94 LT1 install in 1973 C3
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
94 LT1 install in 1973 C3
I'm sure it has been done before, any ahead of time tips on installing a 1994 LT1 Automatic trans into 1973 C3 manual trans. car For instance, cross member issues? Accel cable? Speed sensor to speedo operation? Tach operation? Any hurdles that you all have worked out would be a huge help.
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 8,950
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette LA
I have an LT1 Painless harness and OEM ECM if you need those. PM me if interested. I still have the MAF too.
If I remember right, the Corvette accessories and bracket fit the C3 better than the Camaro bracket and accessories.
The balancers and balancer hubs differ between the F-body and Y-body. The difference is where the belt rides, so you must match the balancer to the accessory brackets. If you use the Camaro bracket, get a Camaro balancer and hub. Y-body bracket requires Y-body balancer and hub. The balancer and the balancer hub are two separate parts on LT1s.
You will also have to convert to electric fans since the LT1 has no provision for a mechanical fan. There may be adapters out there to convert to a mechanical fan, but it would be better to just go electric.
If I remember right, the Corvette accessories and bracket fit the C3 better than the Camaro bracket and accessories.
The balancers and balancer hubs differ between the F-body and Y-body. The difference is where the belt rides, so you must match the balancer to the accessory brackets. If you use the Camaro bracket, get a Camaro balancer and hub. Y-body bracket requires Y-body balancer and hub. The balancer and the balancer hub are two separate parts on LT1s.
You will also have to convert to electric fans since the LT1 has no provision for a mechanical fan. There may be adapters out there to convert to a mechanical fan, but it would be better to just go electric.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
Are you doing the engine and trans, or just the trans?
the 4L60E transmission is pretty much the same externally as a non-computer controlled 700R4. It is longer than a TH350, and probably longer than the 4 speed that you have now, so you'll need a new crossmember and shortened drive shaft. Bowtie Overdrives sells the crossmember.
the 4L60E transmission is pretty much the same externally as a non-computer controlled 700R4. It is longer than a TH350, and probably longer than the 4 speed that you have now, so you'll need a new crossmember and shortened drive shaft. Bowtie Overdrives sells the crossmember.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I have an LT1 Painless harness and OEM ECM if you need those. PM me if interested. I still have the MAF too.
If I remember right, the Corvette accessories and bracket fit the C3 better than the Camaro bracket and accessories.
The balancers and balancer hubs differ between the F-body and Y-body. The difference is where the belt rides, so you must match the balancer to the accessory brackets. If you use the Camaro bracket, get a Camaro balancer and hub. Y-body bracket requires Y-body balancer and hub. The balancer and the balancer hub are two separate parts on LT1s.
You will also have to convert to electric fans since the LT1 has no provision for a mechanical fan. There may be adapters out there to convert to a mechanical fan, but it would be better to just go electric.
If I remember right, the Corvette accessories and bracket fit the C3 better than the Camaro bracket and accessories.
The balancers and balancer hubs differ between the F-body and Y-body. The difference is where the belt rides, so you must match the balancer to the accessory brackets. If you use the Camaro bracket, get a Camaro balancer and hub. Y-body bracket requires Y-body balancer and hub. The balancer and the balancer hub are two separate parts on LT1s.
You will also have to convert to electric fans since the LT1 has no provision for a mechanical fan. There may be adapters out there to convert to a mechanical fan, but it would be better to just go electric.
Has anyone done this to know what accel cable will work? Did the tach and speedo get converted to electronic?
Thanks
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Are you doing the engine and trans, or just the trans?
the 4L60E transmission is pretty much the same externally as a non-computer controlled 700R4. It is longer than a TH350, and probably longer than the 4 speed that you have now, so you'll need a new crossmember and shortened drive shaft. Bowtie Overdrives sells the crossmember.
the 4L60E transmission is pretty much the same externally as a non-computer controlled 700R4. It is longer than a TH350, and probably longer than the 4 speed that you have now, so you'll need a new crossmember and shortened drive shaft. Bowtie Overdrives sells the crossmember.
Thanks for the info. Do you know of someone who has done this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 8,950
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette LA
You will have to use an electric tach for your swap.
You may be able to find a converter box or sending unit to make the transmission tailhousing support a mechanical speedometer. By the time you do that, you may as well have just converted to an electric speedometer. Especially since you are going to have to convert the tach anyway.
You may be able to find a converter box or sending unit to make the transmission tailhousing support a mechanical speedometer. By the time you do that, you may as well have just converted to an electric speedometer. Especially since you are going to have to convert the tach anyway.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
You will have to use an electric tach for your swap.
You may be able to find a converter box or sending unit to make the transmission tailhousing support a mechanical speedometer. By the time you do that, you may as well have just converted to an electric speedometer. Especially since you are going to have to convert the tach anyway.
You may be able to find a converter box or sending unit to make the transmission tailhousing support a mechanical speedometer. By the time you do that, you may as well have just converted to an electric speedometer. Especially since you are going to have to convert the tach anyway.
Thanks again, I am sure as we tip toe through this project we will have more questions for those who have traveled this road
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
