ls7 engine swap into my 72 lt1
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
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ls7 engine swap into my 72 lt1
my non matching engine is coming out of my c3 lt1 soon and installing a 2008 ls7 into it .keeping the m22 behind it. anyone done this swap.how did you like the outcome ?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 728
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From: Smyrna, TN
Do you have a build sheet for it?
Do you know if the M-22 is original with the car?
Does it have a metal fan shroud and aluminum radiator?
Do the brake calipers have one or two brake pad pins?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 728
Likes: 346
From: Smyrna, TN
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 187
Likes: 12
it was a no option car no power steering ,power brakes ,radio. but it did come with the big sway bars front and back.I did a body off complete restoration in 09.removed all the gelcoat and cut out all the seams .now its cybergray metalic .a real show winner.sold it in 2014 and just bought it back this past april .385 cu in. 11to 1 cpr. crower solid cam fun to drive .
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
It's less of a hassle. It will bolt right up. You only need a new clutch. You Don't need a new driveshaft, trans crossmember, or $3-5K for a new transmission.
Thread Starter
Instructor
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after talking it over with my son today Im leaning towards the t56 magnum its an easy install,just a little glass work.I do these projects to keep me busy and I really enjoy it.and like he said cant take it with me. and swap out the 3:70 gear for a 3:36 .1st gear in my 2013 vert with the ls7 was almost not needed for takeoff with Can the3:43 that it came with. Hard to sleep with all this going on .thanks for the input boys .Think i,ll mount that m22 next to my chair to rest the remote onn.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
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after talking it over with my son today Im leaning towards the t56 magnum its an easy install,just a little glass work.I do these projects to keep me busy and I really enjoy it.and like he said cant take it with me. and swap out the 3:70 gear for a 3:36 .1st gear in my 2013 vert with the ls7 was almost not needed for takeoff with Can the3:43 that it came with. Hard to sleep with all this going on .thanks for the input boys .Think i,ll mount that m22 next to my chair to rest the remote onn.
Here is my swap info.
Changes since install, used a Tilton hydraulic release bearing part # 60-6105 and a Tilton ST246 Twin disc clutch. Tried to setup same as C6 clutch pedal. This didn't work out, clutch is heavier than a C6.
Spend some time looking at the clutch choices. If you like the feel of a C6, then you might look at using GM parts. But go with twin disc setup or the pedal will be very heavy for a rated clutch for a LS7.
T56 Magnum Install 78 Corvette. - Page 2 - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
LS3 / 480 Install. 2 area's of issues. FEA (front end accessories) clearance from control arm, Gas tank so you can run down to 1/8. Full. My install still has the factory tank. Works but doesn't show proper full level and cannot run on a road course without 1/3 tank full.
1978 LS3 Swap Completed. - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,365
Likes: 1,589
From: los altos hills california
"it's an easy install,just a little glass work". Famous last words? We'll see how you feel later on.
Exactly my feeling, I can only take on so much before I own a project that never gets finished. Myself, I put a carbureted LS3 in my car because I figured old school car, old school solution. I didn't want to have to mess with a number of ancillary issues. The biggest drawback was I had to swap out the hood for something with more rise. Looks pretty good from most angles.
Some random info for you
Somebody long ago started this thread to which there were lots of contributions early on and then I guess everybody forgot about it. Haven't browsed here for LS7's, but if it helps you, fine
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...directory.html
My swap was an LS376/515 and a 3:36 rear with original but rebuilt drivetrain. Lightweight flywheel and pressure plate. Rev's quickly. Original driveshaft. Great autocrosser. Clearance issues as above, all reasonably easy to solve. I have the factory tank with external fuel pump at the rear, never had a problem. You will have a very different solution .
One consideration, with the block adapters to get factory mounts, the motor sits higher and I had to mess with driveshaft alignment to get rid of an annoying vibrations.
That's the big stuff
Some random info for you
Somebody long ago started this thread to which there were lots of contributions early on and then I guess everybody forgot about it. Haven't browsed here for LS7's, but if it helps you, fine
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...directory.html
This will be a good setup. I swapped a LS3 / 480 & T56 into my 1978 corvette, added a 3:36 diff to match as closely as possible to my C6 2010 Grandsport.
.....
LS3 / 480 Install. 2 area's of issues. FEA (front end accessories) clearance from control arm, Gas tank so you can run down to 1/8. Full. My install still has the factory tank. Works but doesn't show proper full level and cannot run on a road course without 1/3 tank full.
.....
LS3 / 480 Install. 2 area's of issues. FEA (front end accessories) clearance from control arm, Gas tank so you can run down to 1/8. Full. My install still has the factory tank. Works but doesn't show proper full level and cannot run on a road course without 1/3 tank full.
One consideration, with the block adapters to get factory mounts, the motor sits higher and I had to mess with driveshaft alignment to get rid of an annoying vibrations.
That's the big stuff
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 187
Likes: 12
the thread you sent answered many questions thank you .glass work comes easy to me (boat builder ) among other trades machinist, welder fabricator .this is all great fun for me.What we do will be a lost art some day sad to say. keep turning wrenches never quit .
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,365
Likes: 1,589
From: los altos hills california
I always thought that thread should have been a sticky.
That said, I am not sure if I am guilty of that same crime.
There was another one on swapping aftermarket seats, same deal. As a result we don't always get a more complete picture of who did what. The forum search function is very tricky to get a search that gets good results, stickies on frequent questions are better.
Sorry just my editorial comment!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
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shopping for headers ,not much available,American racing 12 weeks plus behind .working on billyboat now. their behind also. I assume not many of these swaps being done at this point. I would like to get 1 7/8 primarys and stainless long tubes. any suggestions?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,960
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From: Virginia
https://www.bbexhaust.com/shop/chevy...der-fcor-0580/
I'm sure they are very nice, but $1500 for short-tube headers seemed a bit steep.
I bought these for my LS6 swap. They are, ironically for you, LS7 takeoffs. @cagotzmann used the same ones in his build.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...completed.html
