive shaft.
I must commend your honesty on the 305/350 mistake. It’s good to see people admit they made a mistake and you did good by making it right. 👍
Yeah. That’s right along with easily being able to mistake a Ls 4.8/5.3. Very easy to mistake one for the other because they look exactly the same.
I knew it was a for real budget swap whenever I seen the harbor freight tool box
😂 that's quality
Surprisingly , harbor freight has some great buys. Also some decent ones ,that take some modifications to make them great.
Big Josh the title didn’t give it away
Let's see your $5,000 or more matco or high end brand tool box. There always has to be a douch in the crowd.
Some of those tools lasts. I got my uncles pittsburgh impact sockets he ordered from finger hut in 1990 and they are still going strong.
I had a 1984 Chevy Scottsdale 4x4 and I put a NEW GM 350 create motor in it in 1990 and it cost about $500 new from GM. it ran good. It had a port injected carburetor and got good gas mileage. I really liked that truck because it never let me down. Very reliable.
You really nailed it with the, “be realistic,” stuff. Got a friend that’s been trying to restore a Galaxy (59, I believe) for probably 8 years, if not more. He’s had it painted, done a lot of body stuff, hydraulics, engine work, etc. He’s convinced that once he’s done, it will sell for 25k. Even if he does, he’s probably put damn near 20k into it.
1987- first year for TBI on Chevy trucks.
Gm switched to vortec in 96, main difference is the cylinder head and intake pattern. TBI heads are the same style through most of the 80s, and they are some of the worst flowing, least power producing heads for an sbc. The vortec heads (1996^) are some of the best heads for a budget power build.
I ls swaped my C10 with a 5.3 Vortec and in total I spent around 2000 in parts including the motor. Best investment ever and pretty cheap compared to other LS swaps
j how well does it run and drive?
hey, am doing the same on my c-10 and I'll been told that I need to reset that computer.is this true?
@@dannyreyes7010 search for the driveway engineer. You'll need to delete vats. Vehicle anti theft system
How do you make it pass smog ?
That depends on your state. You may need some emissions or all factory emissions installed and passing
Good pointers on the re-sale parts I usually keep a handful laying around my self when in need of extra cash it always has worked for me just like you bro great video
I'm really appreciating these videos man. I'm ls swapping my s10 blazer which was already 350 swapped (poorly) and you're really clearing up a bunch of questions I had.
I agree with your statements, I’m scared of a LS swap , I’m old, I’m going for it on the LS swap in my ‘59 Buick
It's not as bad as you think!
Here in San Diego I find small block Chevy parts like intakes and headers in the alleys
No kidding bro 😂
Subbed for the honest mechanic.
I don't think that the old school folk shy away from LS swaps because they're afraid of them. It's more that the SBC with a carburetor is just simple and pure It harkens back to a time when life and things where far simpler, and most folks could and did work on a vehicle with only a few simple hand tools in the trunk, even on the side of the road. I get into my truck to GET AWAY from computers and electronic control - the only "electronics" on my truck are in the 8-track radio. There is just something about an all-analog device, like an old truck, or self-winding wristwatch or grandfather clock, the older bowling alley pinsetters, an acoustic guitar - that are timeless, unlike the ever-changing world of electronic devices and the rat race they create, wanting for more and almost never satisfied.
Not knocking the LS swap crowd, and I understand the appeal. Just food for thought.
I will never knock Summit brand headers again. We bought a set for my brothers 5.0 mustang build. They were polished stainless. Have a really solid head flange. Welds all looked perfect. I didn't have to knock a single bur or piece of slag off them. They were like $175 when bbk were $100 more. I guarantee they come from the same people the way they are made. minus the $100 BBK weld on tag. I have a set of $300 flowtech stainless turbo headers on my 6.0 I'm really impressed with also. The 3" v-band suck! but headers look really good
i made a video about a week ago regarding how i did mine for under $500 . when i did it originally a year ago, i did it to prove that it can be done cheap. everybody told me i needed a tuner, and told me it would cost 3k, told me i'd never get it runing by myself. i proved all 3 wrong. i got it runnning by myself , no tuner, only cost me about 100 for the headers, 120 for the o2 sensors, and 100 for the sending unit. everything else i already had lying around or was just nickle dime schtuff. i originally set out to show that it can be done for under 500, and that i can get it running by myslf, with EFI and no tuner and stock CPU.
