Hello All,

I have been reading through multiple threads on both this and other Corvette Forums as well as the LS1 Forum. Needlesstosay there is quite a lot of information out there. Some old some more recent.

I would really like to plan for an LS1 or LSX of some flavor along with an automatic transmission but I am not looking for a long term project. I have also been weighing a Stroker 383 and using a Holly or other EFI system along with a 200-4R Transmission as from what I have read that motor/tranny combo are more "Plug and Play" and I am somewhat familiar with what to expect from an aftermarket EFI system having done that on my motorcycle.

I would like to to have a solid daily driver so to speak or have the confidence that the car can be driven for long distances without worry of reliability issues as I suspect in either case if something mechanical happens I am on my own for diagnosis and repairs?

If there was a complete LSX / tranny kit to purchase then I would feel more comfortable that going that route as it won't put the car up on blocks for a long time. For me it seems the shortest down time is a 383 but then again the LSX is sooo appealing.

Any thoughts, advice, appreciated!

 

It's hard to beat the power and drivability of an LS...but it's not a cheap or a "plug and play" swap.

A mild 383 with an aftermarket EFI system would be a simple build and a good balance.

 

Since no one assembles an LS kit, you would have to do a lot of planning and parts acquisition before you started. I am considering it for my next project but I am in no hurry to get it back on the road once I start as it will be a frame-off. It looks likes a big job but with good results. Of course, I'm considering about everything at the moment. A 383 or 427 small block stroker, a big block (loads of torque!), or an LS of some sort. I have time to decide...

 

Is there a comparison that was done by a Car Magazine or similar that discusses the pros and cons?

 

I think it was Super Chevy that did a Gen 1 SBC vs an LSX of same size engines. They got the old school SBC to equal the power of the LSX, but the LSX idled and had the manners of a stock production car. The SBC had the big cam idle and shake and wasn't all that civilized, but would lay down the power.

I like the nasty sounding old school builds, but not for a daily driver. I'm never going to use my own Vette as a daily driver so I want it a little nasty. I have a mild build in my 64 SS. It has a lot more room for travel if that is my goal too. And of course I have my Avalanche for daily use.

If it's not for daily use, do the 383 and a 200 or 700 trans.

 

You could get the Rocket 350 crate motor. Fuel injected and nearly complete. If I get a crate engine someday, that one is very high on my list. 350 hp.

John

 

Pace Performance has LSX connect and cruise packages with about everything needed for a swap. With that said, my preference is old school with efi. A lot of the newer efi mini-computers will manage a modern computer controlled transmission.

The cheapest route would be to upgrade your 350 to a 383, with a new top end and efi.

 

V2racing - Found the article thanks!

http://www.superchevy.com/technical/...t/viewall.html

LudemJo - I will definitely look into the 350 Crate


uxojerry - I am leaning towards the 383 in the 350 - 400 HP range with an 200-4R but if someone gave me a good deal on a complete LS1 with tranny I might be swayed!

Thanks again for all the great advice! Clearly more reading to do!

 

Do you have a link to this crate? Sorry i'm only familiar with the old Olds Rocket engines.

 

Scroggin dickey has the erod, 425 horse comes with alot of the stuff to adapt it. You could go with a 4l80 which also needs computer controls. That would give you reliability and power. Youd need to put together a list of other components needed to make the swap. If you could find an engine and transmission combo from a salvage yard, there are companies that sell stand alone computers for them, i love my gen one but the ls platform makes good power that is reliable, the down side to the ls is it dont have the ease of instalation that putting a gen back in, its been done alot. There is another route, i believe world makes a hybrid that has gen 1 mounts and accepts older transmissions, probably no cheap though.

 

I feel the 383 sbc would be easier .check out ls1tech.com ,they have a conversion section for what you are looking into.

 

bluedawg, garygnu - thanks for the advice!

 

This isn't the article I was referring to. It was a gen 1 SBC versus a LS of similar size. I've looked for the article but haven't found it. I'll look some more when I get a chance.

 

Here it is. Just had to type in the right combination of words in the search.

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...ne_dyno_tests/

 

Sorry I misspoke, it is called the Ram Jet 350. It is a GM crate engine.

Item Number UOM Qty MSRP Price
12499120 Each $6,123.75
Ram Jet 350 PFI with Iron Vortec Heads
Port fuel injection meets a small-block classic. GM Performance Parts has just what you need to put a modern new twist on your favorite classic hot rod with our amazing Ram Jet 350 crate engine. GM offered the Ram Jet fuel injection system on a variety of models in the late-1950s through the mid-1960s, but the Ram Jet has never looked as good as this! Evoking the nostalgic look of the early fuel injection systems, the Ram Jet 350 has a styled intake plenum that actually leads to a modern day fuel injection system. Instead of a mechanical injection system, the Ram Jet 350 is fed by a state-of-the-art, electronically controlled port fuel injection system. Developed by GM to the same standards as production vehicle systems, the Ram Jet 350 delivers exceptional throttle response and performance. This is made possible by the sophisticated, latest-generation MEFI 4 controller, which has improved electronics and closed loop capability (compared with the previous MEFI 3 system) for great all-around drivability. A venerable 350 cubic-inch small-block combination anchors the Ram Jet 350. It is designed for long-lasting durability and pump gas compatibility, with Vortec cylinder heads, a hydraulic roller camshaft, and 9.4:1 compression. GM Performance Parts delivers the engine with the necessary wiring harness and detailed instructions. It can be installed on any 1977-or-earlier vehicle originally equipped with a carburetor. Now there's no reason you can't dump those old carbs and get fuel injected!

John

 

The E-Rod kit is a great choice and I helped install one a month or so ago in a '69 C10...but it's still not a bolt-in by any means, and it's really not cheap by the time everything's done. The basics are pretty straightforward with all the aftermarket stuff (engine mounts, swap headers, oil pans, etc. ) but the details are a PITA, and expensive. It's also really designed for emissions controls limitations - a more standard LS swap would be cheaper in the end and make more power.

http://www.chevrolet.com/performance...e-rod-lc9.html

The Ramjet plenum is *really* tall - I haven't done a Corvette swap but I can't see this fitting under a stock hood. It's also kinda old-tech at this point; I'd think you'd want more than 1 HP/CID given how much money you'd be spending.

http://www.chevrolet.com/performance...m-jet-350.html

I recommend something more like the FAST EZ-EFI stuff - the only real hassle is the fuel system plumbing. I've done a few of these.

http://www.fuelairspark.com/fas/ez-e...-pump-kithtml/

 

e-rod is.a.great starter kit, but factor in another $5k on top of the cost to install it for miscellaneous.

 

Hello Billa! How have you been, havnt seen you around lately.

 

From what I have read the long poles in the tent are the wiring harness, and the right accessories that will fit into the C3 frame?

 

I've done 2 LSx swaps. For a daily driver, go with the LS all the way.
You can buy GM packages with harness and controllers, but they'll be expensive. Most have purchased takeouts with 4L60 trans, wiring, controller, etc. You'll need some wiring and mechanical ability, but there's enough swaps in C3s out there, you should be able to plan ahead.
As for repairs, diagnostics, any GM dealer can work on it. Both mine have OBDII diagnostic ports. A mechanic will just treat it like it's the donor vehicle.
One note, LS1s have not been made in 10 years, very few good low mileage takeouts available. LS2/3s are expensive. I went with an iron block 6.0 LQ9 in my vette. 400hp on all stock parts 26mpg, turn the key and drive.