LS1 in an early C3, need a technical roadmap
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
A lot of speed shops do change outs and the owner wants a bigger motor or different block. I bought mine at a Mustang rebuilder. There are several places in DFW that just salvage F-bodys and Mustangs, so engines are easier to find.
The prices on ebay are through the roof, so look for complete cars that are wrecked. You can pick up a wrecked Firebird for $2000.
The prices on ebay are through the roof, so look for complete cars that are wrecked. You can pick up a wrecked Firebird for $2000.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Burlington Ky
Originally Posted by corvettecris
Ha, 'squishies'...
One more question: Any tips on buying a LS1? I have been looking on eBay, and have noticed that there are a quite a few to choose from. I dont think I will be able to get a very good deal locally here in San Diego.
Looks like most of them run between 40 - 80,000 miles or so. When you buy used, is it best to just go ahead and have it rebuilt before even putting it in the car? Any recommendations on a source for quality LS1s?
One more question: Any tips on buying a LS1? I have been looking on eBay, and have noticed that there are a quite a few to choose from. I dont think I will be able to get a very good deal locally here in San Diego.
Looks like most of them run between 40 - 80,000 miles or so. When you buy used, is it best to just go ahead and have it rebuilt before even putting it in the car? Any recommendations on a source for quality LS1s?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 0
From: largo florida
98's have problems with rod bolts in #5 cylinder
Budman, where can you find totalled trans ams for 2k? I would love to pick one of those up and resell my stuff on ebay. I would make a killing!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
2001+ is ideal. They all came with the LS6 intake manifold. Also buy a new timing chain. The replacement chain from GM is the same one that is used on the LS2 and is more than sufficient. I talked to David Farmer, one of the World Challenge racers, last year and he said the stock bottom end with upgraded rod bolts and timing chain was good to 6900 RPM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
Never heard that one. I thought 97-2000 all used the same rod bolts, then were updated to non yield to torque ones in 2001. I would spend the extra money and buy ARP or Katech rod bolts anyways. They tend to be the weak link in the bottom end.
Budman, where can you find totalled trans ams for 2k? I would love to pick one of those up and resell my stuff on ebay. I would make a killing!
Budman, where can you find totalled trans ams for 2k? I would love to pick one of those up and resell my stuff on ebay. I would make a killing!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by 70 LS1
2001+ is ideal. They all came with the LS6 intake manifold. Also buy a new timing chain. The replacement chain from GM is the same one that is used on the LS2 and is more than sufficient. I talked to David Farmer, one of the World Challenge racers, last year and he said the stock bottom end with upgraded rod bolts and timing chain was good to 6900 RPM.
6900, no wonder they set the rev limiter at 6200.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Burlington Ky
Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
Never heard that one. I thought 97-2000 all used the same rod bolts, then were updated to non yield to torque ones in 2001. I would spend the extra money and buy ARP or Katech rod bolts anyways. They tend to be the weak link in the bottom end.
I probably worded it wrong. It wasn't so much of a problem as just something to look out for especially in hard use and ARP bolts do fix it. My builder explained it to me though I don't remember the particulars. In '98 engines, one particular rod bolt would break, the rod would then always swing over and take out #5. He has one in his office for display and it ain't pretty. I'm also pretty sure that they changed bolts in '99, though maybe not away from torque to yield.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte NC
Ok, I found a 98 LS1 with T56 for $3000 with 45,000 miles. Guaranteed in excellent condition. What do you think? I have looked around locally a bit, and everyone i have talked to just says "Good luck in San Diego!"
Last edited by corvettecris; Apr 18, 2005 at 09:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
What comes with it? The '98 motor can be run with a later computer, which will make tuning easier. If $3k buys you everything (motor, tranny, accessories, computer, harness, etc) it's a decent price. If it just gets you the motor and tranny, you can do better.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte NC
Comes wiith all the accessories, harnes, CPU, manifolds, sensor, and all.
here is the URL:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=7967269844
The only thing that worries me is that the seller has no feedback really. I'm not sure If I want to take that risk...
here is the URL:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=7967269844
The only thing that worries me is that the seller has no feedback really. I'm not sure If I want to take that risk...
Last edited by corvettecris; Apr 18, 2005 at 11:09 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
It looks pretty good to me. There's nothing wrong with '98s, it's just like buying a '68 Corvette, there's a few one-year-only things that can make it more difficult.
Looks like the auction is over. Not to worry, there will be more.
Looks like the auction is over. Not to worry, there will be more.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
The exhaust manifolds are slightly different, too. Just keep looking and hold out for one that is in really good shape. If you go with ebay, make sure you ask a lot of questions. There are some pretty good deals and there are some pretty bad ones as well. I got my 99 engine from ebay for 3600 shipped from SC to WA. This was almost 4 years ago.
And one more thing. Do not do an LS1 swap without swaping out the cam. You will regret it later if you don't.
And one more thing. Do not do an LS1 swap without swaping out the cam. You will regret it later if you don't.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Originally Posted by 70 LS1
And one more thing. Do not do an LS1 swap without swaping out the cam. You will regret it later if you don't.
This one comes from 70LS1's personal experience....
-Matt (who put in a TR224/224 when it was nice and easy
)