If you've got the time and money, do a different motor/trans/rear combo. I wouldn't mind stuffing a 4.6/T-56/4.30 setup in the LS.
What about a complete swap and putting in a Mustang engine? Thoughts?
If I were looking for a good used engine I'd contact LKQ. Here is the link to their website:
http://www.lkqonline.com/
As for the engine, all 2000-2002 LS's should interchange engines. As for other engines I'd say no.
If you've got the time and money, do a different motor/trans/rear combo. I wouldn't mind stuffing a 4.6/T-56/4.30 setup in the LS.
No way would a 4.6 fit in an LS. It's one of the physically largest engines I've ever seen. It is larger than any of the LSx engines used in the Corvettes/Camaros even though they have more displacement.
Wait a minute...what I read was that the 4.6L would fit in the LS, but it had to be top-loaded, which prevented it from being used on the assembly line...It's not the fab work that is the largest issue - the 4.6L will fit if loaded from the bottom. The real issue is mating the electronics and still having a drivable car.
OK, without SERIOUS modification and insane amounts of fabrication, labor, and money, it's not happening. I bet that conversion cost upwards of $10,000.