That's awesome? Drop the link so I can check it out
@@JovaniDanteGriego if i post a link on your channel, it will just go straight to the spam folder. but i can post the link , you'll have to find it and approve the comment in your studio community / comments. anyway here it is th-cam.com/video/MagKrC93j80/w-d-xo.html
Right! There hauling the engines diwn to Mexico ! There towing three vehicles with tons of parts in the back seats .
Man I picked up 3 ls's a 4.8 complete running harness ecu and all for 50 bucks, a 5.3 block and heads, complete rolling assembly. And a blown up ls3 6.2 with 2 bent rods for 50 bucks, reused the 6 good rods and bout 2 more gen 4 rods and flat tops for 125 LS's are cheap affordable power.
Thanks man I can't wait for this series to be done so that I know for sure how to swap a ls into my c10
Same lol
First small block Chevys were made way back in 1955, in total I believe there have been over 60 million small blocks made since then
Another great video! Can't wait to see the old long bed do a burnout!
Nice video jovani I was just searching for LS content for more information to swap an older truck. Appreciate the video, appreciated the information. 🙏 I’m subscribed
Ls swaps are not as hard as you might think in older trucks
People thing they can do it cheap without skills, not the case. People see this then think it should cost $400 because they do not know better.
Well that's the point of the video. To give you the information you need to do it.
Subscribed! Just picked up a lowered 85 C10 and all this is very helpful for my budget build
Always great info bro. I really like your style and content.
Thank you bro I appreciate it!
I concur.
I'm going to LS swap my 92 S10 Blazer soon but I go carbureted with a blow through carb and a decent Turbo
It’s really budget friendly actually, I work at a shop that does Ls swaps on pretty much anything and it’s really worth while. Even a junkyard motor will put out 400+hp
That's what I'm saying!
@@JovaniDanteGriego I’m sorry to bother you but I have a question, where I am I don’t have to pass inspection or emissions. I have a 4.8 vortec out of a 2005, is there anything I would readily need to do to the stock ecu to make it run or will it manage on its own?
@@joshaulis8326 take it to a tune shop
I have a c3 Corvette and I’m trying to figure out what type of engine to swap into it with out breaking the bank. I don’t want to spend a ton of money rebuilding. Would love to find something in junkyard in good condition and do minor things .. what engine would you recommend? Lm7 ?? Thank you
I would opt for aluminum but honestly your probably still saving weight over the SBC with a iron block 5.3. where your going to have to spend money is on a lower profile intake like a LS1 intake and accessories mounts that will fit your package
Mannn your videos have Soo much information 🔥🔥🤙🏾
Thanks man!
Around my area you can get a junk yard ls for 750 and it have around 90-100k miles and be considered a great deal,but you can go into an autozone and get an intake,carb,high performance distributor,gaskets and fuel systems for around 1200-1400 all together
Where about is this?
Nice!!! This the exact kinda stuff I’ve been looking for thank you!!! 👍🏼
Me 3
you’re welcome
The first small block was available in mid to late 1954, as a 1955 model, bud. Not the mid sixties. Mark 4 Big block on the other hand....
I think he meant the 350 specifically, which did show up in the mid sixties. Most don’t even know that the 265 was the first sbc, and that the 283 was the first American engine to make 1hp per cubic inch, people only care about 350s, 427s, and 454s.
$2500 dollars is cheap for obs truck. I’m located in Southern California. GM engines are pretty easy to work on compared to other’s manufacturers. I have a 1998 obs ext cab with a blown engine. There are some many LS swaps info on the net it’s crazy.
It's not an OBS it's a Square. Obs were the 90's trucks different platforms, but yea now I miss this truck.
