LS1 Conversion
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
LS1 Conversion
I am thinking of putting an LS engine on my 74 later on, but have a couple of questions about this conversion:
1) What kind of fabrications will need to be done?
2) Will the T56 clear the transmission tunnel on the C3's?
3) Is there anybody in the Bay area who has done an LS conversion on their C3?
I'm thinking of going with a carbureted LS so I won't have to go with all of the trouble of dealing with the wiring and the fuel system upgrade, at least for now. I have seen many threads, but I'm not clear on all of the fabrication people say is needed to drop an LS on a C3.
1) What kind of fabrications will need to be done?
2) Will the T56 clear the transmission tunnel on the C3's?
3) Is there anybody in the Bay area who has done an LS conversion on their C3?
I'm thinking of going with a carbureted LS so I won't have to go with all of the trouble of dealing with the wiring and the fuel system upgrade, at least for now. I have seen many threads, but I'm not clear on all of the fabrication people say is needed to drop an LS on a C3.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
I am thinking of putting an LS engine on my 74 later on, but have a couple of questions about this conversion:
1) What kind of fabrications will need to be done?
2) Will the T56 clear the transmission tunnel on the C3's?
3) Is there anybody in the Bay area who has done an LS conversion on their C3?
I'm thinking of going with a carbureted LS so I won't have to go with all of the trouble of dealing with the wiring and the fuel system upgrade, at least for now. I have seen many threads, but I'm not clear on all of the fabrication people say is needed to drop an LS on a C3.
1) What kind of fabrications will need to be done?
2) Will the T56 clear the transmission tunnel on the C3's?
3) Is there anybody in the Bay area who has done an LS conversion on their C3?
I'm thinking of going with a carbureted LS so I won't have to go with all of the trouble of dealing with the wiring and the fuel system upgrade, at least for now. I have seen many threads, but I'm not clear on all of the fabrication people say is needed to drop an LS on a C3.
The 5.3 Motor is about 75lb heavier (still much lighter than your factory engine) and is only down about 10% on power with similar mods to a 5.7 motor.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...de-1500-a.html
Great info... except doesnt talk about CARB option. Which IMO is cheap and easy to setup. no computer, No Higher pressure fuel system, less wiring. And still gives the OLE SKOOL look of a C3
I am still running the Factory TH350 and 3.36 gear
Before It broke.... I was running 12.00 at 115mph with a 346 mild cam and pocket ported/milled heads and 680 AED HOLLEY double Pumper.
As far getting the motor in... it works just take moving the motor forward 1 inch and re dping the steering in the car. Also... you need a F-body oil pan... or heavy modded 5.3 truck pan. Motor mounts I used S&P... but they have several kits out there now.
Contact Speed hound on this forum for headers! Or you can use modded C5 manifolds.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
To do it on the Cheap... use a 5.3 motor, a Carb Setup with MSD, and Factory C3 tranny... TH400/TH350 or manual will work with LS motors.
The 5.3 Motor is about 75lb heavier (still much lighter than your factory engine) and is only down about 10% on power with similar mods to a 5.7 motor.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...de-1500-a.html
Great info... except doesnt talk about CARB option. Which IMO is cheap and easy to setup. no computer, No Higher pressure fuel system, less wiring. And still gives the OLE SKOOL look of a C3
I am still running the Factory TH350 and 3.36 gear
Before It broke.... I was running 12.00 at 115mph with a 346 mild cam and pocket ported/milled heads and 680 AED HOLLEY double Pumper.
As far getting the motor in... it works just take moving the motor forward 1 inch and re dping the steering in the car. Also... you need a F-body oil pan... or heavy modded 5.3 truck pan. Motor mounts I used S&P... but they have several kits out there now.
Contact Speed hound on this forum for headers! Or you can use modded C5 manifolds.
The 5.3 Motor is about 75lb heavier (still much lighter than your factory engine) and is only down about 10% on power with similar mods to a 5.7 motor.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...de-1500-a.html
Great info... except doesnt talk about CARB option. Which IMO is cheap and easy to setup. no computer, No Higher pressure fuel system, less wiring. And still gives the OLE SKOOL look of a C3
I am still running the Factory TH350 and 3.36 gear
Before It broke.... I was running 12.00 at 115mph with a 346 mild cam and pocket ported/milled heads and 680 AED HOLLEY double Pumper.
