LS engine into 82'
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
It all depends on the skill level of the installer. There are many 'things' that need to be addressed that have nothing to do with just getting the engine bolted in place.
There are kits out there that make it easy....but...once again....depends on the person installing it and making sure that all 'things' are correct.
An un-skilled person...it is possible...but,,,hopefully this person is willing to put a lot of time into it.
I am very skilled...and I would still have a lot of time getting it installed...and this is due to the level of experience I have currently...I would look at this installation in a different manner... and routing or lines, wiring, computer mounting and all other things would have to be done in a way that it is a professional installation and looks good along with working correctly. A person can get it running with hoses and wires goring every which way...but a professional will get these components routed and secured correctly and not only look good...but be installed in a manner that would protect them from heat and wear over time. Sometimes it is the SMALL things that can eat up time....so this SMALL things does not turn into a BIG problem.
DUB
There are kits out there that make it easy....but...once again....depends on the person installing it and making sure that all 'things' are correct.
An un-skilled person...it is possible...but,,,hopefully this person is willing to put a lot of time into it.
I am very skilled...and I would still have a lot of time getting it installed...and this is due to the level of experience I have currently...I would look at this installation in a different manner... and routing or lines, wiring, computer mounting and all other things would have to be done in a way that it is a professional installation and looks good along with working correctly. A person can get it running with hoses and wires goring every which way...but a professional will get these components routed and secured correctly and not only look good...but be installed in a manner that would protect them from heat and wear over time. Sometimes it is the SMALL things that can eat up time....so this SMALL things does not turn into a BIG problem.
DUB
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 468
Likes: 20
From: Warrenton VA
...I would look at this installation in a different manner... and routing or lines, wiring, computer mounting and all other things would have to be done in a way that it is a professional installation and looks good along with working correctly. A person can get it running with hoses and wires goring every which way...but a professional will get these components routed and secured correctly and not only look good...but be installed in a manner that would protect them from heat and wear over time. Sometimes it is the SMALL things that can eat up time....so this SMALL things does not turn into a BIG problem.
DUB
DUB
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
was thinking of this my self today.i also have a 82 that runs great but needs more hp. I drove my sons 2002 z28.great motor and trans.i think the motor will fit in fine but I have to do some thinking on the trany.i want it to look like factory install.my idea would be to install motor trany and computer compleat from a donor car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
I have been looking in to this myself and if I had the motor I'd be tackling it right now. I think the biggest concern as DUB had mentioned is where to mount all the items needed. Then the headache of converting the power steering and AC system to the LS mounts. It has been done and they say the 82 is the easiest because of the electric fuel pump and lines. (hear say). So if anyone wants to donate a LS3 I will be the guinea pig. 
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
ok, you will be going from one efi setup to a different one. essentially rewiring whole car. harristbichips on ebay. he reprograms tbi chips...thus the name. i think any ecu can be programmed to run just about any efi setup. get in touch with him and see if he thinks it is doable. if so, then you are just putting new tps, map, and so on ends on the existing wires instead of replacing everything right through the dash to the ecu.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
IF I did...I did not mean to scare people away from doing a LS swap.
FOR ME...it has so much to do with REPAIR and SERVICEABILITY! Thinking ahead....WAY into the future....and asking yourself.."What can I do to make this part of the install be easier IF something goes wrong.".
REMEMBER..."WOUDA-COULDA-SHOULDA" should NOT be spoken when a problem arises. IF it is spoken...then....hopefully that is when the problem is corrected.
DUB
FOR ME...it has so much to do with REPAIR and SERVICEABILITY! Thinking ahead....WAY into the future....and asking yourself.."What can I do to make this part of the install be easier IF something goes wrong.".
REMEMBER..."WOUDA-COULDA-SHOULDA" should NOT be spoken when a problem arises. IF it is spoken...then....hopefully that is when the problem is corrected.
DUB
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 406
Likes: 22
From: Lyons Colorado
I did it using a 2002 Trans Am LS1 and A4, it came with the PCM and harness which I used, I also used the radiator and cooling fans. I've done similar swaps of newer drive trains in older cars before so it wasn't all that difficult for me. I extended the factory harness to put the PCM in the compartment behind the passenger seat. I used the stock trans crossmember and used a Corvette Central dual exhaust setup modified to use cats. I'm very happy with the results, the car has loads of power, passed emissions for a 2004 model year vehicle and gets 23 MPG. I suspect the '82 is the easiest of the C3's to do this with.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 15
From: Mobile Alabama
Putting an LS in a C3 is not that hard for an experienced person, but it is not for everyone. You end up touching most every system in the car. The exhaust, electrical, fuel, gauges, and other things have to be changed in some way. Don't even bother with trying to use the 82 computer, the LS computer is like 5 generations newer. You can re-program the stock LS ECU, or go with an aftermarket control system. As for the 82 having an electric fuel pump, it would have to be replaced with an LS compatible and the LS uses much higher pressure so you would still need to change some things. I swapped in one a couple of years ago. It is perfect for what I want. To me, using a late model OD trans is one of the best benefits.