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Need LT1 conversion info

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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 10:17 AM
  #1  
IT STINGS's Avatar
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Default Need LT1 conversion info

I will be installing an LT1 from a vette with 4l60e tranny in my vette next month. I have looked through this site and others for info on doing this swap and I havn't really found anything. I'm more concerned with the items I may need to fabricate/modify. Is there any good reading or anything I really need to consider before undergoing this project.

P.S. I'm not worried about the difficulty level of this project. Between my partners in crime and myself this should not be that difficult, however I like to plan ahead whenever possible.

Thanks,
-G
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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 12:27 PM
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See www.corvettefaq.com for more C3 LT1 swaps. See this post for info on TPI conversion http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...9&page=2&pp=20 It is not the same but similar thoughts will be required. If you use a 4L60E you will have to convert to an electronic speedo or get an adapter, see www.jagsthatrun.com for that. See www.bowtieoverdrives.com for a nice transmission crossmember and shifter conversion. Speed density will be cleaner to install than mass-air due to space issues. Not sure, but I think C4 LT1 exhaust manifolds will work. I am using C4 TPI manifold/headers on mine. True 2 1/2" outlet. Good luck with your swap, fuel injection is nice.

Last edited by markdtn; Dec 21, 2004 at 12:31 PM.
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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 12:49 PM
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I should buy the engine from my Z28, from the insurance company, and stuff that in my 81...
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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 08:11 PM
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Thanks for the info....The exhaust manifold was a concern for me..I had forgotten to ask that on my original post. I was reading another post where bowtie sells a crossmember with the proper angle. I will have to look into that as well. I did not realize I would not be able to use my factory TH350 cross member.

Regards
-G
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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 09:01 PM
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I think mark pretty much covered it,goodluck with the project youll love it when your done.
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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 09:53 PM
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Default LT1 and the 4L60E

The conversion process for my car is somewhat documented at www.vetteworksonline.com under engine conversions.

You may want to start by reading about the fuel system.

I have had a few Corvettes and this LT1 / 4L60E combo is my favorite so far.

Good luck.

David
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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 09:55 PM
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Thanks Pat. That's exactly what I'm hoping for. I thought I wanted a radical engine with crazy performance and it didn't take long for me to realize I had lost touch of what I loved about the car. Being able to drive it anywhere anytime.

Oh btw, based on your posts and Lars tech article regarding painting. I decided to paint my car myself. Of course I practiced on my Accord first and it came out first class. It's not extremely difficult, just verrrrrrry time consuming to make sure you are doing a good job. And I'm taking your advice with the respirator. It only takes a few breaths of the stuff to give me a headache.

Wish me luck
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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 10:46 PM
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Hi David. I see Dan finally sold his car. Nice to see it ended up with a fellow forum member.
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by 70 LS1
Hi David. I see Dan finally sold his car. Nice to see it ended up with a fellow forum member.
It's a great car. I have had it about 6 months now. I've added a couple of things, fiberglass spring in back for example, but the only thing I have to do to keep it running is change the oil and gas it up.

I do not miss carburetors one bit. In fact, I doubt if I will ever own a car with a carburetor again.

David
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Kalway
I should buy the engine from my Z28, from the insurance company, and stuff that in my 81...
Try to stick with a Corvette LT1, it will save you time and money, otherwise you will need to change the accessory brackets, harmonic damper, Corvette valve covers, etc. You can use the stock Corvette LT1 exhaust manifolds. They are huge. In my opinion, headers are not necessary with these exhaust manifolds. The right side (passenger side) will be a tight fit. The header pipe will need to be angled toward the block to clear the frame and idler arm and one of the idler arm mounting bolts will need to be trimmed. This is a great conversion. It will turn your C3 into a whole new Corvette.
Dan
www.vetteworksonline.com
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 01:40 PM
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Thanks Dan,

That is exactly what I was looking to hear. I thought I could just pick up any z28/TA engine setup and ask for the Corvette serpentine setup. I will make sure to get a Corvette LT1.

Thank you!!!
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