As far getting the motor in... it works just take moving the motor forward 1 inch and re dping the steering in the car. Also... you need a F-body oil pan... or heavy modded 5.3 truck pan. Motor mounts I used S&P... but they have several kits out there now.
Contact Speed hound on this forum for headers! Or you can use modded C5 manifolds.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
Yes... your cross member needs to be modified and using the Swap motor mounts you will have a new location 1 inch forward from the factory location. I had a pro do mine for me. And your Drive shaft also. I have a few pics of my cross member if you want to see it.
A welder is your friend. For this swap.
I am not sure what mods are necessary to your clutch flywheel... but on my TH350 auto. I purchased the LS1 adapter/spacer and a LS1 adapter flywheel. total cost for those parts about 150.00 together (you can get them from summit also)
With the flywheel. (as we did on our 5.3 Fox mustang) you can drill new holes and make the factory LS flywheel work to save cash.
Once again... on a 4-speed M21 M22 I am not sure what you will need... but it has been done several times.
A welder is your friend. For this swap.
I am not sure what mods are necessary to your clutch flywheel... but on my TH350 auto. I purchased the LS1 adapter/spacer and a LS1 adapter flywheel. total cost for those parts about 150.00 together (you can get them from summit also)
With the flywheel. (as we did on our 5.3 Fox mustang) you can drill new holes and make the factory LS flywheel work to save cash.
Once again... on a 4-speed M21 M22 I am not sure what you will need... but it has been done several times.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
No offense to Holley505, he has a fine conversion and has done a lot of work- but why would you want to put in an LS and carburate it? How much money can you really save? The intake, carburater, and ignition system to carburate it is not cheap. You can't use a mechanical fuel pump so you have to buy an electric one either way. Accessories are the same either way. Add the fact that an LS is meant to be a dry intake (there are areas where fuel can puddle) and it just does not make much sense to me. How many late model cars do you see broke down beside the road anymore? Fuel injection is reliable and more efficient. Fuel inject it or don't bother with an LS IMHO.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
No offense to Holley505, he has a fine conversion and has done a lot of work- but why would you want to put in an LS and carburate it? How much money can you really save? The intake, carburater, and ignition system to carburate it is not cheap. You can't use a mechanical fuel pump so you have to buy an electric one either way. Accessories are the same either way. Add the fact that an LS is meant to be a dry intake (there are areas where fuel can puddle) and it just does not make much sense to me. How many late model cars do you see broke down beside the road anymore? Fuel injection is reliable and more efficient. Fuel inject it or don't bother with an LS IMHO.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
Yes... your cross member needs to be modified and using the Swap motor mounts you will have a new location 1 inch forward from the factory location. I had a pro do mine for me. And your Drive shaft also. I have a few pics of my cross member if you want to see it.
A welder is your friend. For this swap.
I am not sure what mods are necessary to your clutch flywheel... but on my TH350 auto. I purchased the LS1 adapter/spacer and a LS1 adapter flywheel. total cost for those parts about 150.00 together (you can get them from summit also)
With the flywheel. (as we did on our 5.3 Fox mustang) you can drill new holes and make the factory LS flywheel work to save cash.
Once again... on a 4-speed M21 M22 I am not sure what you will need... but it has been done several times.
A welder is your friend. For this swap.
I am not sure what mods are necessary to your clutch flywheel... but on my TH350 auto. I purchased the LS1 adapter/spacer and a LS1 adapter flywheel. total cost for those parts about 150.00 together (you can get them from summit also)
With the flywheel. (as we did on our 5.3 Fox mustang) you can drill new holes and make the factory LS flywheel work to save cash.
Once again... on a 4-speed M21 M22 I am not sure what you will need... but it has been done several times.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
I was thinking if I fuel inject it I might as well save some money and add a turbo later on. Although I think that the cost will be almost the same because if you upgrade the intake on an LS, you're looking at spending about $500+ on the intake and if it doesn't come with the TB you're looking at another $300, either way it will be costly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
Speedhound makes motor mounts and a Z bar mount that will allow use of your 4 speed in it's current location. No crossmember, driveshaft mods needed.
If you have a 168 tooth bell housing and flywheel and 26 spine trans input shaft, all you'll need is an LS1 flywheel/clutch/pressure plate. The trans will bolt right up. I would suggest a longer throwout bearing for better clutch fork geometry. The LS7 pilot bearing will allow the 4 speed to mate to the crank without mods.
