As mentioned in the link in my first post... a 4.8L or 5.3L Why? That meets none of my goals. I need an inexpensive, reliable, efficient engine that can be used every day in my commute and provides enough power to tow with. I'm not building a race car here, I'm building a tow rig to tow my race car...
I haven't repaired much lately... But I did buy a new engine for my Buick. I came in this fancy, rolling engine stand:
Right Rear quarter is torn by the taillight and buckled a little in front of there. Taillight is broken. This was enough to give it a salvage title. Which he lost. Gauges are FUBAR'd like many GM trucks of this era. Then 3rd gear went out on the tranny so they parked it. For two years. It's got a few minor issues from sitting. Drove it home for $950. Including the carrier on the roof and a set of winter wheels/tires. Anyone need some 'burb parts?
Good question.... Obviously the engine and tranny mounts, wiring, oil pan, exhaust (manifolds to tail pipe), drive shaft, and fuel system. Dash and gauges? Trying not to. I've been using Vetteman61's writeup on his Caprice as a little bit of a guide: http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/threads/fixing-up-a-71-grand-safari.19936/page-57 My swap should be very similar...
There are adapters for the engine mounts now, so all you have to worry about is the trans crossmember. I believe they are also available. If you get the wiring harness, and the computer, you can just use it as is with the corresponding transmission. You should also get the gas pedal if it is fly by wire. The only fabricating should be the drive shaft, exhaust, radiator, fans, and fuel lines. Even the OEM exhaust manifolds should fit. The trans tunnel may need to be enlarged, but might fit as is, depending on the trans you use. If you use a trans from a corresponding LS vehicle, just bolt it up to the engine, and install the wiring. I may have missed some small things, but the installation has been done numerous times so the parts are pretty well mapped out. I put a 454 in a 91 Olds Custom Cruiser with fairly little effort. I used a beefed up 4L60, and ended up using the original crossmember with a hump for the left side exhaust pipe. The rear mount for the muffler was even the same as the right side, and the holes were already there for installation.