LS Swap Into 1977 Corvette ?
07-17-2018, 06:34 AM
#1
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LS Swap Into 1977 Corvette ?
I have access to a 6.0 liter LS V8 and transmission from a 2004 GMC van the company I work for is junking. The engine has only 72,000 on it. Best is, it's free.
Is going through the laborious process of swapping this engine and transmission into my 1977 Corvette worthwhile? I know it would be from a performance perspective in the end but in terms of increasing or decreasing the value of my '77 - are LS swaps into C3's a good idea?
My '77 is an L48 with 87,000 miles on it. The body is in very good shape but the car needs some work. Rear main seal, transmission leaks and the trailing arms are a disaster. Needs AC and some interior bits but aside from that she's a looker. The front end is in great shape. My thought is I would rebuild the rear end when and if I do the engine/transmission swap.
I'm well aware of the work involved and estimate it may take me a year to complete this project.
Any feedback welcome.
Thanks!
Is going through the laborious process of swapping this engine and transmission into my 1977 Corvette worthwhile? I know it would be from a performance perspective in the end but in terms of increasing or decreasing the value of my '77 - are LS swaps into C3's a good idea?
My '77 is an L48 with 87,000 miles on it. The body is in very good shape but the car needs some work. Rear main seal, transmission leaks and the trailing arms are a disaster. Needs AC and some interior bits but aside from that she's a looker. The front end is in great shape. My thought is I would rebuild the rear end when and if I do the engine/transmission swap.
I'm well aware of the work involved and estimate it may take me a year to complete this project.
Any feedback welcome.
Thanks!
07-17-2018, 06:40 AM
#2
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St. Jude Donor '05
Wouldnt worry about value on a 77. Plenty of buyers ea way.
Think a 6.0 is way more appealing than a junkyard 5.3
Think a 6.0 is way more appealing than a junkyard 5.3
07-17-2018, 08:20 AM
#3
Melting Slicks
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C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I would do it if I had the money. I personally don't do any projects that I can't afford to do fast. I wanna enjoy driving my car ,not sitting in the garage for years.
07-17-2018, 10:53 AM
#4
It's a fair amount of work to put the LS motor in your car. A 2004 6.0 will be a 24 tooth reluctor so the PCM will control the engine and trans. What trans comes with the engine? If it's out of a van it may be a 4L60E but could be a 4L80E that might not fit the tunnel. With a small cam and a good tune that 6.0 will easily make 400 RWHP and get great MPG.
07-17-2018, 03:46 PM
#5
Melting Slicks
TAKE the motor/trans combo. For free, you'll kick yourself for not doing it. Research how hard it is to do and decide if you want to do it. If not, sel it.
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rickimvette (07-17-2018)
07-17-2018, 04:49 PM
#6
I was thinking the exact same thing. If my motor was going out (although it sounds like this one may just have some leaks), I would put serious thought into an LS swap. Bring the C3 into the modern era. Better performance AND better economy .What's not to like?