If you have a 168 tooth bell housing and flywheel and 26 spine trans input shaft, all you'll need is an LS1 flywheel/clutch/pressure plate. The trans will bolt right up. I would suggest a longer throwout bearing for better clutch fork geometry. The LS7 pilot bearing will allow the 4 speed to mate to the crank without mods.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
No offense to Holley505, he has a fine conversion and has done a lot of work- but why would you want to put in an LS and carburate it? How much money can you really save? The intake, carburater, and ignition system to carburate it is not cheap. You can't use a mechanical fuel pump so you have to buy an electric one either way. Accessories are the same either way. Add the fact that an LS is meant to be a dry intake (there are areas where fuel can puddle) and it just does not make much sense to me. How many late model cars do you see broke down beside the road anymore? Fuel injection is reliable and more efficient. Fuel inject it or don't bother with an LS IMHO.
I love the carb. And In my mind it is cheaper.
Price a holley blue pump compared to a high pressure fuel pump lately? BTW it doesnt need to be in the tank.
See pricing on a FAST intake... 90 Throttle Body? Computer, Wiring harness... granted you can use factory stuff...
My MSD box has 6 plugs on it. Hook up the Carb and GO...
Different strokes for Different Folks.
My daily driver is a FRC... YES FACTORY FI... and I love it.
My C3 Fun Car... street/strip Car... Drag Radials... CARB !!
MUSCLE !!!
I have beaten a FI 07 Z06 at the track... Mostly due to the driver... and countless other FI cars. Lots of C5 and C6s
If fact I have probably been beaten by more CARBED cars than FI Cars on the street or the Track.
oops I said Street.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
Speedhound makes motor mounts and a Z bar mount that will allow use of your 4 speed in it's current location. No crossmember, driveshaft mods needed.
If you have a 168 tooth bell housing and flywheel and 26 spine trans input shaft, all you'll need is an LS1 flywheel/clutch/pressure plate. The trans will bolt right up. I would suggest a longer throwout bearing for better clutch fork geometry. The LS7 pilot bearing will allow the 4 speed to mate to the crank without mods.
If you have a 168 tooth bell housing and flywheel and 26 spine trans input shaft, all you'll need is an LS1 flywheel/clutch/pressure plate. The trans will bolt right up. I would suggest a longer throwout bearing for better clutch fork geometry. The LS7 pilot bearing will allow the 4 speed to mate to the crank without mods.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
Next time just post a link to this artcle:
http://www.carcraft.com/projectbuild...ock/index.html
http://www.carcraft.com/projectbuild...ock/index.html
How many times do you think I have heard that one?
I love the carb. And In my mind it is cheaper.
Price a holley blue pump compared to a high pressure fuel pump lately? BTW it doesnt need to be in the tank.
See pricing on a FAST intake... 90 Throttle Body? Computer, Wiring harness... granted you can use factory stuff...
My MSD box has 6 plugs on it. Hook up the Carb and GO...
Different strokes for Different Folks.
My daily driver is a FRC... YES FACTORY FI... and I love it.
My C3 Fun Car... street/strip Car... Drag Radials... CARB !!
MUSCLE !!!
I have beaten a FI 07 Z06 at the track... Mostly due to the driver... and countless other FI cars. Lots of C5 and C6s
If fact I have probably been beaten by more CARBED cars than FI Cars on the street or the Track.
oops I said Street.
I love the carb. And In my mind it is cheaper.
Price a holley blue pump compared to a high pressure fuel pump lately? BTW it doesnt need to be in the tank.
See pricing on a FAST intake... 90 Throttle Body? Computer, Wiring harness... granted you can use factory stuff...
My MSD box has 6 plugs on it. Hook up the Carb and GO...
Different strokes for Different Folks.
My daily driver is a FRC... YES FACTORY FI... and I love it.
My C3 Fun Car... street/strip Car... Drag Radials... CARB !!
MUSCLE !!!
