79 Vette LS1 Conversion
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
79 Vette LS1 Conversion
I've just acquired a LS1 motor out of a 2004 SS Commodore and want to put it in my 79 Vette.
What mods need to be done(Engine mounts e.t.c).I've done a little research on the net and I've learnt I need a reverse sump (out of a 99 Camaro?).
How hard is the conversion?
I want to try and keep it E.F.I as opposed to going Carby.HELP
It's proving too hard trying to get info here in Australia
What mods need to be done(Engine mounts e.t.c).I've done a little research on the net and I've learnt I need a reverse sump (out of a 99 Camaro?).
How hard is the conversion?
I want to try and keep it E.F.I as opposed to going Carby.HELP
It's proving too hard trying to get info here in Australia
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
There are a few guys on here that have done it,me for one just finishing mine up recently with the help from alot of guys here on the forum.Youll need motor mount adapters,i got mine from vettedan who makes them here on the forum.You can use the fbody oil pan,i used the truck pan and had to modify it to fit.I had jesse from wait4me performance program my pcm and worked great fired right up first time.Overall for hardness,i think it was easier then my tpi swap i did a few years before this swap.I also used the stock 99 fbody wiring harness and wired it myself,very easy and youll save alot over the aftermarket harnesses.As far as exhaust i went a different route and modified my sidepipes to work with the ls1.Im sure the rest will chime in soon,70ls1,scooter,budman ,79ls1 etc.....Good luck and take some pics.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
I figured patsnitrovette would chime in. He responded in the last thread involving this topic. Here are a couple of the threads.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...LS1&forum_id=3
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...LS1&forum_id=3
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...LS1&forum_id=3
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...LS1&forum_id=3
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Bob,
LS1Tech is a good resource. 70LS1 and I are both moderators of that forum. Just about every question that you can think of has probably been answered over there.
For the engine mounts, you can make your own pretty easily. Check out post #4 in the LS1 Swap FAQ. That document is a collection of a ton of work by all of the members of the LS1Tech conversions forum. Take a look through it and it should get you well on your way to getting your own swap going.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
LS1Tech is a good resource. 70LS1 and I are both moderators of that forum. Just about every question that you can think of has probably been answered over there.
For the engine mounts, you can make your own pretty easily. Check out post #4 in the LS1 Swap FAQ. That document is a collection of a ton of work by all of the members of the LS1Tech conversions forum. Take a look through it and it should get you well on your way to getting your own swap going.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Here is some info on my conversion.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/70lt1/ls1.shtml
Gr8Wht - Pat is using an auto with the stock mounts. Both Scooter and myself modified ours in different ways. His is a mount that bolts to the crossmember similar to the original 4 speed mount. Mine is a steel plate welded to the bottom of the trans. I don't have a pic of it installed but check here and you can see it before it was welded on.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/70lt1/mounts.shtml
Let me know if any of you have any questions.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/70lt1/ls1.shtml
Gr8Wht - Pat is using an auto with the stock mounts. Both Scooter and myself modified ours in different ways. His is a mount that bolts to the crossmember similar to the original 4 speed mount. Mine is a steel plate welded to the bottom of the trans. I don't have a pic of it installed but check here and you can see it before it was welded on.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/70lt1/mounts.shtml
Let me know if any of you have any questions.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 19
From: Northern CA
St. Jude Donor '10-'12, '25
That's where I got the idea (your conversion write up and pics)... Didn't think you were on here tonight. 
Did you rebuild your engine once you received it? Also, would it be a good idea to try and mount the LS1 & tranny with the body off (76')?
Thanks
Did you rebuild your engine once you received it? Also, would it be a good idea to try and mount the LS1 & tranny with the body off (76')?
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World
Originally Posted by aussiebob
I've just acquired a LS1 motor out of a 2004 SS Commodore and want to put it in my 79 Vette.
What mods need to be done(Engine mounts e.t.c).I've done a little research on the net and I've learnt I need a reverse sump (out of a 99 Camaro?).
How hard is the conversion?
I want to try and keep it E.F.I as opposed to going Carby.HELP
It's proving too hard trying to get info here in Australia
What mods need to be done(Engine mounts e.t.c).I've done a little research on the net and I've learnt I need a reverse sump (out of a 99 Camaro?).
How hard is the conversion?
I want to try and keep it E.F.I as opposed to going Carby.HELP
It's proving too hard trying to get info here in Australia
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Originally Posted by Gr8Wht
Did you rebuild your engine once you received it? Also, would it be a good idea to try and mount the LS1 & tranny with the body off (76')?
Thanks
Thanks
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by RHD '68 L89
Where are you located Bob? There are clubs in most states who may be able to help you. There are also ADR's you will have to comply with when you put a later model engine in your 79. Shouldn't be a problem if you keep the cats. Did you get the gearbox and 'puter with the motor?
And cheers to every-one else that answered,i've got some reading to do.LOL
Yes I have the computer,but no gearbox
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World
You may have to actually talk to someone in WA, they are about 20 years behind the rest of Australia 
NSW Corvettes Unlimited have a forum on their website. A lot slower compared to this one.
Us Aussies are a resourceful bunch. You should be able to get help locally to fit the motor.
On a side note, I saw a mid 70's Corolla with a 3.8L V6 out of a Commodore today. Runs solid 14s at the strip cos it just spins the wheels. A real sleeper, still had the factory rust installed......
NSW Corvettes Unlimited have a forum on their website. A lot slower compared to this one.
Us Aussies are a resourceful bunch. You should be able to get help locally to fit the motor.
On a side note, I saw a mid 70's Corolla with a 3.8L V6 out of a Commodore today. Runs solid 14s at the strip cos it just spins the wheels. A real sleeper, still had the factory rust installed......
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Somewhere on the web I found a PDF of the Holden engine manual. It's a great start. Go through it and learn what everything does. Also S $ P has some great streaming videos out there to watch. I would also go ahead and cam it while it's out. It will be alot easier now. Just my .02
There are a few pics of the tranny crossmember on my site, but if I did it again I would just buy a Jegs crossmember and weld it up. It would be alot faster.
There are a few pics of the tranny crossmember on my site, but if I did it again I would just buy a Jegs crossmember and weld it up. It would be alot faster.
