Post by casias on Jul 11, 2015 8:35:36 GMT -5
Someone asked the question, so I thought I would update the process that I would use. I am actually starting a new ls swap, and I am about step 3 at the moment. I plan on pulling the first bolts in September.
The steps to follow are
1) Decide on Gen III or Gen IV. This is where I would start. I prefer Gen IV, because the tuner I use likes them. They have much better resolution on the data-logging, and more adjustability for better driving.
2) Find a tuner, and talk to them about your plans. They are either swap-friendly, or swap-not. If they hesitate, pick a different tuner.
3) Search out the weakness of the drivetrain you pick. For example, the LS2 with automotic trans is going to have the 4l60. It is OK, but not stellar. You can upgrade later to 4l80 series, or have a transmission shop rebuild the 4l60 to meet the power you want to make.
4) Figure out how you are going to wire it. I would recommend getting the harness and ecu with the engine and trans, all as a package. Then find a respectable wiring shop to rebuild it correctly. Some people want to save money, and watch the youtube videos to make their own 3 or 4 wire stand-alone. I don't like wiring, so I will spend the $500 or so to have it done.
5) Decide on gauges. 1999 trucks can use the stock gauges if you keep the dodge ecu. Just trim off the unnecessary stuff (MAP, IAT, injector legs), and plug the temperature sender and oil pressure sender somewhere in the new engine. You won't have tachometer, but the speedometer will work.
6) Upgrade the fuel system to walbro 255 or higher.Upgrade the lines to 3/8.
7) Figure out how you are going to do the transmission spacer. You can keep the original crossmember, but you will need to fabricate a spacer. I saw one truck, a long time ago, that had the transmission sitting directly on the crossmember, but I can't imagine the drive shaft angle was correct.
8) Learn how to measure driveshaft angle (From my video or other sources), and practice it. Once you set the transmission height, this has to be correct.
9) Find a local welder who will weld pieces for you. You will need transmission spacer, and some kind of modification to the exhaust manifolds.
10) Find an exhaust shop who can build custom exhaust for you. They may also weld your transmission spacer. Many of these shops have guys who weld really good.
And other tips.
1) Give yourself enough room to work. Planning to do this in the driveway, or garage where your wife parks, will really cause you trouble. This project will take longer than you think, and you won't work well if you keep having to move it, get your tools out, pack your tools up, or argue with your wife about it. Give it its own home.
2) Plan on more time than you think. I can probably do one in about a week, but I have a really good shop, and I have done it before. I do get stuck, sometimes, waiting for parts by mail that I forgot to order. And I am cheap, so I rarely buy local.
3) Plan on more money than you think. I would plan on $3k above the cost of the drivetrain. You may not need this much, but don't underestimate.
4) Plan on the right time of year. Starting this is super-hot or super-cold weather is just miserable.
5) Enjoy the journey. When you get frustrated, stop. Take it easy. Breaking stuff, losing stuff, or putting stuff together wrong will have its toll.
The steps to follow are
1) Decide on Gen III or Gen IV. This is where I would start. I prefer Gen IV, because the tuner I use likes them. They have much better resolution on the data-logging, and more adjustability for better driving.
2) Find a tuner, and talk to them about your plans. They are either swap-friendly, or swap-not. If they hesitate, pick a different tuner.
3) Search out the weakness of the drivetrain you pick. For example, the LS2 with automotic trans is going to have the 4l60. It is OK, but not stellar. You can upgrade later to 4l80 series, or have a transmission shop rebuild the 4l60 to meet the power you want to make.
4) Figure out how you are going to wire it. I would recommend getting the harness and ecu with the engine and trans, all as a package. Then find a respectable wiring shop to rebuild it correctly. Some people want to save money, and watch the youtube videos to make their own 3 or 4 wire stand-alone. I don't like wiring, so I will spend the $500 or so to have it done.
5) Decide on gauges. 1999 trucks can use the stock gauges if you keep the dodge ecu. Just trim off the unnecessary stuff (MAP, IAT, injector legs), and plug the temperature sender and oil pressure sender somewhere in the new engine. You won't have tachometer, but the speedometer will work.
6) Upgrade the fuel system to walbro 255 or higher.Upgrade the lines to 3/8.
7) Figure out how you are going to do the transmission spacer. You can keep the original crossmember, but you will need to fabricate a spacer. I saw one truck, a long time ago, that had the transmission sitting directly on the crossmember, but I can't imagine the drive shaft angle was correct.
8) Learn how to measure driveshaft angle (From my video or other sources), and practice it. Once you set the transmission height, this has to be correct.
9) Find a local welder who will weld pieces for you. You will need transmission spacer, and some kind of modification to the exhaust manifolds.
10) Find an exhaust shop who can build custom exhaust for you. They may also weld your transmission spacer. Many of these shops have guys who weld really good.
And other tips.
1) Give yourself enough room to work. Planning to do this in the driveway, or garage where your wife parks, will really cause you trouble. This project will take longer than you think, and you won't work well if you keep having to move it, get your tools out, pack your tools up, or argue with your wife about it. Give it its own home.
2) Plan on more time than you think. I can probably do one in about a week, but I have a really good shop, and I have done it before. I do get stuck, sometimes, waiting for parts by mail that I forgot to order. And I am cheap, so I rarely buy local.
3) Plan on more money than you think. I would plan on $3k above the cost of the drivetrain. You may not need this much, but don't underestimate.
4) Plan on the right time of year. Starting this is super-hot or super-cold weather is just miserable.
5) Enjoy the journey. When you get frustrated, stop. Take it easy. Breaking stuff, losing stuff, or putting stuff together wrong will have its toll.