Quite the opposite around here in the northeast. Old school stuff is what no one wants anymore.. Especially since the first thing the younger crowd thinks of is ".. LS Swap it!..." Me, ... no thanks... Been there and done that on swapping LS engines into the older cars.... No one talks about complete fuel pump, regulator and line replacement costs.. The cooling system complete change... And mounting the overflow tank and cooling lines correctly in non stock applications... The "plug and pray" ecu is still a grand by itself . (Half the price of getting the 350 redone at the machine shop the right way..). Plus, then you still need to pay a "tuner" big bucks for an actual dyno tune. Headers, pan... Mounts..... "Custom" hand made brackets and adapters.... Yeah, it's cheap... When it doesn't start... Which sensor, hack job wire splice or ground connection is it? Yes, I'm 55, after 40 years of old style small blocks... I'll stick with that. Local unmolested core 350 is anywhere from 150 to 300 here... Add Vortec heads and a decent cam, the usual bits, etc and its 350 hp easy...
So cool! Looks like a solid truck. Well worth the money in my opinion. You need to buff it!!!
Good overview bud !! I’m ls swapping my 240 wagon now. I have a couple of videos posted.
Carbs might be ancient, but they work and are cheap and easy to work on. Same with points distributors. I was a driveability tech at a GM dealership for 25 years, I love and know computer systems. But if the shit hits the fan, electronics will be fried, and only old school cars and trucks will work
Exactly. I always kinda talked shit about the old guys and their carbs. Then I got one and now I get it. Simplicity! It works! I love it now lol.
Quick, put your foil hat on!
Your videos really help me out jovani keep it up theyre great
Thanks man I appreciate it!
I'm doing my C10 swap for less than free. A little leg work goes a long way. Nice job.
Thanks and good luck on the swap !
Using your videos for my swap 👍👍
Awesome tool box I'm buying one like that very nice
Dang bro hopefully you get your money back. Lesson learned thanks for sharing.
Well I'm one of those old chevy dudes now.
Just so you know - we are not scared of fuel injection.
One reason I stay old school (no computer stuff) is
that the wiring harnesses, sensors, etc cannot stand up to the test of time and endurance.
Old school small block for example - we could go to a junkyard beat the the thing
with a hammer and fill it with oil AND IT WILL RUN.
Just an old guy's point of view - lol
I mean that's cool if your building something to sit for 30 years in your yard. I but as long as you keep the car going most everything you mentioned will be fine.
Cool, so I just have to swap a small block chevy into my ZJ so I can then pull it out and sell it off so I can swap in an LS.
Good job Keep up the good work💪
Thanks for watching!
Subscribed trying to do this now to my 78 cutlass
The affordability isn't the issue. Is the fact that people think you just take out one engine and put it in another crank up the car and go? And it doesn't work like that. For example look at your local Craigslist and look at how many cars are for sale without Motors. That let you know right then and there that swapping an engine. Is not as easy as people think?
Small block Chevy was first offered in 1955, not the late sixties.
Sorry I was referring to the 350 itself.
let us know when you get it accomplished , and then you can tell us what it cost and what the unexpected things all add up to.
I will be watching this series to help with my k5 ls swap
@@workingmansrestorations7071 if you get cracking i think you might finish yours first lol. lets have a race.
The sbc was introduced in 1955, not the late 60’s and the vortec v8 started in 1996, it was TBI before that
Yea I misspoke I might have been referring to the 350 in the 60#
I've got a 5.3 set up now for a Silverado v8 swap but I'm just getting going on my planning
Great video, hoping for more detailed videos in the future. Especially items that takes the swap / programming easy
I swapped an put a 5.3 in my 84 c10, I did carb on it because I pretty much got a long block with no computer an got the edlebrook. Ls firing module for dirt cheap. Only thing I bought new was a edlebrook carb on it for it.
Around here old school (un-rebuilt)small blocks are a dime a dozen but you can't buy a good 5.3 for less than $1k
Dang I wish I had that problem!
@@JovaniDanteGriego I know a guy that has a whole shed full of chevy and Pontiac v8's . Said he's been trying to sell them but can't even get $200 for them.
