I'm at the body off phase of my 76' project and I'm thinking about my engine options. My original plan was to go with a GM short block with Edelbrock heads and intake. My choices are very limited due to the fact that my car stll has to pass the bi-annual CA emissions test.
The other choice I'm considering is to swap in a newer LS motor. After reading the archives from you guys who have done the swap, I think I want to go for it.
I have a few questions.

It sounds like there is a LS1-2-3-4-5-6 & we all know about the 7. What year of donor car would the different engines be in?
Are the F-body LS motors the same?
LS1 seems to be the most common swap. Is that because there are so many C5's that are cheap?
What is the difference between an LS1 and an LS6 (internal)?
Does the LS1 have a dry sump like the LS7?

If I managed to attach this file correctly, this is an example of a potential donor. I think it's a C5. It looks like the transmission configuration is completly different so I'm not sure it would be usable. TIA...GP

 

no the ls1 is wet sump,and the parts for ls1's are alot cheaper.The transmission from a c5 is in the rear and connected by a torque tube.If you can find a fbody setup youde be way ahead of the game.And can also use the transmission also.The accessorys work and the oil pan fits better.Also dont get hung up on having an ls6,because with a ls1 with cam swap and the ls6 intake youll be past that power anyway.

 

Pat hit the highlights for you. In general, if you find an F-body engine and transmission you will have fewer headaches. You will need an F-body transmission regardless of which engine you get. The differences between Corvette LS1 and F-body LS1 are external: oil pan, no EGR, front accessories, and exhaust manifolds are the big ones that I can think of off the top of my head. As mentioned, the differences between LS1 and LS6 are: heads, cam, and intake manifold. All of which you could find cheaply if you look around. A set of aftermarket ported heads and a cam will net you even more power than the LS6. The LS6 intake is decent, relatively inexpensive, and will bolt to any LSx heads. There are aftermarket intakes but you would need to be making much more than stock power to appreciate it (and they're expensive).

In the picture of the donor that you posted, you'll need a lot of fabrication to make anything other than the longblock fit in your car. Most of us bought F-body engine & transmission combos. If you can find one that also includes the wiring harness, PCM, intake, fuel rail & injectors, and front accessories you will avoid many future headaches chasing down parts. (Believe me... I know all about this.)

Check out the Conversions & Hybrids section of LS1tech.com. You'll find more info than you know what to do with there.

Good luck.

 

Thanks Guys. What would make the ideal donor? I'm guessing Camaro. Is the Firebird the same? What years? What else is an F-Body so I can start looking. I may try to buy a complete car so I make sure I get everything. Also, I assume these had both 4 spd automatics and 5 speed manuals. What did you guys go with?

 

Just got back from the LS1TECH site. No need to answer any more questions about the LS motors. Thanks for the tip.

I found a couple of potential donor cars in my area. The first is a 99 z/28 6 speed for $2000 for the whole car. Has bottom end noise so it needs rebuilt. The 2nd is in a wrecked 02 Firebird with an automatic for $2900 for the eng/trans & computer. Miles unknown at this time. Do these seem like reasonable prices?

 

the wrecked 02 if your getting everything for 2900 isnt bad,also the intake should be a ls6 intake already,after 01 they started using them on all ls1's.And it doesnt matter firebird or camaro either.Good luck let us know which way you go.And also agree on ls1tech ,youll find out alot of info there.

 

Pat, you an INSTIGATOR, you got me all upset and thinking about a LS1 for my car now....damnit....

just got the thing running fine, and now it's up in the air a bit....

I SHOULD stick with my game plan....


to quote a buddy.....DAMNIT MAN!!!!

 

Just go for it gene,youde be much happier.

 

uhhh huhh....and POORER TOO.....

DAMNIT MAN!!!

 

Also, if you are lucky on the 02, it may be an LS6 block also. 25% of the LS motors installed in the 02 cars had them. Not that the LS6 block makes any more power, it would have been for the cool factor only. When I was looking I wanted 02 or later. I found what I wanted it and it was a 27k mile setup out of an SS Camaro. I hope to put mine in this fall/winter/spring. I am looking to add a cam and some heads before I do the swap though. Just keep looking and the right one will come along for you.

 

Going today to look at 2 wrecked 02's with automatics. I'm tempted to do the 6-speed but I don't want the extra work of adding the pedal. I printed out a post from Budman78 on another thread that says there is an egr tube on the intake behind the throttle body on the LS1. If anybody has a picture of this, it would be great.........gp

 

http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=5
click on second picture youll see tube just behind throttle body going to pass. side
here read this article,i dont have one since mu intake was from a c5 vette.