LS Engines? +'s & -'s?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
That is probably the way to go Pat. I am going to try it this way and see how it goes.
This may be THE thread for LS swaps in the C3 section, as long as we keep adding info to it. I am sure there are other threads that address it but between all of the swaps happening in this particular thread, we should have a lot of it covered.
This may be THE thread for LS swaps in the C3 section, as long as we keep adding info to it. I am sure there are other threads that address it but between all of the swaps happening in this particular thread, we should have a lot of it covered.
Eddie I ported mine then switched to the Thunder Racing ends. As Scooter informed you, different people have had different issues. I've performed both no no's with no issues so far, but only time will tell. Another problem you will hear is the K & N filter oil will damage the MAF. Of course I installed one of those too..
Go the SD route and say the time and wiring. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
I completely forgot about Gameshow Bob. IIRC, he moved while in the middle of his swap and sort of lost interest. I don't remember him ever posting that he got the car done. I think he started around the same time as Jeff but wasn't quite done when I got my car running.
Looks like he sold it. He took the pics down.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
The issue with the K&N is over-oiling. The oil gets deposited on the MAF wires and messes with the heating, causing erratic readings. It seems like everybody in the LS1Tech tuning forum is either running the stock MAF with the screen or removing it completely and running SD. The car will default to SD by just unplugging the MAF but there are things that will need to be adjusted in the program itself to prevent the check engine light from coming on.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Springfield OH
someday
Well, I guess I need to add my $.02. I have been following this thread for quite a while and based on what I have read here and in some performance magazines, it seems like the smart $$$ are spent on an LS based engine as opposed to a regular sbc if you are looking for performance bang for the buck. I am planning on doing this in the future (read distant) but quite possible with a 6.0L from a truck or Yukon, etc. Aside from the slightly higher weight, does anyone see major disadvantages to going this route (the $ savings over the alum. block would be the main reason for going this way). Thanks for the great reads!
Keith
Keith
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Well, I guess I need to add my $.02. I have been following this thread for quite a while and based on what I have read here and in some performance magazines, it seems like the smart $$$ are spent on an LS based engine as opposed to a regular sbc if you are looking for performance bang for the buck. I am planning on doing this in the future (read distant) but quite possible with a 6.0L from a truck or Yukon, etc. Aside from the slightly higher weight, does anyone see major disadvantages to going this route (the $ savings over the alum. block would be the main reason for going this way). Thanks for the great reads!
Keith
Keith
The LQ4 has different pistons to lower compression even more. Either one would make a great swap choice.
I have an LQ9 with full time AWD in my Silverado SS and that thing moves pretty good considering its 5500 lbs.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Springfield OH
The 6.0L comes in two styles. The LQ4 and the LQ9. LQ9 is basically an LS2 bottom end with larger combustion chambers in the heads to lower compression and different cam. Slap on a set of LS6/2 heads, and LS2 intake and you basically have an LS2. Slap on a set of L92 heads and L76 intake and you have even more power for cheap.
The LQ4 has different pistons to lower compression even more. Either one would make a great swap choice.
I have an LQ9 with full time AWD in my Silverado SS and that thing moves pretty good considering its 5500 lbs.
The LQ4 has different pistons to lower compression even more. Either one would make a great swap choice.
I have an LQ9 with full time AWD in my Silverado SS and that thing moves pretty good considering its 5500 lbs.
Thanks for the info. Yeah, I figured that that would be the route to go with the LQ9 and the LS6 heads/intake. Even an LQ4 with a cam swap, heads and intake would be decent. In a recent issue of Car Craft they did this and the thing made somewhere around 450hp/460tq with just a couple of mods. I think it was carb'ed too. I'm thinking I can get a complete LQ4/9 for about 1500-2000 from a boneyard. Not too shabby.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
Hey.. I just thought I'd drop a post to catch up how the conversions are coming....
Glenn hows the '76 coming along?? Do you have any recent pics...
