First off, this project actually happening is a long ways off, as it will take some savings, and time to acquire parts and actually do the work.

However, I have decided that I will convert my '06 Monte Carlo SS to rear wheel drive. I've done some looking into it, but want to get some opinions and ideas on things, and perhaps glean some more information from members more knowledgeable than I.

From what I have gathered, the LS4 is basically out, due to the starter being inline with the tranny. So, I've narrowed it down to either the LS2 or LS3. Both of which are similar in price range, and could put forth reasonably the same horsepower numbers. Any input on to which of these I should use, or perhaps another motor? I do plan to eventually turbo, or twin turbo whichever motor I put in, preceded by a cam, springs, and roller rockers at the minimum.

For the transmission I was thinking a TR6060. This is basically the updated version of the T56, however I'm not sure if this would need to be built at all to take the horsepower I eventually want to push.

The suspension parts, and electronics changes that would be required are probably my biggest concern//area where I'm lacking a good base on what would work, and or need done.

I know that Camaro parts were used on the 2000 monte that a member has here which was converted to rwd using an ls1. Anyone know if perhaps 5th Gen Camaro rear suspension parts would work on this project? Or another source I haven't considered?

I realize this will be a costly project, and will take a ton of time, however I want my monte to be unique, and this will also placate my want of an older muscle car as well

Any thoughts or input on everything would be greatly appreciated. As I've said it will take time to save up the funds, and start the process, but that will allow me to do all my homework before diving in.

 

Wiring will just be an issue of extending wires and such, since the ls motors are all pretty much the same.

 

that member used a corvette drivetrain not a camaro. i used to talk to him on here. we discussed converting mine, and what it would run me to send it to him. if i had to choose between the ls2, and ls3 id pick the ls3. i think the 426hp is more than enough to move this car without turboing it. its lighter than the 2ss camaro by quite a bit. i recall that he weighed his after and he said it was slightly heavier after the conversion. if you can do all the fab and welding yourself this shouldnt be too too expensive. youd be looking at trying to find a wrecked car to use its whole drivetrain. at least thats what i would do.

 

Yup deff wanna use vette running gear with the rear trans & id honestly get the LS2 & buy new heads for it & sell the 243 heads ull be up more power than a LS3 for about the same cost

 

I guess the wiring I would be more concerned with is the transmission stuff, especially if I go with a TR6060.



I see now you are correct. If I may ask how much did he want to convert yours? I was leaning towards the LS3, and I realize the stock motor alone would be quick, but I intend to keep the monte forever, and wanna do it right (the way I want). I also don't feel like there is such a thing as too much horsepower :p




I've heard talk of some others wanting to use GTO parts for the suspension fab, as well. Getting as much or more power out of the LS2 would sway me in it's direction. I know enough to be dangerous with engines, but not familiar enough with the two engines to say which would/could be better in the long run

 

Heres the differences

LS2 | 4.0" bore / 3.622" stroke | 6.0L / 364ci displacement

LS2 has 10.9 - 1 compression ratio and uses "LS6" cathedral cylinder heads

LS3 | 4.065" bore / 3.622" stroke | 6.2L / 376ci displacement

LS3 has 10.7 - 1 compression using "LS3/L92/L99" style rectangle port heads.

Only issue with LS motors is to bore em out you needa resleave the block, the heads are interchangable between motors but neither can use a LS7 head, basically id go with the LS2 cuz if ur gonna do a head & cam swap ull pretty much be even with the LS3 with the same setup, 26hp isnt really worth spending the extra money on when it can be easily made up

 

i believe he said something like 8g with me providing the drivetrain, and obviously my car. not a terrible price since i wouldnt have been doing any of the work myself. definitely would need to find a destroyed vette though. on the whole ls motor front id want the biggest one i could get, but thats just me. you can always make up for a few cubes, but if money isnt an object why not go big. if i were going to turbo it than at that point size kind of doesnt really matter and the 5.3s are abundant. you would need the rear from a vette though.

 

Thanks for the info! I agree if swapping heads could make up the horsepower then the LS2 sounds like a good option, I'll have to see whats available when I get closer to purchasing parts and such.


That does sound fairly reasonable, I'll have to look into the vette compontents more, I did a brief search and found several rolling chassis for sale, however they were quite pricey. I feel the same about the motor, the turbo would be down the road, not immediate for sure if it does happen, I'd like to get the internals done before putting the engine in, and then save up for the turbo at a later date if going that route. Money won't really be an option, will just mean a little more time saving up.

I also noticed that he said he swapped out the front suspension and put in an f body suspension. I don't really see much of a need for this, but perhaps I'm missing something.

 

He maybe used the whole front k member from the f body so that the motor would bolt right to it. If not you have a lot of work to do to the sub frame.

 

i dont recall him using the fbody stuff. he may have though. i havent talked to him in quite sometime. he sent me a message a few months back, but never responded to my reply. personally i think this is just a fantasy build unless you are a fabricator. you dont need a rolling chassis just the irs. a roller is going to be pricey cause theyre selling you a corvette minus motor, and trans. u need the running gear not the body.