Ls4

[Gr8HallaFamer]

Will the Ls4 that came in the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS "all front wheel drive" fit in an 80's square body pick-up? Or does the front wheel drive make it a different style engine.

 

[Shorty81]

Welcome from the Buckeye State. I'd say......big block it. JMO

 

[Gr8HallaFamer]

Big block would be nice I'm sure but also gas hog too. I have in it a old 327 i built back in the day. I see all people doing LS swaps so got the thinking about it too. Get big HP and while getting good gas mpg makes sense. Anyway I have an Ls4 from a front wheel drive car just not sure if it would go with my truck. I have an 87 swb.

 

[Charlie]

 

[gotyourgoat]

Will the Ls4 that came in the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS "all front wheel drive" fit in an 80's square body pick-up? Or does the front wheel drive make it a different style engine.

Yes it will fit. Of course damn near any engine will fit in a square's engine bay.

There are a few obstacles though.

 

[Crispy]

The block is drilled for FWD trans applications so a RWD 4L60E would require an adapter. I think you can use a V6 RWD 4L60E, though. With that said you may be able to use any trans that was behind a 60 degree V6 engine (3800, 3400, etc.)
The front accessory drive is completely different and I dont know if RWD accessories would swap.
The water pump is some sort of alien device and I dont know if a RWD pump would swap.
The starter was mounted to the trans so the block does not have a provision to mount one. Something would need to be fabbed.

It can be done but will cost time and money. If you can get the engine, ecu, and harness for free or dirt cheap then it may be worth looking into. Otherwise I would go with a RWD based LS.

 

[bucket]

The block is drilled for FWD trans applications so a RWD 4L60E would require an adapter. I think you can use a V6 RWD 4L60E, though. With that said you may be able to use any trans that was behind a 60 degree V6 engine (3800, 3400, etc.)
The front accessory drive is completely different and I dont know if RWD accessories would swap.
The water pump is some sort of alien device and I dont know if a RWD pump would swap.
The starter was mounted to the trans so the block does not have a provision to mount one. Something would need to be fabbed.

It can be done but will cost time and money. If you can get the engine, ecu, and harness for free or dirt cheap then it may be worth looking into. Otherwise I would go with a RWD based LS.

The big issue is the block has no provision for a starter, it mounts to a specific trans case used with the fwd V8 cars.

Could it be used? Yes. But it's one of those situations where it would be FAR more complicated and expensive to use something just because you already have it.

 

[gotyourgoat]

Been a while since I looked into this but crispy is right.
The accessories are not interchangeable so you have to stick with the fwd versions. Multiple output shafts are shorter so adapters and whatnot are needed. The real issue is the starter is in the trans on the fwd and the mounts for the engine/trans are completely different than the rwd versions.

 

[Gr8HallaFamer]

I do have engine, ECU and harness. But if it's going to be complicated and parts needing fabricated I may not go with it. I'll try and pick up a RWB Ls if one comes about. Thanks for inputs and advise everyone. Truck is running so not in any hurry

 

[gotyourgoat]

I do have engine, ECU and harness. But if it's going to be complicated and parts needing fabricated I may not go with it. I'll try and pick up a RWB Ls if one comes about. Thanks for inputs and advise everyone. Truck is running so not in any hurry

@bucket could use that fwd ls for his eurosport if you're looking to barter...

 

[Gr8HallaFamer]

No I'm not going to sell it. I'll probably try to find and Impala SS broke down put it in that and flip it

 

[TPISly-C10]

i found a 2004.5 LQ4 6L a the junkyard for $500 tax in and i all ready got all the other part i need from a donor truck (4L80E 2wd ecu harness ect....) so easy to swap in and with just a little tune to get it running proprely put down 350hp i just love it no regret my ex Diesel!

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[Crispy]

i found a 2004.5 LQ4 6L a the junkyard for $500 tax in and i all ready got all the other part i need from a donor truck (4L80E 2wd ecu harness ect....) so easy to swap in and with just a little tune to get it running proprely put down 350hp i just love it no regret my ex Diesel!

Anything different you have to do to run the LS coolant overflow tank with the squarebody radiator? First time I've seen that. Usually see the square rad with square overflow or an LS sealed radiator with the LS overflow.

 

[bucket]

No I'm not going to sell it. I'll probably try to find and Impala SS broke down put it in that and flip it

I think this Lumina is begging for an LS4. It looks to be super clean too.

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[gotyourgoat]

I think this Lumina is begging for an LS4. It looks to be super clean too.

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Apparently there are only 25 of those. From the Earnhardt dealership.