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Have been looking for my first C3 (love the old school look). Had been shopping for a 383 stroker or modified crate swapped small block C3 for some healthy performance. I am now pondering a LS1, PSI kit, swap C3 with side pipes.. What should I know about these kinds LS1 swaps? Are there some inherent problems I should be aware of? I've not driven it - what should I expect re. performance & handling characteristics?
I've not driven it - what should I expect re. performance & handling characteristics?
Stock c3’s are not cornering monsters. They can be upgraded to be so, but just be aware suspension components are pricey. steering is not tight, not the best feedback. Stock suspension is squishy. Stock tires are too small. Weight distribution is great though.
same with performance. The vast majority of stock c3’s, big or small block, are slower than a modern SUV. Again, can be easily fixed but costs money. Just look up 1/4 mile times for the c3 generation. Like 14-17 seconds
I would just recommend really considering what you want and how much you want to spend.
They are great looking cars with a ton of aftermarket support to have fun with. Tons of build options.
A PSI kit from here? https://www.psiconversion.com/
Those are nifty. I hadn't seen that before, but there's certainly a market for a specific underhood appearance.
An LS engine, and an LS1 in particular (with an aluminum block), will be lighter than whatever is in your C3 now. Making your car lighter is always a performance improvement. Suspension improvements, though not glamorous or something you can show off at a car show, will have a much bigger impact than your choice of engine.
The reason to go with an LS-based engine is the far superior aftermarket support, tunability with a laptop, the ability to boost them to the moon with stock parts, free EFI, coil-on-plug ignition, roller cam, and a host of other improvements, There's nothing "wrong" with the (Gen III) LS-based engines, or most of the Gen IV engines, or well-made kits to install them. As with anything electrical, most of the issues come from installation errors.
I've done over a half dozen into various vehicles. Mild cams with 4L60E/TKO 600 and T56 trans swaps.
First when you say LS1 the last "new" LS1/LS6 was made 20 years ago? The alum LS1/LS6 cannot be bore only lightly honed. So unless you can find a new unused LS1 block I would move the later model LS engines either in alum or iron. The later model iron blocks can be bored like a SBC.
As said above its hard to beat a roller cam/roller rocker/cross bolted block/no coolant in the intake with 15 degree heads engine.
Pic of my 71 C3 with a LS1/4L60E combo. The LS1 was last "new" from Pace GM built they had in stock. Sold it a number years ago to make room for a new project. Was a great project.
Current project is a 80 Camaro with a LS3/4L60E swap.
Keep in mind that changing to an LS engine will require many different parts instead of going from a small block to another small or even big block. LSs have great performance and a number of benefits over a SBC, but you have to consider if you even need it. What are your goals with the car? And more importantly, what’s your budget? If it allows, it might be worth the extra money buying a car that’s already set up the way you want it.
Like others have said, the handling on these cars in stock form doesn’t hold a match to the newer ones. The suspension was designed in the late 50’s/early 60’s after all, but it’s still very good when compared to other cars of the era. With a good set of shocks, springs, and wheels and tires, combined with some stiffening so the chassis they can be greatly improved from their stock form.
I have a 76 C3. I also am looking to do a stroker swap. I thought about the LS swap. I got a #'s matching block and think I'm gonna build one instead. Still a chance I abort this plan and go with a crate 383 from blue print.
Suspension adjustments are going to be interesting.... so is the amount of $$ we're going to have to invest!! I'll tab this and let you know how I am coming along as well...
advice request LS1 swapped early C3
