I found an LS4 from an Impala SS for sale. It comes with the harness and computer. Guy is asking 900. Is this a good price? What else would I need for the swap. 80k miles on the engine.
[This message has been edited by Napoleon_Tanerite (edited 12-14-2015).]
Assuming it's in good condition, it is indeed a good price.
You'd need the trans/starter at least, depending on what your plans for such a swap is. If you're planning to stick with the 4t65e-HD, it's preferable to get one that came with an LS4, so you don't have to create the starter mounting yourself.
It does not include the trans, supposedly the starter comes with the engine. I would love to have an LS4 Fiero, but I'm hesitant due to the cost and I don't think I have the skill to do the swap. If this a steal of a price for the engine I may grab it to have if I do decide to do the swap, but if the price is average I will save myself the four hour round trip and pass. That's really the answer I'm looking for.... Is it worth $900 and a tank of gas to go get that engine?
It's a pretty average price. The starter mounts on the trans, so it's a little weird to include the starter and no trans. You can find complete drop-outs for around $1200.
If you're not confident about the swap, then probably best to hold off on it.
If your skill set lacks in electronics you can run it on a carburetor and save yourself from all the computer BS. You can build more power with ease too.
My first LS4 was a full dropout (engine, trans, all accessories, harness & ECM/TCM) with 18K miles for $1000... that was an absolute steal.
The last 2 were complete dropouts as well, but higher miles (100K ish), one came with a GM Serta rebuilt transmission. It was $1800 for the pair.
The LS4 4T65e-hd transmissions are somewhat hard to get if they don't come with the engine. So the price for just the engine should be lower, but they also come with 799 or 243 heads so the heads keep the minimum price for the engine a little higher than the truck LS engines.
LS4 with a manual swap... requires lots of custom parts and machining. If you have any doubts about it or your skills, choose a different path. So far only 3 LS4/Manual swaps in Fieros have been done... and there is a reason for it. Lots of custom fab work.
LS4/4T65e-hd is an easier swap (still not as easy as most other swaps), but Fiero King can hook you up with most of the needed parts. You still need to be able to cut steel and weld on the cradle, and run wires. So if that is beyond your skill set, then choose a different path.
My first LS4 was a full dropout (engine, trans, all accessories, harness & ECM/TCM) with 18K miles for $1000... that was an absolute steal.
The last 2 were complete dropouts as well, but higher miles (100K ish), one came with a GM Serta rebuilt transmission. It was $1800 for the pair.
The LS4 4T65e-hd transmissions are somewhat hard to get if they don't come with the engine. So the price for just the engine should be lower, but they also come with 799 or 243 heads so the heads keep the minimum price for the engine a little higher than the truck LS engines.
LS4 with a manual swap... requires lots of custom parts and machining. If you have any doubts about it or your skills, choose a different path. So far only 3 LS4/Manual swaps in Fieros have been done... and there is a reason for it. Lots of custom fab work.
LS4/4T65e-hd is an easier swap (still not as easy as most other swaps), but Fiero King can hook you up with most of the needed parts. You still need to be able to cut steel and weld on the cradle, and run wires. So if that is beyond your skill set, then choose a different path.
Discouraging, but appreciated. Manual is a must-have for me. What sort of custom parts and machining are we talking about here? I know about the need for a flywheel and mounts, what else is there?
Originally posted by Napoleon_Tanerite: Discouraging, but appreciated. Manual is a must-have for me. What sort of custom parts and machining are we talking about here? I know about the need for a flywheel and mounts, what else is there?
Starter, because on the LS4, it is mounted on the trans side. Using a manual trans from GM means you're more limited in what trans you can use. One of the manual swaps is with an NSX trans, but that can also be more costly, and requires an adapter plate.
The F40 is the best option to mate to the LS4. Aside from cutting the bell housing and adding a starter mounting pad, you also need a custom half shalft and axles, as well as mounts.
Even if you were to go with an automatic LS4, there is still plenty of fabrication that needs to be done, as the stock accessories for it don't fit as-is in the Fiero. The water pump interferes with the decklid hinge.
What exactly is it that you want to achieve with a swap?
Looking for better low end torque and an overall faster car. Primary use will be S&G driving with occasional Autocross and maybe road course runs.
What other engines have you been looking at? How much are you looking to spend on the swap?
Honestly, your best bet will probably be a 3800. It can be done cheap, is a less complicated swap than the LS4, and probably fits your goals the best. A 3800 manual swap is pretty easy, and doesn't require anywhere near as much fabrication or custom parts to get it in.
3800SC Series II is the other engine I'm looking at, mostly from a cost and simplicity standpoint. The thing that makes me nervous about it is those engines are getting OLD, and it's rare to see one with less than 120k. Is that a concern? I'm not super motivated to do an engine swap right now anyway. If that LS4 was a screaming deal I would have picked it up and sat on it for a year or more while other projects took priority. What's a "don't you dare pass on it" price for an LS4 or 3800SC?
Originally posted by Napoleon_Tanerite: 3800SC Series II is the other engine I'm looking at, mostly from a cost and simplicity standpoint. The thing that makes me nervous about it is those engines are getting OLD, and it's rare to see one with less than 120k. Is that a concern? I'm not super motivated to do an engine swap right now anyway. If that LS4 was a screaming deal I would have picked it up and sat on it for a year or more while other projects took priority. What's a "don't you dare pass on it" price for an LS4 or 3800SC?
I'd say "free" is a "don't pass it up" price. Otherwise, if you aren't ready to start working on things, just save your money and do your research. There are plenty enough of the engines in the wild that you'll be able to shop around when you are ready, and find one at a decent price.
