easiest LSX swap 67-72 or 73-87?

[Triple6Goat]

Im in the market for either a 67-72 or 73-87 2wd short wheel base chevy/gmc to do a LSX, 6spd swap into.

I was wondering which body style would be the easiest I guess. I know a motor swap is a motor swap, but I mean as far as aftermarket brackets, long tube headers, and other parts to make the swap easier. I plan on doing it all myself, but I dont have a lot of fabricaton skills so the "bolt on" approach would appeal to me.

I have done some reseach and it seems like the 67-72 trucks have more parts available, but figured I would ask anyway. In my area 73-87 trucks are easier to find in good shape.

Thanks for the info in advance!

[BR3W CITY]

I wouldn't even say that those are that much easier than the 64-66 either, as all of them can interchange front suspension components, and the same generic Transdapt (or any other company) sbc>lsx adapter plates will put the engine in place. You get some differences in the engines perches/stands, and differences in firewall and radiator clearance.

If you could put the swaps side-by-side, the differences in work and cost would have more to do with the owner and what/how they want to do the swap...not so much which truck they started with it.

Suspension, body and hardware are pretty much totally available for any of them, with the biggest annoyance being sheetmetal, not really hard parts. Find a truck you like, and is good for the money, and just build it. Look at things like; what body style do you like....what interior do you like...what do you want to DO with it (show car, race car, driver, shop truck etc).

[Triple6Goat]

Im not really looking to build a show truck, just a fun clean daily driver with a cammed out fuel injected LS2 and a 6 spd.

One of the concerns I have with the swap and have saw is people are having trouble finding long tube headers to fit the LSX swap C10. I know for the Chevelle there is a company that makes a header just for the LSX swap. Is that true with the C10 also?

[BR3W CITY]

If you want a True long tube, with larger primaries, you really only have Doug Thorley. They are very nice pieces tho.

The different cast manifolds are popular due to the lower overall profile (combined runners/log vs individual tubes), and they offer the most clearance when the engine sits low in the cradle.

[chevyguy_72]

I second that... DTs are very nice pieces...

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

If you want a True long tube, with larger primaries, you really only have Doug Thorley. They are very nice pieces tho.

The different cast manifolds are popular due to the lower overall profile (combined runners/log vs individual tubes), and they offer the most clearance when the engine sits low in the cradle.

[crazy longhorn]

Look at your clutch setup....if you run gen I (mechanical linkage), a set of Hooker street rod "shorties" will fit the fun. All of the Ls engines, used a hydraulic throw out bearing....no clearance ,for the mechanical linkage, with the headers listed for your app ? Longhorn

[ls1nova71]

A 73-87 would be easier from a fuel system stand point, since you can get an 87 tank that's already set up for fuel injection. Also the 88-90 Blazer/Burb cluster gets you an easy speedometer. That said, I think the 67-72's are cooler trucks, but that's just my biased opinion.

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by ls1nova71

A 73-87 would be easier from a fuel system stand point, since you can get an 87 tank that's already set up for fuel injection. Also the 88-90 Blazer/Burb cluster gets you an easy speedometer. That said, I think the 67-72's are cooler trucks, but that's just my biased opinion.

Agree....my bet would also be that the 73-87, will give you more options on the stock fuse box, as far as adding the extra circuits that you need ? Longhorn

[Triple6Goat]

dang, just gave away an 89 suburban instrument cluster.

Longhorn,
I havent really seen anyone running a LSX with a 6 speed in a 73-87 truck. Are you saying since the 6 speeds are hydraulic clutches the Long tube headers will not clear the hydraulic lines? I really want to do long tube headers.

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by Triple6Goat

dang, just gave away an 89 suburban instrument cluster.

Longhorn,
I havent really seen anyone running a LSX with a 6 speed in a 73-87 truck. Are you saying since the 6 speeds are hydraulic clutches the Long tube headers will not clear the hydraulic lines? I really want to do long tube headers.

No, the hyd lines will be fine & clear....In my case, I run a 55 chev bell, with a 6 spd Richmond (mechanical linkage ,on the clutch). The mechanical linkage, that is stock to my truck, would not clear any of the Gen 3 headers,(also some manifolds. That is why that I opted for the street rod shorties...(I did not want to mess with the hyd throw out bearing), just my preference? Hope that helps, Longhorn