LS Engines? +'s & -'s?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 599
Likes: 16
From: vista CA
Great thread! Good to see more folks doing the LS1 into older vettes.
I planned for my 79 LS1 C3 conversion to take about a year (started Nov 2005) and just got it running good a couple of months ago - but still need to CA smog it within a couple of months. I did a lot of things the hard way - didn't get a complete f-body dropout (01 vette motor, f-body A4 harness /PCM but used a T56). Ended up with F-body accessories, harmonic balancer, oil pan and throttle body anyway
.
I did luck out on not having to shim my stock power steering, thank the gods for little favors. Using HP Tuners to tune it myself (and take care of those trouble codes). Engine is fairly stock for now (853 heads, stock cam). I used the early LS1 vette double wall exhaust manifolds, vette cats and ran true duals with x-pipe under diff, dynomax super turbo mufflers. I also switched all gauges to VDO and fabbed aluminum panels (speedo, console upper and lower). Still have to redo interior and repaint so it looks as good as it runs.
Forums (here and ls1tech) are great sources for this conversion, I got a lot of help from those whose blazed the way early.
I planned for my 79 LS1 C3 conversion to take about a year (started Nov 2005) and just got it running good a couple of months ago - but still need to CA smog it within a couple of months. I did a lot of things the hard way - didn't get a complete f-body dropout (01 vette motor, f-body A4 harness /PCM but used a T56). Ended up with F-body accessories, harmonic balancer, oil pan and throttle body anyway
.I did luck out on not having to shim my stock power steering, thank the gods for little favors. Using HP Tuners to tune it myself (and take care of those trouble codes). Engine is fairly stock for now (853 heads, stock cam). I used the early LS1 vette double wall exhaust manifolds, vette cats and ran true duals with x-pipe under diff, dynomax super turbo mufflers. I also switched all gauges to VDO and fabbed aluminum panels (speedo, console upper and lower). Still have to redo interior and repaint so it looks as good as it runs.
Forums (here and ls1tech) are great sources for this conversion, I got a lot of help from those whose blazed the way early.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Great thread! Good to see more folks doing the LS1 into older vettes.
I planned for my 79 LS1 C3 conversion to take about a year (started Nov 2005) and just got it running good a couple of months ago - but still need to CA smog it within a couple of months. I did a lot of things the hard way - didn't get a complete f-body dropout (01 vette motor, f-body A4 harness /PCM but used a T56). Ended up with F-body accessories, harmonic balancer, oil pan and throttle body anyway .
I did luck out on not having to shim my stock power steering, thank the gods for little favors. Using HP Tuners to tune it myself (and take care of those trouble codes). Engine is fairly stock for now (853 heads, stock cam). I used the early LS1 vette double wall exhaust manifolds, vette cats and ran true duals with x-pipe under diff, dynomax super turbo mufflers. I also switched all gauges to VDO and fabbed aluminum panels (speedo, console upper and lower). Still have to redo interior and repaint so it looks as good as it runs.
Forums (here and ls1tech) are great sources for this conversion, I got a lot of help from those whose blazed the way early.
I planned for my 79 LS1 C3 conversion to take about a year (started Nov 2005) and just got it running good a couple of months ago - but still need to CA smog it within a couple of months. I did a lot of things the hard way - didn't get a complete f-body dropout (01 vette motor, f-body A4 harness /PCM but used a T56). Ended up with F-body accessories, harmonic balancer, oil pan and throttle body anyway
.I did luck out on not having to shim my stock power steering, thank the gods for little favors. Using HP Tuners to tune it myself (and take care of those trouble codes). Engine is fairly stock for now (853 heads, stock cam). I used the early LS1 vette double wall exhaust manifolds, vette cats and ran true duals with x-pipe under diff, dynomax super turbo mufflers. I also switched all gauges to VDO and fabbed aluminum panels (speedo, console upper and lower). Still have to redo interior and repaint so it looks as good as it runs.
