Good morning everyone. I have a 1972 Monte Carlo that my dad and I have restored to a “runner” status (not going to win any car shows, but looks great and gets some thumbs up!) It has a crate 350 with about 10k on it that I’ve gradually added to. It appears I’ve blown cylinder 8. Long story, but I pulled all the plugs and camera scoped each cylinder. All look good except #8. I ran a compression test on all and they’re solid except this one. I pulled the valve cover and discovered both vales stuck open (camera scope confirmed this as well). I’ll be pulling the heads this coming week to verify the extent of the damage (from what I can tell something unthreaded from my intake/carb set up and found its way into #8 and beat it up).

Questions: if the engine can’t be re-bored and is shot (likely from the camera look), I’m considering an LS swap. Is there anyone in the community who has done an LS swap on a 70-72 Monte? If so, what iteration would you recommend? What did you learn? Would you have recommendations from the new market? From the used market? I really appreciate the help. My research so far seems all over the map.

 

That's because it's not common; unlike dropping a Chevy small-block into a Jaguar XJ series for which there are off-the-shelf conversion kits.

 

I've done a LS swap on my 1984 Monte Carlo. I realize it is not a 1st gen, but many of the things I've experienced will be applicable. I went with a connect and cruise package from Chevrolet Performance. I purchase an LS3 (LS376/480) with an 4L70e. The package included the ECM, wiring harness and pedal.

I also suggest checking out Holley. I used a lot of their parts. ie. Engine mount, headers, Hooker Blackheart exhaust, etc.

I've also help build my friends 1980 Pontiac Trans Am. We went the used engine route. Purchased the drivetrain out of a 2006 Pontiac GTO that rear ended. We heard the car running before purchasing it. Got the LS2, T56, harness, ecm and pedal.