BTW: I just want to have a general idea who all on this forum is in the process of doing the conversion!
Glenn hows the '76 coming along?? Do you have any recent pics...
BTW: I just want to have a general idea who all on this forum is in the process of doing the conversion!
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
We're in the process of swapping 99 ls1 into a 73 coupe. Having trouble clearing the w/p and the brake booster. Have street and performance mounts and running a 4l60e (owner has a bad shoulder so no 6 speed). Any body run an after market booster.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2828...52841409ECNbXw
Last edited by PatsLs1vette; Jul 24, 2007 at 09:46 AM.
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
I rebuilt/cleaned my alternator last night. I guess camaro alternators are scoops for everything on the road. Check it out.
Before
After
Before
After
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
I don't know much about the swaps, since I have done one but I try to keep up with this thread and havent seen anyone mention about clearance issues... I m sure someone here can help!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 9
From: Fallbrook CA
Eddie...My whole LS1 is as crusty as your Alt. I think my donor Z28 lived by the beach before getting wrecked. Been following this thread. It's loaded. For new comers to this thread, go back and read the whole thing. I'm starting to see the same questions pop up again.
Totop73 has his in Corvette Fever too. I need to get a copy. What month???
As far as LS1Tech, I agree that it's a great technical resource. However, I learned the most from my friends here on this thread who have actually done a C3 themselves. Plus, I'm not sure the Camaro guys appreciate us stealing their engine supplies for our Vettes!
Air intake: I'm going (try) to fit the Z28 radiator/fan/airbox set up in my car. I have a long way to go before I'll be working on that.
Just got back from a vacation in Seattle. I had a bunch of money set aside for new brakes, R&P steering, etc until my wife found out about it and demanded a shopping spree for her and my 2 Daughters. Need to replenish the coffers before I can make another big advance in the project.
Totop73 has his in Corvette Fever too. I need to get a copy. What month???
As far as LS1Tech, I agree that it's a great technical resource. However, I learned the most from my friends here on this thread who have actually done a C3 themselves. Plus, I'm not sure the Camaro guys appreciate us stealing their engine supplies for our Vettes!
Air intake: I'm going (try) to fit the Z28 radiator/fan/airbox set up in my car. I have a long way to go before I'll be working on that.
Just got back from a vacation in Seattle. I had a bunch of money set aside for new brakes, R&P steering, etc until my wife found out about it and demanded a shopping spree for her and my 2 Daughters. Need to replenish the coffers before I can make another big advance in the project.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Just got back from a vacation in Seattle. I had a bunch of money set aside for new brakes, R&P steering, etc until my wife found out about it and demanded a shopping spree for her and my 2 Daughters. Need to replenish the coffers before I can make another big advance in the project.[/QUOTE]
i hear that just had to redo our dining room and buy a new dining room set for the wife.
i hear that just had to redo our dining room and buy a new dining room set for the wife.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: Lindenhurst, Long Island, New York
Ok, so I have been watching this thread ever since I have joined and so far it has been a dream come true (I thought I was the only crazy one that wanted an lsx in my c3!).
Well, the question is where can I find a good deal on a new or used engine/ tranny combo (ls1/2/6 with a t-56)? I am interested in both new and used and I don't know of any such dealers in my area except gm performance and I doubt my local bone yards would have something like these.
Also, can a stock t-56 handle 550+ hp and lbft or will that need to be strengthened?
Thanks a bunch guys, I am sooo happy I found this thread. The project doesn't seem half as intimidating now.
Well, the question is where can I find a good deal on a new or used engine/ tranny combo (ls1/2/6 with a t-56)? I am interested in both new and used and I don't know of any such dealers in my area except gm performance and I doubt my local bone yards would have something like these.
Also, can a stock t-56 handle 550+ hp and lbft or will that need to be strengthened?
