62 Nova
- Thread starter hickslawns
- Start date
I knew what you meant and that 6.2 is nothing short of impressive.
62’ with a 6.2L...
https://www.gmpowertrain.com/engines/6-2l-l86.html
ZZ6 or L96 would be perfect for what we are looking to do with the car. The six speed automatic transmission would be a great match as well. When I'm retired my heart will say shift gears and smoke tires. My head will say put it in drive and cruise down the road. Reliability is our concern.
All upgrades leading up to the engine/trans swap will have reliability in mind. Next step is rack in pinion steering with Viking adjustable coil overs, and tubular control arms. These accommodate the LS motors (might need to swap oil pan) and offer modern sporty suspension up front. Eventually we can tie the frame and add a four link rear to stiffin up the entire car and allow it to handle like a sports car but offer better than factory ride.
Until then? We'll keep the old (somewhat tired) 350 that smokes a bit and has a throw out bearing squealing a bit and just enjoy it. I'll keep fixing things as needed. Occasionally get stranded. Enjoy it. Relish in the fact we have under $10k in a $12-15k ride that will keep appreciating slowly. It is not at the top of the priority list with three kids 15-18, 2 jobs for the wife, 4 different businesses I run (and awaiting the closing of number 5). Maybe I'll just pay someone to do this work when the time is right on the priority list.
Sounds like fun just building it in your head. Keep dreaming, it’ll come together in time.
Right on. As long as the ideas are in your head it doesn't cost if you change your mind.
You're killing me Dave. Got me thinking again. Rack and pinion kit: $2895 (with new Ididit column). Add $295 if you need the pump and new lines. Add $659 for tubular upper control arms (and why not if you have tubular lowers and everything else going in at the same time.) With all the new stuff, may as well throw the Viking coil over double adjustable shocks for $295. Up to $4424 in parts but capable of handling the LS motors or any other SBC. A lot of money but not terrible for all you get. The handling is now very modern and capable of autocross if you wanted to go that route.
I priced some of the engine links you sent. $6-8k. I was afraid to price matching transmissions. I think I'll find a wrecked low mileage vehicle and go that route. What we don't think about initially is what adds up. If you go with an LS your factory fuel tank and radiator won't work. Add $2k to upgrade them. You need the computer and wiring harness. Plus $1600. Then you will need some LS adapter mounts and headers which work on the old stuff. Add $1000. Honestly haven't dug into it far enough to know if the rear end we have will hold up to the new setup. Driveshaft? Not sure. Pretty easy to see $20k disappear quickly. We are still talking about a car without seat belts. lol Add some interior upgrades, hook up the AC, get some chrome refinished. . . Easy to see how people end up with $50 grand in a car. I haven't even mentioned a repaint yet. Will definitely be a labor of love to enjoy and will never recoup your money.
I priced some of the engine links you sent. $6-8k. I was afraid to price matching transmissions. I think I'll find a wrecked low mileage vehicle and go that route. What we don't think about initially is what adds up. If you go with an LS your factory fuel tank and radiator won't work. Add $2k to upgrade them. You need the computer and wiring harness. Plus $1600. Then you will need some LS adapter mounts and headers which work on the old stuff. Add $1000. Honestly haven't dug into it far enough to know if the rear end we have will hold up to the new setup. Driveshaft? Not sure. Pretty easy to see $20k disappear quickly. We are still talking about a car without seat belts. lol Add some interior upgrades, hook up the AC, get some chrome refinished. . . Easy to see how people end up with $50 grand in a car. I haven't even mentioned a repaint yet. Will definitely be a labor of love to enjoy and will never recoup your money.
Find a wrecked one and save yourself a ton of money. This 2017’ truck 6.2 mates to an 8 speed with 373 gears does pretty dang good...
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If you have any questions about an LS swap give my FIL a call. He's put quite a few of them in chevells from donor camaros and the such.
Your FIL is a man on the go. We have chatted a couple times. Both times he was like "I got to call you back. I'm walking into. . . " Talked to him today briefly. Found a 94xxx mile 5.3L with 4L60E. $1150. Jim said that was a good deal. I'm waiting on the guy to pull it. Hope to pick up this week. The reality is it may sit on the engine stand a year or two before I gather up the radiator/fuel tank/header money. At least I will have the main ingredients. Might have time to do more research prior to install. There WILL be surprises. There WILL be money going out the door for items I hadn't considered. There COULD be upgrades I make prior to install. Yet to be determined. . .
Buckmaster
Senior Member
We shall see. I want the reliability of the LS motors, fuel economy if we head across country, and any performance will be an added bonus. Car is around 2500-2600#. Even a factory motor out of a pick up will feel impressive.
Who spends all that money and time to stay with stock numbers. The reason everyone raves about LS swaps is because you can get a bunch of reliable power pretty inexpensive. The rabbit hole is deep! Boost that sucker so it feels like a 2 stroke.
Buckmaster
Senior Member
If so, are the frame rails connected? You will also need a Ford 9” rear end. Let’s spend Phil’s money.
Frame rails and rear tri-link will come in time. Chuck says the 10bolt I have is adequate for factory LS power.
Giles- go build a barn. . . I might need to rent the space off you to make those future adjustments. Lol
Sticks should show up today or tomorrow...I’ll leave the light on.
Took Momma out on a date tonight. Red on the head wife and our red rod on the road. Here she is back in the garage. Still accumulating parts. Sorta got put on back burner for the racing truck. Trying to do both projects without any "new" money out of pocket. Wheel and deal or sell off existing stuff to finance these toys. Been working so far. I need to finish a Jeep over the winter and sell it next spring to finance the rest of the Chevy II build.
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