Th400 will match well with that 4.8 they can take a hell of a beating.
Th350’s can too I’ve seen a twin turbo ls with 800hp on a stock th350 and it ran like a champ not too sure how long but that’s impressive for a stocker
I am doing same swap... I have a 4.8 laying around... Actually a whole truck. Long story short my son and i own it for $200 each. He took rear end and don't really want much else... The truck originally just needed a fuel pump but sat so long the rear spring hanger broke and went through the bed... So i want to do my first swap using as many parts i can off that truck... My goal for the build on my channel is to build an 88 k5 blazer ls swap... All in for $2,000
Sounds like you should be able to do it,!
@@JovaniDanteGriego i have the blazer lined up for $600... Motor is bad and no trans... Throttle body 350 so probably just junk it... And i will try to list the plow frame... In new york with our rust... We get ls trucks for 500 to 1,000 all day long. If the 4.8 is bad, i can get 6.0 in a running driving truck for $1,000... Then part out what i don't need to put the money bad in budget...
I am looking for parts to do my swap
The value of those trucks is on the rise.
Great info and tips 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
I sell all my 5.3s $450.. can hear run with its wiring harness
Where are you located? Good price
Stand alone harness, or still gotta be built?
450??? Too cheap, to be real,, south texas,, a good complete combo, for swsp its like 1300, all complete, atound 100 plus miles
Doing swaps out there,, Just get a whole truck or tahoe,, running if posible,,, Make it simple,,,
Love my carburetor but fuel injection is just so much more reliable. I really want to get my k-20 swapped
The year for blocks should be around 60s to 97 is the gen one engine
Exelent video,and thank u for the info..I will be pending for the next video
I like pointers on the ls swap but don't forget it's a custom not a Silverado too. What state do you live in if the salvage yard's didn't have hardly any LS, California?
Vortec motors are 96 to 00 only. They will not have center bolts on the intake
Do a video about exactly what you need to do a Ls swap plz.
There's so many on my channel if you have something specific let me know
@@JovaniDanteGriego what's always confused me was the electric and computer system.
I want to get a Ls out of a suburban and use it in a short bed truck. Would I be able to take it out of the suburban and put it into the truck as is or do I need to modify it? Also would I be able to use the braking and AC systems?
What I figured is I can put air bag system, change motor, add an updated braking system and put a nice paint job and resell it.
@@JasonJordan198 your giving me very generic terms here. If you pulled an engine from a 02 suburban and put it in your 02 Silverado. Yes pretty much everything would drop right in. If you took that 02 engine and put it in a 87 Silverado then no you would have to do a lot of modification. Watch some more of my squarebody LS swap videos to understand a bit better
@@JovaniDanteGriego I'm sorry I was talking about an older short bed truck.
See the thing is I can find complete suburbans and Tahoe's for cheap and I can find roller trucks for cheap as well and as you stated in the video here the obs Chevys are up in price and I know if I can properly put an ls, do the braking system, put ac and a decent paint job I can resell for good profits. Interior isn't a big deal to me I can usually find some decent seats for cheap too.
I don't do this to make a profit, so I can't help you there. I'll tell you your margins aren't going to be what you think, especially since you are coming from not a lot of experience. You'll spend more figuring things out than you will make.
So I should look at junkyards to find an LS? I have a 68 c10 I wanna drop one in. It has a sbc 350 in it now
Yup junkyards are going to be the cheapest next would be lkq or ebay
@@JovaniDanteGriego I looked on Facebook marketplace 😂 they had em too
@@NewBeginningNewCreation totally forgot about that too that's where I get most of my stuff
@@JovaniDanteGriego good stuff thanks for the info and video
Wya I need an ls swap done ASAP I got a ls3 I’m tryna put in my 1980 box Chevy
Gen 1 and vortec 350 are exactly the same except for being a roller the only thing different is accessories and non mechanical fuel pump
Explains why a gen 1 alternator wouldn't fit right
Good stuff bro. Where are you out of?
NM
Looking forward to your next vids. Subscribed.....