Thanks a bunch guys, I am sooo happy I found this thread. The project doesn't seem half as intimidating now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Ok, so I have been watching this thread ever since I have joined and so far it has been a dream come true (I thought I was the only crazy one that wanted an lsx in my c3!).
Well, the question is where can I find a good deal on a new or used engine/ tranny combo (ls1/2/6 with a t-56)? I am interested in both new and used and I don't know of any such dealers in my area except gm performance and I doubt my local bone yards would have something like these.
Also, can a stock t-56 handle 550+ hp and lbft or will that need to be strengthened?
Thanks a bunch guys, I am sooo happy I found this thread. The project doesn't seem half as intimidating now.
Well, the question is where can I find a good deal on a new or used engine/ tranny combo (ls1/2/6 with a t-56)? I am interested in both new and used and I don't know of any such dealers in my area except gm performance and I doubt my local bone yards would have something like these.
Also, can a stock t-56 handle 550+ hp and lbft or will that need to be strengthened?
Thanks a bunch guys, I am sooo happy I found this thread. The project doesn't seem half as intimidating now.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 9
From: Fallbrook CA
I bought everything from a wrecked 2002 Camaro Z28/SS. A 2002 Trans Am works good too. You may get lucky and get an LS6 block (previously mentioned in this thread). I recommend that you talk to some higher end junk yard guys in your area and tell them you are looking to do a conversion and you are looking of one of the above mentioned cars. You can even express your preference for a 6 speed or 4 spd auto. I went with the auto because I didn't want to mess with adding the clutch pedal. Anyway, work out a deal where you have the first right for the parts that you need from the car before it gets picked over. My donor car was side wrecked so everything was in good shape under the hood.
Here is what I got for $3100:
LS1/4L60E Auto Trans (approx 95K miles)
Control module, Drive Shaft, fuel Tank (I needed the sensors), Complete under hood wiring harness with fuse boxes and whatever in car wiring I wanted, shifter/cable, cruise control, throttle cables, Air Intake filter housing, Radiator with dual electric fans & probably a couple more things I forgot.
I admit you roll the dice when you buy used stuff. I was planning on NOT rebuilding mine but I recently found an LS6 engine that I'll be using instead of the LS1.
Good Luck....gp
Here is what I got for $3100:
LS1/4L60E Auto Trans (approx 95K miles)
Control module, Drive Shaft, fuel Tank (I needed the sensors), Complete under hood wiring harness with fuse boxes and whatever in car wiring I wanted, shifter/cable, cruise control, throttle cables, Air Intake filter housing, Radiator with dual electric fans & probably a couple more things I forgot.
I admit you roll the dice when you buy used stuff. I was planning on NOT rebuilding mine but I recently found an LS6 engine that I'll be using instead of the LS1.
Good Luck....gp
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
I searched and searched. I looked at a few close to me and was scared of the motors. One had the motor mounts broke and the water pump pulley was pushed so far back it touched the water pump itself and would not turn. It was $2000 for the motor with the tranny and computer and 75k miles. I passed on it.
I wound up buying an 02 Camaro SS motor with only 29K miles. I got a copy of the title from where the guy bought the Camaro last August. The place I got the motor from parted the car out in January. I wound up getting the motor from an ebay ad but calling them on the phone and going to pick the motor up. I am glad I did, I got to see what a nice place It was a wonderful place that has just about any kind of late model muscle car part you could want or need. I wound up buying two sets of late model Firebird seatbelts for me and TNBUSA while I was there.
I wound up buying an 02 Camaro SS motor with only 29K miles. I got a copy of the title from where the guy bought the Camaro last August. The place I got the motor from parted the car out in January. I wound up getting the motor from an ebay ad but calling them on the phone and going to pick the motor up. I am glad I did, I got to see what a nice place It was a wonderful place that has just about any kind of late model muscle car part you could want or need. I wound up buying two sets of late model Firebird seatbelts for me and TNBUSA while I was there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa