LS1 conversion ?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
LS1 conversion ?
I'm still busy with the bodywork and paint but I just got a pretty good offer:
LS1 and 6speed tranny from a 2000SS with 60K miles, all accessories included (water pump, AC, PCM, injectors, intake, TB,clutch)
It's a local junkyard, I can probably get the pedals as well (auto conversion)
I thought about the TKO 5speed conversion but now I can get the T56 and the engine for less than what the tranny conversion would cost.....
will the T56 fit ? Do I have to shorten the driveshaft ? How much of a "bolt in" is this ?
LS1 and 6speed tranny from a 2000SS with 60K miles, all accessories included (water pump, AC, PCM, injectors, intake, TB,clutch)
It's a local junkyard, I can probably get the pedals as well (auto conversion)
I thought about the TKO 5speed conversion but now I can get the T56 and the engine for less than what the tranny conversion would cost.....
will the T56 fit ? Do I have to shorten the driveshaft ? How much of a "bolt in" is this ?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Make sure you get the wiring harness too.
The LS1/T56 isn't a simple drop-in but IMO it is worth the effort involved. There are motor mount adapters available for ~$50.00 that will take care of positioning the engine. The T56 is ~3" longer than a 4-speed so the trans crossmember needs to be modified. The trans yolks are different also so try to get the one from the SS. The driveshaft does need to be shortened to work.
Guages are another issue. The T56 speedo is electric, tach is electric, oil pressure is electric.
The shifter hole in the tunned needs to be opened up a bit for the T56 but if you are converting from an auto you have to cut a hole anyway.
Not sure if the pedals will fit. You might be better off getting a C3 set or putting your own set together from parts. From what I can see in the AIM both standard and auto pedal setups use the same bracket.
The fuel system needs to be modified also. An electric pump must be used. There are a variety of ways to plumb the fuel system.
I think that sums up the major changes - there are also many details that need to be taken care of.
Like I said before, I think it's worth the effort.
Rick B.
The LS1/T56 isn't a simple drop-in but IMO it is worth the effort involved. There are motor mount adapters available for ~$50.00 that will take care of positioning the engine. The T56 is ~3" longer than a 4-speed so the trans crossmember needs to be modified. The trans yolks are different also so try to get the one from the SS. The driveshaft does need to be shortened to work.
Guages are another issue. The T56 speedo is electric, tach is electric, oil pressure is electric.
The shifter hole in the tunned needs to be opened up a bit for the T56 but if you are converting from an auto you have to cut a hole anyway.
Not sure if the pedals will fit. You might be better off getting a C3 set or putting your own set together from parts. From what I can see in the AIM both standard and auto pedal setups use the same bracket.
The fuel system needs to be modified also. An electric pump must be used. There are a variety of ways to plumb the fuel system.
I think that sums up the major changes - there are also many details that need to be taken care of.
Like I said before, I think it's worth the effort.
Rick B.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
Originally Posted by 72LS1Vette
Not sure if the pedals will fit. You might be better off getting a C3 set or putting your own set together from parts. From what I can see in the AIM both standard and auto pedal setups use the same bracket.
A used pedal assembly is like $30 out of a C3. See no reason to go through the hassle of doing the Camaro pedals.Have any questions or want any pics I can help you out as well seeing as I have no body on my frame yet.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 1
From: grand prairie texas
I dont have an LS1 in my corvette just a well built 350 but I have a 2001 formula with a ram air 320 horse LS1 and It will run the britches off of my 77 corvette. If you make it happen you will be pleased with the performance.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Thanks everybody - I didn't think that I would even consider this swap at this time but the offer is too good to turn down.... It's a local business so I can at least see the engine before I buy and make sure it's complete, check fluids, look inside the valve cover, pull a spark plug or two and so on....
I have the LS1 in my '99 Z28, it performs pretty well with the auto tranny, can't imagine how much fun it's going to be with a 6speed manual.....
I don't think my sidepipe headers will fit the LS1
I have the LS1 in my '99 Z28, it performs pretty well with the auto tranny, can't imagine how much fun it's going to be with a 6speed manual.....
I don't think my sidepipe headers will fit the LS1
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Originally Posted by MYBAD79
Thanks everybody - I didn't think that I would even consider this swap at this time but the offer is too good to turn down.... It's a local business so I can at least see the engine before I buy and make sure it's complete, check fluids, look inside the valve cover, pull a spark plug or two and so on....
I have the LS1 in my '99 Z28, it performs pretty well with the auto tranny, can't imagine how much fun it's going to be with a 6speed manual.....
I don't think my sidepipe headers will fit the LS1
I have the LS1 in my '99 Z28, it performs pretty well with the auto tranny, can't imagine how much fun it's going to be with a 6speed manual.....
I don't think my sidepipe headers will fit the LS1
You can use your sidepipes on an LS1 with some modifications. PatsLS1Vette did it on his by using LS1 flanges and reworking the ends of the pipes to fit. Looks great and I'm sure it sounds awesome. I think SuperJames has sisepipes on his motor also. Check his pics for a good look at how everything drops into the frame.
Rick B.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by 72LS1Vette
You can use your sidepipes on an LS1 with some modifications. PatsLS1Vette did it on his by using LS1 flanges and reworking the ends of the pipes to fit. Looks great and I'm sure it sounds awesome. I think SuperJames has sisepipes on his motor also. Check his pics for a good look at how everything drops into the frame.
Rick B.
I found superjames photo of the LS1 with sidepipes - wow, that looks easier than I thought.
They're asking $4200 but I think I can get it for $4000. I think it's a great deal, considering it's local and I can see the stuff before I buy.
I'll have to make up my mind....
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,997
Likes: 1
From: WAY DEEP INSIDE AMERICO,YES YOU LIVE HERE TO!! TX
Originally Posted by MYBAD79
They're asking $4200 but I think I can get it for $4000. I think it's a great deal, considering it's local and I can see the stuff before I buy.
.
HOLY SMACK
You can buy them down here all day long for $2800.00without the computer
Maybe $3000.00 with it.
