Engine Swap Forum

I may be a little out of place, but my search for the right engine has led me here.  I own a 1984 Chevy El Camino still running its stock all-iron 5.0L carbed V8.  Due to emission standards of the time, it was choked back to 145hp.  Despite its lack of power, the car still oversteers like crazy due to the poor distribution of weight.  While most people would swap to a bigger V8, I live on windy roads and balancing the car would be a much bigger reward.  I believe the car's low weight in relation to its size could be utilized with the right powerplant and for big power from a small package, I need to go modern to make it happen.  Also, my WRX has me in love with turbochargers, so that is a factor in my engine choice.  The two engines I've been considering have been a turbo DSM 4G63 with a 2.4L block or an engine from the VQ family.  I am much more familiar with DSMs but am a little concerned over whether I can get the low end torque necessary to move my big car on pump gas.  If someone can tell me if ~350lb.ft. around 3500rpm on 93 octane is reasonable, I'll explore that route.  If it's not, I'll look into the VQs.  My only concern about those is the complexity of the electronics.  Whatever engine I end up with, I plan to rebuild anyway, so I'm not looking for a turn-key solution.  I'll welcome any suggestions and comments as this whole car is an experiment.

stop, LS1 is where you want to be, end of story. don't bother with anything else, since the LS or LT motors are A DROP IN swap. LS1 carburated or even fuel injected will be WAY more than you would eve need, and capable of being more than you could ever dream. Just LS1 swap, rear mounted turbo and actualy be fast enough to out run a nuke blast! You will get better fuel economy than if you went with a 4G63 or a VQ35DE.

I agree with IB, torque is what you need for a large heavy car (or any car really, torque just rules!) and the LS1 has got gobs of it.

 

Fred

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Instrument Cluster and Speedometer Repair

What does the LS1 weigh?

 

I would think that a turbo charged VQ35 would be far lighter. I think you would find better balance being able to move around in that big engine compartment.

 

Stroked and Blown VQ35, YEAHHHHHHHH!!  or hell get a VQ40 block and put the 350Z stuff on it.

 

A cornering El Camino. ARIIIIIIIBA, GIDDY UP

 

My 2 cents

 

Drew