Forums (here and ls1tech) are great sources for this conversion, I got a lot of help from those whose blazed the way early.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
Need a pep talk guys. I've been thinking about this swap for a while, stock LS/auto. Frame mounts, water neck and 90* heater fittings, fuel and wiring? I saw mention of possiblly modifying the steering ram or going to r&p. Anything else, it seems too simple? I'm thinking about this swap for a winter project but would like if this could be knocked out in 4-5 weekends, not wanting another long term project now- realistic?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Absolutely realistic. Just make sure you have all the parts lined up ready to go. Here are the major steps:
-Remove hood
-pull radiator and support
-drain all fluids
-pull motor and trans together
-remove driveshaft
-clean engine bay
-install new single fuel line
-install new trans and motor mounts
-install motor and trans together
-install new/shortened driveshaft
-install shifter
-install radiator and support
-install electric fans
-install air intake tubing, MAF and filter
-connect to or install new exhaust
-install fuel delivery (in-tank or external pump, regulator and return line)
-install/modify wiring harness
-replace fluids
-start engine
-install hood
-Remove hood
-pull radiator and support
-drain all fluids
-pull motor and trans together
-remove driveshaft
-clean engine bay
-install new single fuel line
-install new trans and motor mounts
-install motor and trans together
-install new/shortened driveshaft
-install shifter
-install radiator and support
-install electric fans
-install air intake tubing, MAF and filter
-connect to or install new exhaust
-install fuel delivery (in-tank or external pump, regulator and return line)
-install/modify wiring harness
-replace fluids
-start engine
-install hood
Last edited by 70 LS1; Jun 24, 2007 at 09:41 AM.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
What about headers for this conversion? I know Budman built his own but what is everyone else doing for headers? I am seeing some pretty good deals on the ebay headers and if these would work I see no reason to spend way more on something else. One of my buddies with a C5 is running a set and they look to be put together pretty darn good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
What about headers for this conversion? I know Budman built his own but what is everyone else doing for headers? I am seeing some pretty good deals on the ebay headers and if these would work I see no reason to spend way more on something else. One of my buddies with a C5 is running a set and they look to be put together pretty darn good.
There just isn't enough of a selection of headers. The passneger F-body one would work, but the driver's point out away from the trans right before the collector.
The truck ones hang too low.
The C5 ones would tuck in nice and tight, but would hit the transmission since their's is in the rear.
The GTO ones might work? Don't know how low they hang.
You could always have a set made for $1000.
I use a F-body manifold on the passenger's side and a C5 manifold on the driver's side. Depending on where you put your motor, you should be able to use C5 on both side. (Mine sits a little forward)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
What about headers for this conversion? I know Budman built his own but what is everyone else doing for headers? I am seeing some pretty good deals on the ebay headers and if these would work I see no reason to spend way more on something else. One of my buddies with a C5 is running a set and they look to be put together pretty darn good.
There also block huggers out there.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Just thought I'd throw this in here since we're on the LS1 topic. Yesterday I rode in my buddy's stock 2000 FRC C5 6 speed to Atlanta and back. We drove 210 miles at 70mph on the interstate with the cruise set at 70mph. The car averaged exactly 37.00 miles per gallon. We verified it with the onboard computer as well as the 5.7 gallons of fuel we burned. I never would have believed it if I didn't witness it. Simply amazing. 
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island NY
straight highway at that speed is pretty believable. my Subaru Legacy GT is rated at 26mpg highway but last time i drove her up to vermont i was gettin 33. not bad for a 250hp all wheel drive car but of course pales in comparison to a 5.7 beast 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
I wouldn't do block huggers. The stock manifolds flow almost as well and the Corvette guys didn't see any gains from them.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 9
From: Fallbrook CA
I agree with the Hookers with side pipes.....The problem for me is those emissions issues.....I need 2-O2 sensors with CATS for my '76.
I have an LS1 ready to go but just came across a LS6. Plus, I want those new VB&P brakes. Better start playing Lotto.....GP
I have an LS1 ready to go but just came across a LS6. Plus, I want those new VB&P brakes. Better start playing Lotto.....GP
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
My 86 Vette with L96 gets 24 mpg, If you want a new engine just to have something modern, ok, but as for gas miegae, an electronic fuel injection and an overdrive tranny will give your old motor over 20. The newer engines are almost the same volume. I'f just go with a 6-speed tranny get the ratios down to 1:.07 and invest the difference .
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The fuel rail covers should look good on the motor. I tried to fit one on real quick but did not have much luck on the side with the dipstick. I was going to snap a few pics but I gave up. Pat, how did you make them fit up on your motor. Did they just drop right on for you or did you have to reroute a few things? How bout you Buddy?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
I just ordered this stuff Monday and it is all here today. Came from different places too. The water neck looks awesome. Makes the rest of the motor look very plain. Wonder if anyone out there has polished the whole LS setup?
The fuel rail covers should look good on the motor. I tried to fit one on real quick but did not have much luck on the side with the dipstick. I was going to snap a few pics but I gave up. Pat, how did you make them fit up on your motor. Did they just drop right on for you or did you have to reroute a few things? How bout you Buddy?
The fuel rail covers should look good on the motor. I tried to fit one on real quick but did not have much luck on the side with the dipstick. I was going to snap a few pics but I gave up. Pat, how did you make them fit up on your motor. Did they just drop right on for you or did you have to reroute a few things? How bout you Buddy?
You have to dremel the pass. side to fit around the throttle body bracket. Just take your time and you will never be able to tell you modded them. I'm using a Lokar dipstick, so no issues there. It's shiney too...
BTW - S $ P will polish your motor. Can't imagine that being cheap.
