pezter22

I have an option to buy a complete LS6 from a wrecked 2000 Z06. The price is right and I have the money available.

I have a few questions though and maybe those of you that have done the swap could help me.

I have a 1984 Z51 with a Tremec TKO600, Vettaid analog gauges and a D36 with 3.07 rear gear.

Please remember there are no dumb questions... The engine comes with the harness so does that mean I still need the harness reworked? I thought if the harness that came with the same specific engine all was good.

I guess it's all the nickel and dime stuff that is kind of scaring me from going through this swap. I mean, the engine is one price, but then it's the extras that are needed.

Headers - Melrose $825.00
Can you use the stock LS6 manifolds?
Harness reworked - $625.00
Accessory drive - bracket to move the air conditioning compressor to upper passenger side - $250.
Bell housing - $250.

I also have a white 1991 ZF6 coupe. I am wondering if it would be easier to put the LS motor in that one instead of the '84.

And please I am a diehard C4 fan. I'm not interested in a C5.

Thanks in advance.

white454

You are correct that the little stuff adds up. The Dana 36 may not last too long with that level of horsepower, depending on your tire selection.

I upgraded my cooling for my swap. Probably not necessary for an ls swap but nice piece of mind.

Mark all of your wires!!! Just don't cut out the old harness and expect it to work. With mine the whole c4 harness was left in, did the swap, then cleaned up.

One difference engine compartment wise in the early and late c4's is the support bar clearance between the engine and rad. Probably doesn't effect the ls but may look into it further.

If your on Facebook, check out the group "c4 modified". Tons of swap knowledge.

Tom400CFI

I think the swap would be WAY easier into the '84;
No ABS, ASR,
No CCM/BCM,
Conventional gauges,
Yes, I would slap it in the '84. It will be awesome. The LS6 is a fantastic engine, IMO. The one in our 'V is, anyway.

hcbph

I have not seen one in person but have read several threads on such conversions online. I'd suggest alot of reading first to see what others have done.
You mentioned the wiring rework, does the engine come with the computer and wiring? You'll likely also need things like motor mounts, brackets for things like PS, AC etc. You've changed the gauges in the 84, likely will have some gauge adapters needed.
Also is there a problem with either car or is this a 'just because' project?

I suspect the 84 would show the largest gain from a LS swap but consider things like hood clearance issues being possible.

Keep us posted, love seeing such projects.

pezter22

I've owned my '84 for six years and have always planned on it to be a track day car. My '91 has always been a weekend cruiser. It's actually perfect the way it is.

The '84 is pretty much all set up for the LS swap. Everything is either new or updated. It's just the additional money that is kind of giving me second thoughts.

I'll leave the '91 alone and grit my teeth as I go ahead with the '84 swap.

WVZR-1

I believe that if you decide to do either the '84 would be the only choice. The ZF has it's own set of particular issues in the swap so in addition to the reasons expressed by "Tom400CFI" I believe it's the only choice. Time, money and you might actually enjoy some "appreciation in value" I'd think. An "investment quality return" isn't likely but there would be certainly less depreciation. Done well and "easy to look at" with attention to detail and assembly appearance it will get much attention.

QCVette

My first thought is to verify which motor you are really looking at.

They did not have a Z06 or LS6 in 2000. They started in 2001.

If it is an LS1 at a good price it could still be a good engine for the swap, just make sure what you are getting.

Good luck.

WVZR-1

I had thought that also but hadn't looked to check. I'm not familiar with the C5's unless it's collision related. I didn't want to just "pop in" with a maybe irrelevant post and comment.

This very old post is the way I recalled BUT without looking I didn't comment. How accurate is this post? I've never attempted to verify. I've never bought a used LS of any type but have checked a couple for "authenticity" by the numbers for some purchaser of rest-rods etc.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1561700238

This "might" help the OP Id what he's thought about buying. If it's out of the car and on the ground it's a piece of cake.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s1-vs-ls6.html

pezter22

Sorry my bad. It is a 2001 LS6 engine from a wrecked Z06 with 49,000 miles. And I do know the guy that is parting out the car.

Kevova

I would go with the 84. If your getting complete engine, harness, and ecm most things are covered. I'm not sure if the 84 hood has the same clearance as the later hood. Programming ECM for everything that wont be there is something to thing about also.

odxr

Make sure you get the Tac module + gas pedal + pedal harness if the throttle is dbw.Goto www.lt1swap.com and get his emaill address.He will remove the vats + unused smog stuff from the ecm for $75.If you want to rework the harness yourself I used www.alldata.com to get the pinouts for the 2004 z06 harness i did for a 1957 chevy.The 1984 will need a better fuel pump but 1 of those walbro 255lph pumps should work.Earls has adaptors for the fuel plumbing.I am getting ready to put a 5.3 in my 87 vette with the 4+3.Vetteworks has some motor mounts.The stock c5 exhaust should work.