easiest LS1 / LT1 conversion in 79 C3
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 599
Likes: 16
From: vista CA
easiest LS1 / LT1 conversion in 79 C3
I am considering an entire engine/tranny swap in my 79 C3 L48 auto. Looking at camaro/firebird LT1/stick or auto, vette LT1/stick or auto, and camaro/firebird LS1 stick/auto.
I know my auto to stick conversion will complicate and cost some more, but not sure how much. Just know it would be lots funner
.
I want to keep AC and was wondering which configuration is easiest coversion (or are they all about the same)?
I like the LS1 (also have a 98 C5 auto) - but the LT1's costs seem lower. I also had a firebird formula v8 with LT1 - hate the opti-puke!, but know how to deal with it.
Any advice?
I know my auto to stick conversion will complicate and cost some more, but not sure how much. Just know it would be lots funner
.I want to keep AC and was wondering which configuration is easiest coversion (or are they all about the same)?
I like the LS1 (also have a 98 C5 auto) - but the LT1's costs seem lower. I also had a firebird formula v8 with LT1 - hate the opti-puke!, but know how to deal with it.
Any advice?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
LT1 is based on the standard small block much easier than a LS1 swap. It will bolt up to your stock setup no problem... you just need wiring for computer and fuel system and cooling system is different reverse flow.
BUT a LS1 makes more POWER
engine mount and transmission will not bolt to stock setup without some mods.
tranny for auto different flexplate and sleeve for input shaft.
for engine... the motor will have to be moved forward or backward either way works... but that means moving the tranny and changing the driveshaft. Plus all the above stuff....
Unless you slap a HOLLEY on IT!!!
BUT a LS1 makes more POWER
engine mount and transmission will not bolt to stock setup without some mods.tranny for auto different flexplate and sleeve for input shaft.
for engine... the motor will have to be moved forward or backward either way works... but that means moving the tranny and changing the driveshaft. Plus all the above stuff....
Unless you slap a HOLLEY on IT!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
The conversion is not really harder for LS1 than LT1. Especially now that so many have done it. I would suggest a 2001 or 2002 Camaro/Trans Am LS1 with 6 speed. You will need the pedal assembly from a manual C3. You will need an inline fuel pump and regulator, electric fans, engine and trans mounts, shorten the driveshaft. Other than that it is pretty straight forward.
It is worth the money to go LS1: more power, better mileage, tons of tech support available, more aftermarket parts available than LT1, etc.
Check out the conversions section of ls1tech.com. Scooter70 and myself are both moderators there and can get you going in the right direction.
It is worth the money to go LS1: more power, better mileage, tons of tech support available, more aftermarket parts available than LT1, etc.
Check out the conversions section of ls1tech.com. Scooter70 and myself are both moderators there and can get you going in the right direction.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 599
Likes: 16
From: vista CA
Sleazy, Holley505 and Jeff,
Thanks for the inputs. I was leaning towards the late model camaro LS1 with stick - love my 98's LS1 and would like the old 79 classic to have enough guts to not get spanked by any other car with 4 wheels - CA smog laws changed just a few months after I bought the 79 - so its either live with the old inefficient smog crap, or transplant (smogs to the motor).
I have been poking around the sites I figured on most of what Jeff said. I have been watching ebay for complete motor/tranny deals, and call the local salvage yards...any other good sources?
Thanks for the inputs. I was leaning towards the late model camaro LS1 with stick - love my 98's LS1 and would like the old 79 classic to have enough guts to not get spanked by any other car with 4 wheels - CA smog laws changed just a few months after I bought the 79 - so its either live with the old inefficient smog crap, or transplant (smogs to the motor).
I have been poking around the sites I figured on most of what Jeff said. I have been watching ebay for complete motor/tranny deals, and call the local salvage yards...any other good sources?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
We basically have the same car, so I should be able to help you through it. I didn't run A/C yet, but it doesn't look to hard. Just pricey for the brackets and compressor.
Vettedan makes the motor mount plates now, so call him for pricing.
Vettedan makes the motor mount plates now, so call him for pricing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
Going from an automatic to a stick is pretty simple. Like 70 LS1 said the only thing you'll have to do different is get a clutch and brake pedal assembly from a manual C3. Picked up mine at a show for like $30. I really don't see the LT1 conversion being much cheaper or that much easier.
