LS1 replace 4.3

Chev85_DrmTheater · 01-12-2006, 08:49 PM

Hey, I'm not knowledgeable on many automotive things and I wanted to ask a few questions about dropping in an LS1 engine in place of my 4.3 4-speed.

I already did many searches and found out some things, but I was wondering exactly how much money it would cost me to do. From labor to parts and all. Also, I would imagine I would need to custom drill through my floor to make room for the man. tranny. I know it is a big process, and if anyone has a little bit to tell me about it; I would greatly appriciate it. I hope I don't get flamed too bad on this one. Thanks.

***CPWire*** · 01-12-2006, 09:19 PM

I think a better question might be what is the cheapest anyone has done one of these swaps for, and then figure it is going to cost more than that.
It is difficult to give you a very close price since everyone has different fabrication and mechanical skills. One person might spend the extra money to have a new transmission crossmember made, new fuel lines, fuel regulator, brake lines, custom headers, etc., while another might modify the existing stuff, or buy the cheapest they can get. It can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. The best thing I can recommend is start with the manuals that are out there and all of the free information on the websites, then figure out what you can and can't do, and what you want to buy.
From what you say about not knowing much, I assume you are going to need to buy more than you will be able to make/modify. Figure $5-8k at the cheapest... IF you have someone knowledgable to help you out, and get a decent deal on an engine/transmission.

01-12-2006, 08:49 PM	#1
Chev85_DrmTheater Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 70 Location: NE Ohio User is: OffLine	LS1 replace 4.3 Hey, I'm not knowledgeable on many automotive things and I wanted to ask a few questions about dropping in an LS1 engine in place of my 4.3 4-speed. I already did many searches and found out some things, but I was wondering exactly how much money it would cost me to do. From labor to parts and all. Also, I would imagine I would need to custom drill through my floor to make room for the man. tranny. I know it is a big process, and if anyone has a little bit to tell me about it; I would greatly appriciate it. I hope I don't get flamed too bad on this one. Thanks.
	[Reply w/Quote]

01-12-2006, 09:19 PM	#2
*CPWire* Makin Sparks Age: 31 Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,265 Location: Hudson, Florida User is: OffLine	Re: LS1 replace 4.3 I think a better question might be what is the cheapest anyone has done one of these swaps for, and then figure it is going to cost more than that. It is difficult to give you a very close price since everyone has different fabrication and mechanical skills. One person might spend the extra money to have a new transmission crossmember made, new fuel lines, fuel regulator, brake lines, custom headers, etc., while another might modify the existing stuff, or buy the cheapest they can get. It can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. The best thing I can recommend is start with the manuals that are out there and all of the free information on the websites, then figure out what you can and can't do, and what you want to buy. From what you say about not knowing much, I assume you are going to need to buy more than you will be able to make/modify. Figure $5-8k at the cheapest... IF you have someone knowledgable to help you out, and get a decent deal on an engine/transmission.
	[Reply w/Quote]