Has anyone installed an LSA/LS engine into a 1963 C10 please.

[victorypark]

Howdy all....

I'm writing from Melbourne, Australia and I'm about to undergo an engine transplant whereby I am going to exchange my existing 350 for preferably a 6.2 litre LSA engine.

I have searched considerably on a number of forums and performed endless google searches but to date no such luck on the above project.

I am just seeking the following information on those that may have successfully transplanted such engine, especially into a 1963 C-10.

The problem I have found thus far is that a number of companies make aftermarket kits for an LS/LSA conversion into a 1964 or later Chevy C10.....grrrrr.

For those in the know is there much, if any difference between a 1963 and 1964 engine mount/transmission crossover etc?


Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[BR3W CITY]

Do you have a pic of the truck? Since your in Australia, I'm not sure which version of the truck you guys received, as Euro and Export models sometimes had different switchovers for model year.

Does the truck have a torsion bar front suspension ?

[victorypark]

Hi all.....I have attached some pics of my truck. I've had it for approx 18 months and I can't even tell you what rear end or transmission it is although I'm pretty sure it's a 12 bolt with a Turbo 400.

Further to the above it has a Porterbuilt chassis and Accuair 4 point air bag system with an Edelbrock crate 350 engine.

[Aruba1]

That is a very nice truck. They are putting LSA engine in boats so it shouldn't be too difficult to put one a truck. What transmission are you looking to use? Stand alone harness or modified?

[MalibuSSwagon]

Since you already have a 350 SBC, conversion is easy. Use 1" setback conversion plates (or standard plates if you need firewall clearance) attach your mounts from the 350 and drop it in.

[BR3W CITY]

HAHA you should have started with "I have a '63 on a Porterbuilt Chassis". Yea the LS motor will bolt in place of the SBC, providing you get a set of the mount adapters.

Trans xmember will depend on whether or not you use the setback plates, and whether or not you decide to run an o/d transmission. Generally, you can just slide the crossmember to the desired place a drill a few holes. With the PB chassis, you should still be able to move the trans xmember (but I'd honestly have to take a look at how PB is setting them up currently to know for sure).

Just make sure you have a good tuner. The LSA makes wonderful power, but you will need to make sure that you plan enough fuel system to run it, and a tuner familiar with boosted LS motors. My guess is between the Harrop guys and all the Ute/Commadore/Monaro guys down there, you should be able to find someone capable!

[victorypark]

A big thank you to all those that have replied.

It is greatly appreciated, especially your tips BR3W City.

I figured coming on a forum like this will provide me with the necessary answers and information.

So has anyone out there in C-10 world, especially a 1963 year successfully transplanted an LS/LSA engine????

Oh and thoughts on PSI Prochargers as well?????

Cheers.

[DRTYRAT30]

That truck has a fresh rebuilt rear axle with a posi and 3.08 gears and all new bearing ect. The 350 engine was a GM crate 290hp. And a rebuilt turbo 350 trans. All fresh and broke in correct.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by DRTYRAT30

That truck has a fresh rebuilt rear axle with a posi and 3.08 gears and all new bearing ect. The 350 engine was a GM crate 290hp. And a rebuilt turbo 350 trans. All fresh and broke in correct.

Wait, was this your truck?

[DRTYRAT30]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

Wait, was this your truck?

Yes, I sold it a few years ago to a guy in Australia