Alot of good info... I will be closely watching this series... I am doing a ls swap on my channel in a k5 blazer.
👍👍👍
Bought a rusty box truck '91 Chevy with no brakes $475 came with a TBI 350
Im thinking of doing this ,i work at a place that scraps ls engines and they sell them cheap
Nice, thats a sweet deal
What is a "headache rack" ??? The youtube closed caption tells me this is what he is talking about at 10:20 - 10:30
Maybe he is saying something else and I am just not understanding the words he is saying
Headache rack is the metal back window guard
Man I'm stuck in between doing a LS or finishing 1 of the 350s I have sitting around... (one is stock bore with a blue print build but stock pistons.... the other is just tossed together with 30 over flattops) but I also have aftermarket 2.05 heads and alot of good parts... idk what I want to do..... lol
i got a secret on getting good running low mile ho crate engines just they are all complete with alt , power steering pump carb everything u need even coolers to put the engine in for free or real cheap . just got 2 4 inch stroke 454 450 hp at 485 torque stock with the heavy duty 400 turbo . the engine has steel crank heavy rods the trans has the bigger pump heavy clutches stage 1 shift kit . one had 6000 miles on it the other one has 38,000 miles on it got both for free and made 2000 of what was left that they came out of . i just gave a l.s. engine in a 4x4 all that was wrong with the truck was a bad trans but my friend needed a project and a truck . i got for free so i let him have it .my 68 chevy short box pu i have 300 in it if u count the 2000 i got out of the left overs and still have the fresh 327 and 400 turbo that came with the truck . all i have left to do is final paint and interior have the full chrome set for it clean rust free truck . the 454 i built it up a little with a tunnel ram the under side is all painted with new lines have factory rally wheels and still have a lot of parts left over my kid built a 67 out of some of the parts but have 2 perfect cabs sitting doors and fenders . best deal i got was a 79 chevy short box 4x4 cheyenne full option truck 400 sb with 400 turbo under 35,000 miles on it in mint condition for free with 19 other rigs 2 first gen camaros 2 second gen camaros being built in a shop with 15 other rigs sitting out side mostly pu . if u ever need parts for a square body i have a shit ton of them sitting all are rust free trucks i have 79 Scottsdale that has Cadillac suspension under it from the factory it all so has the hydraulic break can instead of vacuum-assisted breaks plus it sits 3 inches lower then a normal truck it is pretty low for a stock truck . i had it years ago pulled the diesel engine out and put a 68 442 350 engine in it and traded it . then 15 years later the guy said the engine has a knock to it and i could have it back still in the same shape silver and blue all the chrome was in good shape could not believe it the inside the box still looks new the body is still mint also have a black and silver from factory that has a really good body no engine or trans . i get a lot of rigs free doing scrap metal but i only do cars and trucks and only keep from 79 and older rigs that are really good clean bodies some time i buy them if they are really good and really cheap like a 65 short box for a 100 bucks with just a little rust in the front fender in front of the doors all complete with the 283 that mite still run all matching # .
Where do you live?
I have a 2000 ford ranger 3.0L V6. I have put a lot of love into the truck inside and out, and have a customized audio system blowthrough and all and just want to throw some power behind it. Wanting to try my hand at a swap and the trans is going out on it. I have minimal cash to spend but im handy and provided I can source the parts I feel fairly confident im stubborn enough to do a swap right (especially with the help of a fellow well rounded mechanic friend). Long story short, im at a loss as to what would be the most cost efficient bang for your buck swap that will be reliable, as well as make whats under the hood sound and run as great as the audio system I have in it does. No point in having a killer exterior and sound system if I can't leave the driveway with it 😅
Vortec 350s only ran for a few years from 96-98 I believe. I think the 5.3 came out with the GMT800 trucks starting in 1999.
Yes, and they were roller cam motors with other unique changes
They were used in work vans until about 2007
Vortec 350s and 454s continued up until 2000 in the heavy duty and work trucks, which were also still the old body style.
Also the small block chevy made it's debut in 1955 as a 265 cubic inch engine. same basic block except for bore and stroke ran all the way through 2000 model year.
