I have a 1980 vette and it has the small 350 4 speed in it. I am thinking of dropping in an LT4 that I can buy from a friend. It is the motor from the GS corvette. I know it has all electronic stuff that my car does not hook up to. Would this be an easy swap or are several things going to have to be "made"? Will my water pump and those things fit the LT4?
Thanks,

 

Nothing from your C-3 engine will fit on an LT-4. You will need all the brackets, pulleys, A/C compressor, p/s pump and resevoir. You will need to retro-fit all plumbing and hoses. But it would be a nice conversion when done!

 

LT4 is just an LT1 with upgraded components.

LT1 had reverse flow coolant (heads first) water pump is under the optispark distributor. Basically nothing will swap over.

Look for LT1 conversions and I would bet most of the same info applies.

Is the LT4 toast? Will you get the ECU / Harness and releated equipment?

 

so.... you think this would be an expensive change over?

 

Depends on what he wants for the motor. But most likely yes. Expensive and time consuming. At least compared to a rebuild of your current motor. That would bolt right up and you could re-use some stuff.

An LT4 would be super cool though. Thats the bling factor. Plus with factory fuel injection running a Factory ecu it would be smooth.

 

I can buy the lt4 for 2500. Am i looking at @ 4000 to do this?

 

will this just trash the value?

 

Trust me when I say that this is no project for the faint of heart. I'm in the middle of installing an LT1 with the body off of my car. If you can get an LT1 from a vette with all the front accessories, you've already overcome a big challenge because all the accessories are already in the right position. Another major hurdle is the electrical system . . . you should get the dash harness also. The dash harness should have all of your anit-theft system (VATS) and internal fuse box. When you do the conversion you'll have to deal with the power steering and making new connections, O2 sensors in the exhaust, electric fans, electric fuel pump, and you'll have to do away with all rubber fuel line connections since they won't hold the pressure needed for the EFI system. Nothing from your old motor will fit, period. The exhaust manifolds should be OK . . . the ports are different shapes but I think I've seen people with 'D' shaped ports used round or square headers. The exhaust manifolds from the Corvette I think have a different size exhaust pipe than the stock C3 exhaust. If you plan to use the AIR pump or the EGR, you'll need to customize your manifolds.

That's about all I can think of at the moment. Whatever you budget in terms of money and time, expect to exceed

Goodluck

This is my in-tank electric pump.


This is my messy garage.


My fuel filter.


Fuel tank with connections.

 

80Xflags, thats AWESOME. keep us posted

Here is mine for now.

 

I'm convinced !!! I think I will just rebuild the old motor and run it. I don't want that big of a project. I already have a Harley in the garage with the pistons hanging out....