LS1 swap thoughts?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
LS1 swap thoughts?
So I have a 69 corvette and Not in the best condition but hey it's a project. It's not numbers matching or anything or else I would never do this but I'm considering swapping a ls1 from a newer corvette keeping it fuel injected and a t56 behind it. I've never done a project this big so I'd like to know what you guys think. What problems are there gonna be? Any friction points with the swap? What mods will I have to do to the car to make it work? Are there any common things people overlook when doing a project like this?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
I think its a great improvement, but I agree you should do some more research before starting:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...light=LS1+swap
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...light=LS1+swap
Last edited by SH-60B; May 4, 2016 at 04:41 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 130
Likes: 10
As soon as funds allow I plan to do the same. Its the #1 best mod to an older car you actually want to drive. It is not that hard and if you are just swaping from a donor and not building the motor its way cheaper than a 383 build or 406 sbc, more dependable and more powerful right off. And better gas mileage too.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 15
From: hot 'lanta suburbs Georgia
You'll need the computer, unless you're going with a stand alone box like Megasquirt, and engine wiring harness from the donor vehicle or you can buy a harness from a vendor, but it will still take some work to hook it up. There are instructions and videos online of how to modify a stock harness. That is what I did on my swap and it is cheaper than buying a vendor harness or paying someone to modify yours. It's not that hard to do.
Last edited by Jbster; May 4, 2016 at 02:18 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,310
Likes: 697
LS1 in my 71. I spend the money for a harness and matching computer. I like Howell. Easy hookup of wires for power and such. It's more work redoing the fuel system. Having said that I wouldn't run anything else. LS6 in a 98 Wrangler, LS6 in 99 3 series BMW vert. 6.2 sitting on an engine stand waiting for a 67-72 chev pickup.
Need any help just ask.
Need any help just ask.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 40
From: Panama City Beach, Florida
Easiest & BEST thing I have ever done, and I did it back in 2004 when you couldn't buy anything for the swap I might be the first one that did it -
I bought a wrecked 2004 - LS1 - had 656 miles - salvaged what I needed and sold the rest.
T56 - used the original hydraulic clutch from the donor car
I sent the harness out and had it retrofitted to remove unnecessary wires, they marked all the wires - easy hook up.
I'm using a GPS speedo, converter box for the tach, all other gauges work with original wires.
Replaced my gas tank with one out of a 73 - bottom feed to external walbro pump, C5 regulator & filter - Easy, used original fuel lines - added braided connections to it. Flush lines before using, I was amazed how much crap came out, I filled the line with Gumout, let it sit, blew it out.
Radiator & fans from donor - harness turns them on - Easy
12 years - Zero issues -
Happy Motoring, Frank
I bought a wrecked 2004 - LS1 - had 656 miles - salvaged what I needed and sold the rest.
T56 - used the original hydraulic clutch from the donor car
I sent the harness out and had it retrofitted to remove unnecessary wires, they marked all the wires - easy hook up.
I'm using a GPS speedo, converter box for the tach, all other gauges work with original wires.
Replaced my gas tank with one out of a 73 - bottom feed to external walbro pump, C5 regulator & filter - Easy, used original fuel lines - added braided connections to it. Flush lines before using, I was amazed how much crap came out, I filled the line with Gumout, let it sit, blew it out.
Radiator & fans from donor - harness turns them on - Easy
12 years - Zero issues -
Happy Motoring, Frank
Last edited by myoriginal77; May 5, 2016 at 07:39 PM. Reason: typo
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 283
Likes: 18
From: South carolina
another option is a carbed ls swap if you still want an old school look. I have a 73 that is that but retaining the turbo 400 (modified racing) that would keep it simple. Also am having a custom air cleaner/coil covers built to clean up the engine and make it look like a fuel injection setup. Best idea if your serious would to buy an ls1 f body car and sell what you don't need after the swap
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 283
Likes: 18
From: South carolina
One thing also to consider is the weight of an all iron sbc (including heads and exhaust manifolds). My 73 doesn't have the new springs on yet and is raised a good 2 to 3 inches in the front after the swap with stock springs. No doubt the easiest thing is to drop in a 383 or 406 sbc for straight forward swap with nice power. Imo for a street car lighter is always better then a few extra hp
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 397
Likes: 127
From: Flowood MS
I think it's probably easier to build a 383 up and go aftermarket EFI and select a different overdrive transmission if what you want is power and fuel economy. This is the route I will go if I ever get a C3 I can bubba without feeling bad. My current ride is too orginal for that.
The LS platform is simply amazing, but look how many LS swaps are started and never finished. A 383 is a bolt in and aftermarket EFIs hook up so easily anyone can do it.
I'm currently wading through a late model mustang wiring harness to figure out what is needed and not needed for swap into a Miata project. I hate this kind of work and it will never look as clean as one of the simple throttle body injection EFI setups. I wouldn't care if I were working on any 70s car, I'd just stick with the old school engines and switch to modern electronics the easy way. The result will be almost the same.
The LS platform is simply amazing, but look how many LS swaps are started and never finished. A 383 is a bolt in and aftermarket EFIs hook up so easily anyone can do it.
I'm currently wading through a late model mustang wiring harness to figure out what is needed and not needed for swap into a Miata project. I hate this kind of work and it will never look as clean as one of the simple throttle body injection EFI setups. I wouldn't care if I were working on any 70s car, I'd just stick with the old school engines and switch to modern electronics the easy way. The result will be almost the same.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 37
From: Catoosa Okla
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Given it has been since '95...21 years now, I put DPFI on my L48 in the '72 and gained some 6 mpg for the effort.....highway was 24 mpg....so even more....
but that was the iron head L48 engine, stock as a stove with L98 stock injection on top....and a '88-92? computer.....no MAF sensor...speed density...still in the car....
Engine was changed for a '89 truck roller 4 bolt block with L98 heads and headers.....and a highly modified later LT1 induction retaining the HEI ignition in back.......
the ONLY ONE in the world.....BET on that......
Thanks to a very good welder buddy......
but that was the iron head L48 engine, stock as a stove with L98 stock injection on top....and a '88-92? computer.....no MAF sensor...speed density...still in the car....
Engine was changed for a '89 truck roller 4 bolt block with L98 heads and headers.....and a highly modified later LT1 induction retaining the HEI ignition in back.......
the ONLY ONE in the world.....BET on that......
Thanks to a very good welder buddy......