Hello everyone,....

I already decided that I want to switch over to the T5 Trans and am already working on gathering parts. Then I got thinking. What am I doing switching the transmission without having a plan for the engine. The original plan was an LS1 --- LOVE THAT ENGINE! I'D TAKE IT IN A HONDA CIVIC IF I HAD TO. But I'm beginning to realize that its a little out of my price range,... at least for now. A couple of options include rebuilding an LS1 from scratch, Building an LT1/LT4, TBI or TPI motor, or going retro and doing a 350 First GEN with a Carb. I have a 1982 Corvette so I may run into some emissions problems doing that. I would really love to put a better fuel injection system in. The engine is beat so a swap is going to be necessary. I really dislike the crossfire injection so I would like to move to some other sort of fuel injection. Any ideas,....?? Whats my options. Keep in mind this is a 82 Corvette so spending $4500 on an LS1 just isn't worth it.

Horspower goal is 400.

Thanks for the opinions,
Dan

 

Dan,
Your '82 Shark is a CORVETTE, not a volkswagon bug! It is a very comfortable crusin' machine....but it is NOT a speed burner unless you do A LOT of work on it!! You seem to be on a very limited budget, so YOU HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO FIX IT YOURSELF. Your stock engine is NEVER going to make 400 hp unless you bore and stroke it to at least 383 cu in, and change the heads, mainfold, fuel injection and exhaust, and that is going to cost you WAY OVER $4500.00 and, yes, you WILL run into problems with the smog *****, ....ah..your state department of motor vehicles, that is...
So, that leaves you with building your own engine--IF you have the experience to do that--or putting in a crate engine. GM performance parts makes a 385hp Fastburn small block engine that is fuel injected for about $4,800.00, if my memory serves me, and you STILL have to install it in your car....whiich will cost you MORE $$, or alot of time and effort...and then you need to beef up the transmission to take the extra power, AND you will need to get a bigger radiator to take care of the extra heat generated by the bigger engine....MORE $$$
On the other hand, you could spend a couple of grand to spruce up your L83 to 300 hp and have a nice crossfire cruiser. Your choice.

 

Well you could build a 383 & use either the Edelbrock or Holley injectors. I think that both are certified for use on pollution controlled vehicles, but you should check that carefully before investing. (oohh, sound like a broker don't I) You didn't say which state you're in, but check your Motor Vehicle laws. In Texas you can register any car, 25 years or older as an antique. The main reason for this is that no inspections, of any kind, are required, period. However, there are use restrictions and a cop seeing you drive by every day might question your limited use declaration. Speed cost money, how fast can you afford to go?

 

Talk to Twin Turbo before you give up on the Cease-Fire. There is much that can be done to them and they are very reliable.

If you are bound and determined to get rid of it, then TPI is probably the easiest swap. I have TPI and I love it. 400 HP may be a bit aggressive a goal with TPI unless you use aftermarket runners and intake.

 

Sorry,

I think I should re-phrase this question. I'm not familiar with the newer generation small block engines. I really would like to update to a better type of fuel injection. Something with more capabilities and even a cleaner look would be nice. The problem is that I'm not sure what interchanges with what. I was also considering an LS1 swap because I just drove my friends New GTO and I was VERY VERY impressed. It seems to have everything you could want from power to sound to smoothness. In any event I have no problem rebuilding the engine that is in my car. I am currently building a 454 for my other car.... Soild Roller Cam, Eagle Crank, Hyper Speed Pros... Its rated at 650+ horspower. I am doing all the work myself. I'm just new to the world of fuel injection engines and GEN II and GEN III engines. I know what to build when I'm rebuilding the engine, I just don't know how to get the engine to acutally wire up to the car with a different fuel injection system. The 454 cost me $2500,... I can't see spending $4800 on a SBC,... the worlds most over produced engine.... Sorry if I mislead you guys,... oh and the car is covered under Classic insurance, so I wont be driving it everyday anway,.... its just another weekend cruiser project.

Dan

Im located in New York and our emissions regulations suck too...

 

LS1 with a carb ??? Hmmmmm

 

Tpi is a nice set up for a street motor. Torque low down like you wouldn't believe. You can pick up a used f-body in rough shape pretty cheap and get the peices you would need. The 90-92 with speed density is more tuneable if you are going to use a custom chip. 86-89 maf systems are good, if your going to leave it pretty much stock. Stay away from the 85 version. It was the first year of the tpi, and the ecm is not very good. The ecm was changed for 1986 model year. The reason for buying a complete car is to get the harness and ecm with the tpi. I also have a friend in So Cal who owns a company named House of Camaro. He buys running Third Gen f-body cars with tpi and parts them out. He cleans the parts up and sells them all over the world. www.houseofcamaro.com He might have a tpi with ecm and harness available.

 

And go with a Holley ECU...

 

I think your budget is your limiting factor. With all the "other" parts you are going to need with a LS1 motor you will be over your budget with ease.
A 650 HP BB with a roller cam for 2400. You are a wise shopper!

 

I predict the next hot set up for us old school guys will be the carburated LS-1. The motor rocks. It comes with all the hot rod stuff already done to it. As more and more '98+ Z28's and firebirds hit the end of the line, and become less valuable, you'll be able to pick up a used LS-1 and 6 speed for a few grand. And now you can buy a stand alone ignition for them complete with an intake manifold for a Q jet or holley. No computer! Even now, you can find cast iron Gen III motors in GM pickups for a reasonable price. What could be cooler!

 

Did they put any LS1's in trucks,...?? I didn't consider that....

Dan

 

The truck motors were the same design as the ls1 but were iron blocks. Aluminum Ls1 was only available in f-bodies, Vettes, and last years GTO. The aluminum ls1 used replaceable iron sleeves for the cylinders. I don't know if the truck blocks use replaceable sleeves or have the cylinders cast into the block like gen 1 & 2 mouse motors.