Lq9 build/ 68 camaro. Please help
 

I have read and read posts and still find myself scared to make the jump. I'll take all the help I can get. Books, threads and calls. I've never done a ls of any kind nor have I ever messed around with efi and sensors.

I have a fully restored 68 Camaro with currie 9 in and use a painless harness to wire the car now it's time for me to take the leap and pick my motor tranny set up. I'm looking for 500-550 hp but more importantly reliability.

I picked up a lq9 from a 04 escalade that had 114,000 miles on it. Got intake to oil pan but not harness, ecu, or pedal (not sure if it matters. And no front assemblies. I've gotten all types of advice but all different. Some say I need to use the block, crank and pistons and build it back as a ls3 using 04 car water pump, brackets and front assemblies. With ls3 manifold, heads, harness and pedal. Others have told me I do the same but use ls6 manifold, heads, harness and pedal. Then others say go aftermarket with fast parts. I don't care to go that route because after everything else I'm trying to do these on a somewhat budget. And at 2,000 or so for the ecu, harness and manifold just to have the wow factor it's not worth it to me.

Plus like I said I have no experience building anything with sensors and efi so I just need some help. I'd like to do this right the first time without the costly mistakes that I've read about. I will also more than likely be going with a 4l60 or 60e but would take advice on that too.

Also any shops that you would recommend for picking up brackets or parts like the upper end. I am willing to spring for sit-ups that will make the implant easier but need to be reasonable on price. Will be a daily driver and not into all the chrome and stuff

I've done a bunch of these swaps. Budget truck motors to LS9's and full custom built 850 hp hand built LS motors. I brag that way because>>>> Stealing a line from Dave Kindig "I've fallen out of the dumb dumb tree and hit every branch on the way down!" You can learn from my mistakes!

Feel free to call the shop during the week and I can walk you through pros and cons of how to go about it. The sensors and wiring are the intimidating part that scares everyone but it's the easiest part of the swap. Oil pans, fuel systems, and front drive set ups are as much an issue.

good luck! - Chris

Thanks I got tided up at work today but will call tomorrow if I can