What changes to swap a LQ4 engine in a '83 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

luckyAg02 · 05-25-2010, 01:49 PM

I'm sure someone on here has done this.

I know that I'm going to have to get a electronic MSD box instead of the distributor, another intake manifold to fit a carb, and what else?

What is going to fit or not fit, and what would I have to keep in mind before making this switch from a 350 to a LQ4?

68GMCCustom · 05-25-2010, 02:18 PM

When ever you modify things...it effects other components. There are several here that have doen the swap tho.

**Clyde65** · 05-25-2010, 03:24 PM

Why go with a carb, it is about the same $ to use the FI and it will probably get a little better mileage.

gchemist · 05-25-2010, 08:13 PM

Read this: http://www.hotrodlane.cc/77chevytruck/77chevy.htm

85burb · 05-25-2010, 11:14 PM

You will also need motor mount plates, some kind of header. The factory manifolds hit the frame on passenger side. The only header in perduction is S&P at 600 bucks. This is a dyno test with 4 cams. And each is ran with carb and with EFI. Just about the same power. http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...est/index.html

**Clyde65** · 05-26-2010, 10:18 AM

S&P are the only ones who make a header for the 73-87 squares? Wow!

luckyAg02 · 05-26-2010, 10:24 AM

Thanks for the responses guys.

I was initially just going to get a new 350 crate to put in for the simplicity, but the power/reliability/economy for the price of getting a LS engine is starting to win me over. It's all figuring out how much work I've got to do to get there.

**N2TRUX** · 05-26-2010, 10:32 AM

Take a look in our prects forums for 73-87's and 67-72's as well. There are several build threads with LOTS of info on the LSx conversions.

05-25-2010, 01:49 PM	#1
luckyAg02 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Nowhere, TX Posts: 8	What changes to swap a LQ4 engine in a '83 I'm sure someone on here has done this. I know that I'm going to have to get a electronic MSD box instead of the distributor, another intake manifold to fit a carb, and what else? What is going to fit or not fit, and what would I have to keep in mind before making this switch from a 350 to a LQ4?

05-25-2010, 02:18 PM	#2
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: What changes to swap a LQ4 engine in a '83 When ever you modify things...it effects other components. There are several here that have doen the swap tho. __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

05-25-2010, 03:24 PM	#3
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,540	Re: What changes to swap a LQ4 engine in a '83 Why go with a carb, it is about the same $ to use the FI and it will probably get a little better mileage. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

05-25-2010, 08:13 PM	#4
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: What changes to swap a LQ4 engine in a '83 Read this: http://www.hotrodlane.cc/77chevytruck/77chevy.htm __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

05-25-2010, 11:14 PM	#5
85burb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: lindale,tx Posts: 2,373	Re: What changes to swap a LQ4 engine in a '83 You will also need motor mount plates, some kind of header. The factory manifolds hit the frame on passenger side. The only header in perduction is S&P at 600 bucks. This is a dyno test with 4 cams. And each is ran with carb and with EFI. Just about the same power. http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...est/index.html __________________ 82 c10 5.3/4l60 84 c20 5.3/sm465 85 chevy k10 suburban LQ4/4l60 91 chevy c10 suburban Lsa 5.3/4l60 2017 Silverado whipple 5.3 1964 Vw beetle 1974 vw beetle

05-26-2010, 10:18 AM	#6
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,540	Re: What changes to swap a LQ4 engine in a '83 S&P are the only ones who make a header for the 73-87 squares? Wow! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

05-26-2010, 10:24 AM	#7
luckyAg02 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Nowhere, TX Posts: 8	Re: What changes to swap a LQ4 engine in a '83 Thanks for the responses guys. I was initially just going to get a new 350 crate to put in for the simplicity, but the power/reliability/economy for the price of getting a LS engine is starting to win me over. It's all figuring out how much work I've got to do to get there.

05-26-2010, 10:32 AM	#8
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: What changes to swap a LQ4 engine in a '83 Take a look in our prects forums for 73-87's and 67-72's as well. There are several build threads with LOTS of info on the LSx conversions. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"



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