1977 Corvette
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 200
Likes: 4
From: Richmond Virginia
From what I've seen, almost any corvette LS motor will fit in a C3, but putting an LS series engine into a corvette from the 70s takes a LOT of work. Getting things to be compatible with the computer, fuel system, ignition, etc. is a bear. It's been done, and there are lots of examples out there (you can Google "Corvette LS swap" for some examples), but it's not easy, and not a job for someone that doesn't have some combination of a lot of expertise, time, and money.
If he's just looking to have a new powerful motor put in, he could look at something more like a Chevrolet Performance ZZ4 engine. That engine would be much closer to a direct swap. It's just a new, improved version of the small block that's already in the car.
So yeah, just about anything that will fit in the engine bay can be swapped in, it's just getting all the compatibility worked out that will kill you. The less it is like a carbureted small block, the more effort to make it work.
If he's just looking to have a new powerful motor put in, he could look at something more like a Chevrolet Performance ZZ4 engine. That engine would be much closer to a direct swap. It's just a new, improved version of the small block that's already in the car.
So yeah, just about anything that will fit in the engine bay can be swapped in, it's just getting all the compatibility worked out that will kill you. The less it is like a carbureted small block, the more effort to make it work.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 4
From: Calgary Alberta
It is definitely special to have an LS engine under the hood of an C3 but if I were to go to the trouble then I would probably look at a LS3 or an LS7 to swap in to make the effort worth it.
Otherwise, I would say swap in an high performance SBC or BBC with maybe a EZ-EFI fuel injection system and have less overall special issues to deal with.
JMHO!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
Probably the best advise but the situation may be he just has the car and asks if it possible and doesn't have interest in getting to know the forum.It sure is possible. I agree with going with a better engine than the LS1. Have a budget of $15,000 in mind unless he is going to scrounge for all used parts and do the labor himself over some months.
GM Performance makes hotrod kits for just this situation. Can get a brand new and under warrantee matched set of LS3 and 6 speed trans with the computer and harness. Have a good shop install it in a week and your are good to go.
http://www.gmperformancemotor.com/pa...SLS34L65E.html
And if he got to really know the forum and the specific situation it probably would be better to sell the 77 for this project and get a 69-72 Corvette instead. I have a 77 and love it but I hate to see people put high price items in a car that will never be worth much overall.
