alconk

Does anyone out there have a book or manual on how to swap in a LS motor into a C3 even better an 82? I've been searching the net and man is it confusing. I'd like to find someone who has done this and can shed some light on parts needed, part #s, motor mounts etc. I've noticed the ones I've looked at all have converted to a hydroboost. Is that mandatory? Then the wiring or where to put the ECM? Anyway I'm looking for something that can cover all the bases.

I've read the 82s are easier if you call it that because it's already FI and uses the same fuel lines or something along that line. Then the tranny.. Can the 700R4 be used or do u have to use a 4l60E? Anyway you get my point.

Thanks!

Garys 68

No books that I know of, but this might get you a resource:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...directory.html

DEEPSEA70

S and P Bob Womack article swap with 84. Has a lot of parts and needed conversions.

hugie82

Your only advantage with an 82 is the fuel system is already in place. Everything else will not be used. You'll need a stand alone ECM or buy the kit that puts a distributor in the front cover and uses a carb but most use a crank fire ignition module and a carb or fuel injection.

74modified

I don't know of a definitive list, because the cars usually have some differences, and people end up using different swap parts.
As far as transmissions, you can use the old ones, or swap in new ones.
Hydroboost is not needed. I added it because I wanted it, not because it was necessary. The fuel system already has an electric pump, but it is not up to the job for an LS with fuel injection.

terry82

I also have thought about this swap .the ls is great .But if I take the same motor or get a crate motor I can get the same hp for maybe less money and not have to change very much .the ls motor is a lot of work on exhaust ,motor mounts, maybe tranny,and a lot of changes for electrical.A new 383 with new aftermarket fuel injection should give me what I want in hp with out half the trouble.The idea of droping in a late model corvette or Camaro motor sounds great, but for less money and time I think I will stick with the old school .good luck what ever you decide.

alconk

What I would like to do is install the E-Rod LS3 430hp along w/the 4L60E and the wife is saying whatever you want to do if you pay cash for it which I don't have so it may be awhile. But that's the plan. Just doing some research now. Some items confuse me like not being able to run the stock speedometer?? And one other issue is where to bring in the fresh air in to the motor?? I don't want to just have a 90 deg elbow with a conical filter, it works but looking for something better.

Illegal Vette

I did an LS swap on my '82, and it's a good choice for a couple of reasons: 1-as you mentioned the fuel tank is set up for an electric pump so you can swap out the low pressure pump for the high pressure pump and that part of the fuel system is done. While you've got the tank out you can modify it for an LS vapor canister as well, I've got mine mounted forward of the tank since I don't use a spare tire. You can use the existing fuel lines but use fuel injection type hose clamps where they connect to the tank. Also you'll be using a C5 fuel filter, I plumbed mine in using compression fittings and AN adapters.
2. The stock transmission crossmember is pretty close to the correct length for a 4L60e depending on which motor mount adapters you use. Mine are very similar to these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/LS1-Conversi...-/271582394207 and I only had to slot the crossmember rear mount a little.
3. If you use the stock trans crossmember you can use a Corvette Central exhaust system and modify it to include cats it you want. I chose this one: and mated it to Hedman Husler 45066 headers.
4. The '82 has a dip in the center of the radiator support to provide fresh cool air to the engine and can be utilized for cold air. I did it and here's the build thread: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...d-82-easy.html Thanks to the members of this forum who pointed me in the right direction! I removed the duct on the underside of my hood to do this, but it would be easier to use an 80-81 hood since it has no duct.

Your 4L60e can provide a speedo drive with a tailshaft housing conversion kit like this: http://www.shiftworks.com/tailhousing.htm

The wiring is something that you can either do yourself like I did or plenty of aftermarket harnesses are available, I mounted my PCM in the storage compartment behind the passenger seat.

Feel free to ask any questions you have, I'm sure I've overlooked something.

terry82

it looks like you used the power steering pump that came with the motor.what did you do to connect it to the 82 factory steering.You used the 4l60e tranny .Can you use the 700r4?

Illegal Vette

I mocked up the PS hoses and took them to a local hose maker.

The 700r4 uses a cable to the throttle body, which I don't know if it could be made to work with the LS1 throttle body. In addition the PCM controls the transmission so that could lead to trouble codes and programming issues.

Garys 68

The 700R4 needs a cable TB to work the TV cable. The LS3 has DBW.
If you use a cable TB, ie 98-02 f body LS1, bowtie overdrives makes a bracket.
http://www.tvmadeez.com/ls1_cam/

MakoShark77

These forums a wealth of information and most of the guys are very willing to share. An '82 does sound easier than the earlier C3, good luck. The wiring harness is not all that intimidating, just take your time and pay attention to the details (battery voltage vs ignition voltage). A few guys solved the cold air intake problem by using a Vararam setup for a GTO. Slight modifications made for a great fit. See this thread https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...o-breathe.html


FYI...Holley makes kits that allow you flexibility with the accessories location. Not accessory placement, but also distance from the motor. This helped me with some clearance issues. You will also find that when it comes to headers a lot of LSx conversion headers are designed with manufacturers own motor mounts in mind like these guys, BRP Hotrods, so consider that.

Lots to consider, don't let it overwhelm you. A lot depends on if you're buying a new crate engine or going the salvage yard route. Have fun!

MN-Brent

The 82 is one of the easiest as the fuel system is almost as complete as you would need to swap it over.

This can help with many items except the wiring:https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...l60e-swap.html

I have a wiring diagram that worked without any issues for LS1-4L60E conversion.

Shark Racer

Is the 82 fuel tank actually sumped to prevent starvation on any kind of significant g-load when the tank is low?

I thought it was the same as the 78-81 tank, but with a special sending unit that can mount an electric in-tank pump.

terry82

https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...-bladder-78-82there is no sump .when I have less than a quarter tank and take a sharp turn the car will cough.and I have checked all connections and replaced hoses.

Shark Racer

That's what I thought. Easier to get EFI running on an 82 vs any other C3, but need to keep the tank full for performance stuff. Are they still using 1/4" return line? If so, that's not sufficient for a modern setup (regardless of sump).

I just did an Aeromotive Phantom setup for my 78, as I do like to go left and right here and there. From my experience autocrossing the 78 a few months ago on 18" wheels and decent (not very sticky) street tires, I was capable of generating enough G on 3/8 tank of gas that the fuel light would come on in longer turns. Not a huge deal since I was running a Q-Jet.

donnie1956

I swapped a 82 fuel sender unit in my 78. No mods to the tank. Just mounted a walbro fuel pump, wired it up and dropped in the tank. Also used the C5 filter regulator. I used the dorman nylon fuel hose kit for my plumbing.