What do you think about puting ls on a g wagon, and which motor should i put in, will it be relable and how much do you think it might cost me. Thanks a lot, love vedio btw
I can tell he doesnt work much on SBC's, the vortec engine is the same block just different heads and intake, but they interchanged and all sbc alternators are interchangeable, if the guy said he got the wrong alternator, they both dont know much about SBC engines and parts
Never claimed to be an expert on sbcs. I have no need to work on them
And actually just for fun I checked oreillys and it's two different part numbers for a 1982 alternator and 1997. And also they do look different so maybe you're just wrong?
There's plenty of different ways a sbc alternator can be clocked, i remember these guys coming into the parts store when i was a teenager. Telling us "just gimme one for a small block chevy"... yeah sure thing buddy... we'll see you later
Amen but, don’t sell yourself too short, LS swapping it and maybe doing a handful of things to restomod it further like converting it to short bed and adding some modern interior accessories will have people drooling for it, at least where I live. :-) You should also tag a video to the truck listing showing the buyers what you did to it. Small marketing techniques go a long way. :-)
That's a great idea! I really want to shorten it because it's a a rust free frame but I just really don't want to do any more than is necessary to sell it
Jovani Dante Griego shortening the bed will make the value of this truck skyrocket. Short bed C10 with an LS go for a lot of money.
You can tell a 305 by the harmonic balancer
Did you say sbc were released in the late 60s?? It was first produced in 1954 and came out in 1955 as a 265 then slowly grew to the 283 then the 327 then 350 and finally 400 cubic inches.
I misspoke and meant 350s were released in the late 60s but thanks for the correction
What’s up brotha question would you happen to have a list of budget build on 5.3 or ls swap on new edge mustang ?
Great video... enjoy the info .!!
The small block Chevy engine is from 1955-1999. Between those years there was minor changes that makes them not interchangeable. For instance prior to 1986 engines were 2 piece rear main seal and prior to 84 they had perimeter bolt style valve covers. 86 and up also had 168tooth flywheels where 86 and down had 154tooth flywheels. The newer Vortec engines from 95 and up are still small blocks but like you said they do have different cylinder heads, starters, and other accessories.
It's not your fault that someone came at you sideways over an alternator, it's theirs. For any engine build a little research goes a long way. And those who don't know where to start or can't find the proper application should probably not tare into something they're not truly ready to get into and should consider an engine builder or recommended repair shop to help with their expectations.
That being said, $700 bucks for a SBC is freakin nuts! That thing better be a 400ci or a rare 327, or a recent rebuild, or has double hump heads, something definitely worth that cost. Chrome covers don't equal the additional cost, don't get hustled bro.
There's obviously other big differences as well I mean you can't put 265 pistons in a 350, even some crankshafts between 350s have different journal sizes. And thaats why research is very important.
The motor mount plates you bought would they work if I do my LS swap on my 81 Cadillac fleetwood ?? It has a junkie 6.0 L engine in it the 4-6-8 engine nightmare
I'm not sure. You'd have to check the engine bolt pattern. It's probably different
@@JovaniDanteGriego ok thanks worth a shot on asking but thank you for getting back to me
Where do you live where a sbc 350 is $1000? I have 3 with a total investment of $400. I am building one of them right now with bearings, rods and pistons from one of the others. Then a set of Edelbrock Performer RPM heads and a roller cam (from a friend), victor JR. Intake and headers complete for under $1,000 and will easily run 11's in the 1/4 and 10's on the bottle. A SBC is and always has been the absolute cheapest thing you could possibly build. But with that said after this is running I am planning a turbo LS build. Just need a better job first..... lol.
Nothing but a bunch of old timers who think their 350s are worth gold here
@@JovaniDanteGriego That they are not...lol. They are typically great for the person on the high school kid budget.
@@JovaniDanteGriego That they are not...lol. They are typically great for the person on the high school kid budget.
Jovani, I want to put in an LS in my 1976 Cadillac El Dorado, its front wheel drive. Any advice?