I have beaten a FI 07 Z06 at the track... Mostly due to the driver... and countless other FI cars. Lots of C5 and C6s
If fact I have probably been beaten by more CARBED cars than FI Cars on the street or the Track.
oops I said Street.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Next time just post a link to this artcle:
http://www.carcraft.com/projectbuild...ock/index.html
http://www.carcraft.com/projectbuild...ock/index.html
(Jegs)Carb parts-$350 intake, $350 MSD box, $350 carb.=$1150
(Street and Perf)FI parts-harness $850-$950 and computer work $250=$1100-1200
Not a lot of difference. This does assume a LS factory computer, intake, injectors, and throttle body came with your core. There are of course other parts to buy-for both. Cost not including fuel pump (roughly a wash) and accessories-same for both conversions.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
This can be argued all day. Car Craft gets parts free, probably MSD gave them a system to use. I still say that the cost savings is very small if you price all the parts. I am using a $120 pump on my FI conversion and it is also not in the tank. I did not have to cut my hood to make anything fit.
(Jegs)Carb parts-$350 intake, $350 MSD box, $350 carb.=$1150
(Street and Perf)FI parts-harness $850-$950 and computer work $250=$1100-1200
Not a lot of difference. This does assume a LS factory computer, intake, injectors, and throttle body came with your core. There are of course other parts to buy-for both. Cost not including fuel pump (roughly a wash) and accessories-same for both conversions.
(Jegs)Carb parts-$350 intake, $350 MSD box, $350 carb.=$1150
(Street and Perf)FI parts-harness $850-$950 and computer work $250=$1100-1200
Not a lot of difference. This does assume a LS factory computer, intake, injectors, and throttle body came with your core. There are of course other parts to buy-for both. Cost not including fuel pump (roughly a wash) and accessories-same for both conversions.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
You will trounce my poor little Tuned Port, but if I had your engine with FI on top it would be a different race. That's what I am trying to say. You can have power AND fuel injection for roughly the same cost as a power and a carb. I have followed your conversion with interest and appreciate your work in the swap. I would not have used a carb.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
That's cool Markdtn. I have gotten alot of heat from the C5 forum guys for building a Carbed 418 LS3 which I should be starting up for a 4th July Party !!
I like to be different ... hence the swap in the first place. And the WOW factor... and people trying to guess what the motor. That is out right funny sometimes...
Others ... many other say what you say at the track FI is faster than Carbed... and I ask them to race.
Then they believe me.
Hey look at Pro Stock racing... sheet metal intakes and Carbs
I hope to go 11.1 to 10.9 on my new streetable LSx carb motor
Spray 150... go low 10s and drive home from the track... no trailer.
I like to be different ... hence the swap in the first place. And the WOW factor... and people trying to guess what the motor. That is out right funny sometimes...
Others ... many other say what you say at the track FI is faster than Carbed... and I ask them to race.
Then they believe me.
Hey look at Pro Stock racing... sheet metal intakes and Carbs
I hope to go 11.1 to 10.9 on my new streetable LSx carb motor
Spray 150... go low 10s and drive home from the track... no trailer.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
Speedhound makes motor mounts and a Z bar mount that will allow use of your 4 speed in it's current location. No crossmember, driveshaft mods needed.
If you have a 168 tooth bell housing and flywheel and 26 spine trans input shaft, all you'll need is an LS1 flywheel/clutch/pressure plate. The trans will bolt right up. I would suggest a longer throwout bearing for better clutch fork geometry. The LS7 pilot bearing will allow the 4 speed to mate to the crank without mods.
If you have a 168 tooth bell housing and flywheel and 26 spine trans input shaft, all you'll need is an LS1 flywheel/clutch/pressure plate. The trans will bolt right up. I would suggest a longer throwout bearing for better clutch fork geometry. The LS7 pilot bearing will allow the 4 speed to mate to the crank without mods.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
Nope, I'm running a manual Z bar.
Look up 168 vs 153 tooth bell housings, you can tell by the shape of the starter bulge. You'll need the 621 style 168 tooth housing to clear the LS flywheel and pressure plate. I swapped my 4 speed for a Richmond 6 speed. I bought a 621 BBC bell housing from Keisler. It had the extra LS bolt hole machined, but that's not necesary.
You can find the PN for the throwout bearing and pilot bushing in my posts the LS swap sticky.
Look up 168 vs 153 tooth bell housings, you can tell by the shape of the starter bulge. You'll need the 621 style 168 tooth housing to clear the LS flywheel and pressure plate. I swapped my 4 speed for a Richmond 6 speed. I bought a 621 BBC bell housing from Keisler. It had the extra LS bolt hole machined, but that's not necesary.
You can find the PN for the throwout bearing and pilot bushing in my posts the LS swap sticky.