LS1 Swap?

[ZEUS]

Well..... first, what terrains would your VX be traveling upon?
If it is a street queen, the stock axles should hold up fine IMO. You may be able to retain TOD that way, simplifing things. You would have to investigate the spline count for the input shaft of the t-case as well as the bolt pattern of the mount to the trans to discover what options you have.
Don't limit yourself to just an LS1... let's say LSx. So then, if you are serious about the swap and figure out you can keep your t-case, be on the lookout for an engine+trans combo with computers. Otherwise, you need to find also a t-case with a passenger side drop that can bolt up to your new trans. At that point you may or may not have to change out your driveshafts. With a swap like this, modification to the rad support, firewall, trans tunnel, and perhaps floor may have to be performed to allow fitment. LS truck motors are dimensionally the same as the cars but the belt-driven accessories, intakes, and oil pans are different. So be on the lookout for car motors versus the truck motors to simplify fitment. Locations of the A/C compressor vary (low mount, near frame rail, would be problematic) and there are solutions to relocate - some affordable, some around $2000, believe it or not. I got my used complete 2006 aluminum 5.3 LS with 4L60E trans and wiring harness for $2000. Steering shaft, exhaust manifolds/headers, heater box, A/C system, radiator, crossmember, front diff, driveshaft, starter, oil pan, hood, inner fenders, etc... these are all potential clearance issues to address.

..............Good luck...............

[Ascinder]

Coachreed on this forum got an LS1 into a VX, but never got everything hooked back up. In my opinion it's the little things that everyone usually overlooks that will mess up the swap. Sure physically you can fit it, but what about all the computer interfaces to be dealt with? Nowadays your engine and even transmission need to know how fast your vehicle is going to do their jobs correctly. You would also need a way to pull and possibly adapt the the tachometer signal from the engine to get the gauge to work right. You would need adapters for the fuel lines as well since they use a different connection. You'd probably have to take it to an a/c shop to get everything plumbed together again. The radiator is an issue since it was designed for a V6 not a V8. I think with 10 grand it's very doable, but it really depends on the shop. You aren't going to be able to just run down to Joes oil changes r' us on the corner and have them knock it out. I would really search long and hard an be comfortable with whatever shop I was going to let play mad scientist with my VX.