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Been around here for nearly two years now, but been working on a couple other projects. Now it’s time to start my build. I recently read on here that there is going to be a National meet next fall, so here I am inspired, motivated and launching my build now in hopes to have it completed before the fall meet. I bought my 1988 Conquest, Fiji Blue, Black Leather Interior, 5spd almost two years ago for $550 and haven’t touched it since. Oh, I should mention that it is rust free. Wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the car. It did not have an engine, and sold the transmission to another member here about a year ago. I’m going with the K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple, Stupid) approach. I’ve had a ton of concepts of what could be achieved and some cool upgrades that I would like to do. However, in order to get this project finished in time and within budget I will need to remain focused and not adapt the “I might as well do this if I’m gonna’ do that” thought process. The overall strategy is to get a base engine and transmission in, get the car road-worthy, work out any kinks and issues and head out to the National event. Then later go to work on upgrading and modifying the different systems (brakes, suspension, paint & body, etc) as time and budget allows. Engine: It will get an LS-based engine; just not sure which one yet as budget will ultimately determine what I can afford. All aluminum would be great in terms of weight, but that would raise the budget. Besides, if I later have the desire to install a power adder (supercharger, turbo, twin-turbo) the cast block, from what I understand, will be stronger. Transmission: T56. Is there really any other choice? I could go with a 4l60/80, but what’s the fun in that? I’ve always appreciated the sense of control a manual transmission delivers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those that have inspired and motivated me to this point; Everyone here at SQC, my sons Clay and DJ; Both of which are car-nuts too. Clay has a build thread of his ’73 El Camino with a 5.3 over at LS1tech and DJ has a build thread of his ’78 Celica GT over at Classic-Celica.com. Outside the family, motivation has come from a few other Conquest/LS builders such as Convette (has a build thread on here), Boosted88tsi (has a build thread on here), and Matt, whom I believe built the first LS1 Conquest that I know of. Matt is a mechanic that works at a well-known performance shop here in Charlotte, NC. I believe there was another Conquest/LS swap about the same time, but if I recall correctly, it was set up strictly for drag racing. Thanks, all! Clay’s http://ls1tech.com/f...no-ls-swap.html DJ’s http://www.classic-c...iewtopic&t=2001 Anyhow… enough rambling, let’s get this build started. -Dan

I've been reading a few threads here with interest. My background involves swapping low-cost late model Generation 3 Chevy V8 truck engines into various foreign cars. I have done this with two RX-7s (sold), a MK3 Supra (sold), and a BMW 5 Series wagon (sold). I still have a 280Z project with an LT1 Trans Am engine & T56. If I am able to sell one of my other cars, a SQ is next on the list to buy. I'll do one of two things depending on how much I get for the car- get a complete car in good shape with working AC or a roller or one in need of engine repair that I can perform a swap upon.This brings me to the point of this thread. I've tried to find various specs for the several engines used here such as 1JZ, 4G63, etc. and not found much as far as length or width or sometimes weight. Ditto the engine bay for length & usable width. I'd also need the dimensions & weight for the stock G54B.If someone can point me to this info, I'll be glad to compile it here. Having found the cost for GM parts is usually very low due to mass production, one of the outside the box engines I'm looking at is the GM late model inline 5, which is a 3.7L that is rated 242 hp at 5600 rpm and 242 lb·ft at 4600 rpm. These are relatively expensive ($1,150 was the best price I found at a junkyard) as compared to the 4.2L inline 6 below.The other is the GM inline 6, which is a 4.2L that is rated 291 hp at 6000 rpm and torque to 277 lb·ft at 4800 rpm (2006+). These were in a bazillion GM trucks such as the Trailblazer and can be had cheap, like around $750 for a 2006 version or $400 for an older one.The inline 5 engine was mated to a 5 speed manual and a Chevy Colorado bellhousing can be used to adapt a manual such as the R154, but fitting that in the trans tunnel is another topic.One other low $ option may be the older GM 4.3L V6, which is basically 3/4 of a Chevy small block. They were rated at 200 HP and 250 foot pounds. With minimal boost or even basic hot rodding mods, I'd think they would produce great numbers.I read the L67 supercharged GM 3800 thread and that seemed like a lot of work, although it was a great read and project.I need to compile info on these engines to see if they would fit.Thanks for any help or advice. If I'm asking in the wrong section, let me know and I can edit the post and re-post it as needed.