Yea look into @ls4king there's a 4t80 transmission that you can use with a LS4 engine and it should be perfect for what you are trying to do
I came for the wiring and computer system.... I already know how to flip parts lol
Small block Chevy is just as expensive as the LS in my opinion.
If it wasn't for MPG I'd go with the old 350. Both the Ls and the original 350 are small blocks.
Yea but when we refer to small blocks now it almost always means pre LS Chevy, since there isn't a current big block chevy any more ( minus the 8.1 that stopped production in the early 2000s)
I NEED YOUR HELP.....
I PICKED UP A 84 C4 CORVETTE...TAKING THE CROSSFIRE OUT AND WANT TO PUT A LS - ENGINE IN THE VETTE.
FIRST OFF, HOW BIG CAN I GO...IM LOOKING TOO KILL "HELLCATS"
HOW MUCH ? GENERAL RANGE ,IF POSSIBLE.....
ANY HELP IS USEFUL...
No where around here are you getting a 5.3 for 500 bucks I wish
I want to purchase 6.0 LS2 out of 2005 Vette that used the 4l65e with transaxle. The engine is for automatic which is what I want and can I hook the 4L60e to this engine and get the computer change for different trans.
Yes you can flash a tune from a cts-v or similar
@@JovaniDanteGriego thanks for getting back and I know you don't like answering irrelevant questions but to be clear it doesn't matter where I get the 4L60e trans from and it will work with the Corvette C6 2005 LS2 once the ECU is reprogrammed?
@@hogansmith7589 I'm fine with answering any question I have an answer to!
Yes any 4l60 should work your harness will however have to match
looks good dude. Im 5.3 swapping my montero. I need the trans and transfer case so my best bet is to buy a whole running driving tahoe/yukon/suburban whatever. I believe that this will be the cheapest way to do it. i can pick up a running truck for $800 all day, and part out everything I dont need. (Just the front leather seats go for $350). Of course, if you dont have the room/ dont want a shell sitting in your yard this isnt the way to go. I actually just bought a running driving 02 silverado for $500, and drove it 80 miles back home. I realized that its just too nice to dismantle haha. On the look for another running car haha.
Are gonna post a parts list and where you got them
Yea I'm working on that I have a couple more things to get
Jovani Dante Griego good deal I saw your prices on gasket etc and I’m one to share know how and budget myself. Love how you broke down your process
Small blocks. Simple. Less parts. Reliable.
That's arguable. There's 60 years of tech in the LS engine. Tighter clearances. Better oiling. Better cooling.
@@JovaniDanteGriegowhere the part lost
@@jorgegudino9153 jovanidantegriego.com
You said on one of your videos and now I can’t find it, what year make and model electric fan do you use for LS swap cooling system
Just to fix the cam bearing problem the ls engines have would cost more than 400.
The cam bearing problem isn't in every ls. Obviously use discretion when buying motors
What's up dude I own a dodge ramcharger 1991 4×4 with a 318 engine on it but unfortunately it's getting worn out, i would like to know what would you do in my case, rebuild the dodge 318, buy another more modern dodge engine ( maybe a hemi) or go GM route and do an LS swap? And of course thanks in advance for the advice
What all would I need for swap. I have 87 4x4 shortbed sm465. The donor is 2003 4x4 has a 4.8. What all should I keep from 2003. Do you think i can keep my drive shaft.
Check out the video where I pull from the 1999 silverado I'm not sure about the drive shaft I believe I'm going to need to resize mine
Thanks dude. I'm kinda late getting in the swap world. I got a 4.8 2003 tru k motor running for $100. What else should I get off of the donor truck.
@@bubbabatterby7059 just the transmission and engine and engine harness is probably all you need
I'm trying to run sm465 4 speed. Thanks.
@@bubbabatterby7059 oh ok then just the engine and harness will be fine
Here in Texas it was cheaper for me to build a big block then it was to do a ls swap
Wish I could say the same
Should I swap my 3rd gen prelude???
$400 , come on over and hook up my 87' sierra !
Plus my 3000 labor of course 😉
@@JovaniDanteGriego well worth it !