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View Full Version : What must do to prepare for a LSx swap in a '94-'96 B-Body(Caprice 9C1)???


B'klyn9C1
01-27-2012, 10:37 PM
I have a 1995 Chevy Caprice 9C1 with a completely redone "sports" suspension and running on 275/40-18 size tires on 18"x9.5" Corvette C5 wheels. I'm thinking about to swap in a LSx stroker with a 4 inch crank and ported LS3/L92 heads and a 6L80E/6L90E transmission. I am interested in a high performance street build with near OEM reliability, longevity and driveability. My LT1 has nearly 200k miles on the clock right with a little oil consumption. My performance goal is to get 525+ RWHP/500+ RWTQ.

To get 500+ RWHP out of a LT1 I would need a real radical solid roller cammed 396 ci stroker. Not exactly very daily driver friendly. A 600+ FWHP LSx would still be a hydraulic roller cammed and still get half decent gas mileage.

Here are the reasons why I am considering a LSx swap:

The Optispark ignition is shall we say "problematic".

The stock LSx ignition is used even on heavily modified FI engines.

The EFI Connection LS1 ignition conversion cost $1000+

Unported LS3/L92 flow 300 CFMs(intake) out of the box.

For LT1/LT4 heads to flow like from a good porter(CNC) cost over $1000.

Conversion kits are getting better all the time(e.g. S&P, BRP Hot Rods)

LSx come stock with a fairly high flowing midlength runner composite intake.

LSx 6 liter iron cores(LQ4/LQ9, LY6) are now cheap and plentiful and are still lighter than a iron headed B-Body LT1.

My 17 year car old needs a new wiring harness anyway. OEM wires aren't top notch.

Good custom exhausts systems including headers for either LT1 or LSx are about the same.

Gen III and Gen IV PCMs are superior to Gen II PCMs.

Gen IV PCMs allow the use of GM six speed autos the 6L80e and the 6L90e with manumatic capabilities.

What things should be on my checklist for a LSx swap into a '94-'96 B-Body??

What LSx swap kit do you reccomend?? BRP Hot Rod or Street and Performance???? Or whoever??

B'klyn9C1
Brooklyn, NY

bczee
01-28-2012, 12:40 AM
I can't disagree with any of your thinking and reasons to do the swap.. All known answer and seem you are on the right path..

I have not working knowledge of the 94-96 B-Body swap.. so I can't offer anything there. General answer and question I might be able to help out with.

Both of BRP and S&P are well known.. most likely can't go wrong with either. so the choice is yours, call and talk to both of them... Of course your going to get Pro's and Con's for each of them from both side of the fence.

One question is are you worried about Smog test ?

Best to just keep researching on other B-Body swaps..

BC