All maner of LS questions, 1959 Impala.

[ProTouring442]

My father is in the process of doing a 1959 Impala 2-drht, and wants to install an LS engine and a 6L80 transmission.

Questions:

Anyone know what sort of fitment issues we might have?

What's a good source for a used take out engine (he's in Raleigh, NC)?

What parts do we want to ensure come with the take out engine?

Do we want use the factory ECM, or some other?

Do we need to have the harness reworked? ECM?

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[WSSix]

Originally Posted by ProTouring442

My father is in the process of doing a 1959 Impala 2-drht, and wants to install an LS engine and a 6L80 transmission.

Questions:

Anyone know what sort of fitment issues we might have?

What's a good source for a used take out engine (he's in Raleigh, NC)?

What parts do we want to ensure come with the take out engine? Everything on the engine like accessories, wiring harness, MAF sensor, etc. Also try to get the pedal and control module from the interior along with the harnesses there.

Do we want use the factory ECM, or some other? I like the factory PCM. It's more than capable for your needs.

Do we need to have the harness reworked? ECM? PCM will need to be tuned slightly even if you leave the engine stock. Harness might need to be reworked depending on where you mount it, how you route the wires, and if the wires will reach their destination.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

Answered what I could in your quote. There's plenty out there to make this happen so don't be afraid to jump right in.

The Roadster Shops build thread on the Biscayne may help answer some more fitment questions

[NAPA 68]

Perhaps this will help?

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbt...opics/466656/1

[Che70velle]

Give RetroLSX a call. They are one of the biggest movers of ls engines in the country, and really know their stuff. I buy all of my engines and Holley parts through them, as they are a Holley dealer also. They are in N. Georgia, so pretty convenient or you. You can find better deals on CL, and other places, but these guys will stand with you until you are satisfied. No matter what.

678-873-0847
Ask for Shawn Henderson

[dontlifttoshift]

The ls is pretty straight forward but I think the biggest problem will the 6l80 transmission......both the tunnel and x frame will require surgery I believe. Run a 4l60 and all should be well.

[srh3trinity]

I would buy as complete of an engine as possible. I have pieced mine together and while it may seem cheaper or not as much cash outlay, these LS engines can really add up with bolts here, bracket there, sensor, etc. Travis (daytonayellaz) seems to be the resident LS supplier on here and PT.com. I would check with him along with the others recommended.

The 6L80E is a big transmission, are the older Impalas X-frames?

[ProTouring442]

Thanks for the info guys! Our research has been showing the 6L80 to be too large too, so it looks like we're looking for the 4L80.

I think... note the "think"... we're looking for an LS2/4L80 GTO motor.

Any other cars/trucks we can pull from to get in the neighborhood of 400hp?

Thanks!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[kwhizz]

05-06 GTO w/4L65E drivetrain is a good choice....get the harness, computers, gas pedal, fuel pump assy out of the same car ....send the harness to John @ speartech.com and everything gets simple.......Check napa 68's thread.....I have a set of the motor mount adapter plates left to raise the engine like in Tim's build thread if you need them.......

Ken

[srh3trinity]

The GTO LS2 would be a good choice. Cam swap away from good HP.

[timpala62]

i put ls2 (2006vette) and put in new GMPP 4L70e ($2600 with converter ordered at local chevy dealer just find one online and ask them to match it) in my 62 impala wagon. it works great. no mods on motor....dynoed 339/342RWHP/tq