Ok so i recently purchased a 1988 L98 with a 4+3 tranny. (i got it for 3500 knowing there is engine problems.) If i keep the 4+3 it will need a full rebuild all new gears and everything within the next couple of months. the engine has ALOT of leaks somewhere. i havent really had time to look where but when it is parked for a day or so there is leaks on the ground. ok so once i sell my v6 camaro i will have about 3000-4000$ to put into my corvette. so i have like 3 option i want to run by you guys to see what you think would be the best.


option 1:
Look for a used ls1 and T56 with low miles.(i can find one already in a firebird or camaro for around 2.3k)
Could you tell me how much it work cost me for everything else beside the wiring and computer.
option 2:
I have a friend with a LT1 and T56 for 1.6k with low miles.
also how much other things will cost me cause what is in it right know wont fit into a corvette (coming out of a firebird.)
option 3:
Just rebuild my L98 and 4+3 tranny.
how much would it cost me to rebuild the engine and tranny.

 

Come on guys im not sure what i should do any advice and some estimates on how much it might cost me?

 

Well, I have been going through similar items with my 86. Due to the fabrication still required to install an LSx motor in a C4, I am looking at staying with the L98 (in a way). First, I should note that my 86, I am building for drag racing. That said, I looked at the price of a new LSx motor and use the 700R4 that is currently in my 86. The cost for a new LSx motor is a little less than having the L98 stroked to a 406 or 434, but the fabrication that I would need would run the price up over having a 434 built. Of course, my 86 will have minimal street miles, as it needs to just be streetable enough to drive out to the track (don't have a truck to tow it with) and the occasional cruise with my wife. For a new LSx motor, I was looking at around $ 6500 plus the mounts, headers and fabrication work required. The 434 is going to run around $ 7500, but that will be top to bottom, including intake (carb) and headers. Going used and doing the fabrication yourself, you will save some money, as those prices did not include labor for installing the motors (only the machine work for the current block is included in the 434 price). So, if you have the mechanical ability to do the swap yourself, you are in a little better shape than me. Good luck!

 

me and my buddys can do the swap ourself. but im just wondering if a take a LS1 and T56 right out of a camaro or firebird what else would i need to put it into my corvette. if i find a ls1 with the t56 tranny for like 2.5k with all the wires harness and computers. what else would i need

 

You might want to think about rebuilding your L98 and adding this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1958886

 

Passing smog will be a major hurdle. If you install a LS1 you might have to have all of the LS1 smog upgrades. Better check around the PRC doesn't like engine changes.

If it was me Id sell the car and move on. For $5,500 you can get a good car. 2k might fix your motor but not with the 4+3.

Find a wrecked car and use it for parts.
Rebuild your L98.
Use the 4+3 for a boat anchor.

You might do a search for the LS1 swap so you'll know what you're getting in to. It might not be a bolt in.

When you run into a wall that you can't climb over its some times better to go around it.
Anyway its a lot to think about. Good luck with whatever you do.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/595415657.html

 

I would think that going to a Gen III/IV LS1/T56 might be out of your budget.. as picking up a Gen III/IV LS1,2 or 6 with T56 is going to run you $3,500+, but more like $5,000 to start with. Add wiring, PCM tuning, Fuel upgrades, etc... well.. you add it up.. Not that I am not saying the LSx option is not a good one.. as you can see by my Chevelle, I swapped in a 99' LS1 and used a Viper T56. So I am aware of the cost. But if you can.... you will really be pleased with the results. There are a few C4 LS1 swaps.. but being in Calif.. you will have to work with making sure all of the Smog equipement is converted cause you will have to take it to a Smog station to get it re-Certified to the newer LSx engine. You C4 would from then on be smogged to the new engine specs.. (EGR, AIR, sensers, tank pressure sensor, ODBII port and codes. But many have already done it.. so that is not a reason to not consider the LSx swap. Just more $$$ and time has to be put into it.

Option #2 would be to upgrade to a LT1/T56 that would be in your budget range. You should be able to get all of the parts from a donner or even the Chevy dealer ($$$). And would be a good step up. It might only be a bit more than rebuilding your L98 and 4+3.... Again, you would have to deal with the Smog updates of using a newer engine and equipement and getting certifed as to the newer LT1 engine standards.

 

It sounds like you are in pretty deep.

I don't mean to bring this thread down, but I would look for another C4 in good shape for only a few thousand more dollars.

Sell your current vette, or keep it and use it as a parts car.

On the other hand you may have a vision for this corvette, and money and time are not an issue.

My hats off to you if that is the case.

I would put a 6 speed in it from a newer C4, or install a TKO 500 from Keisler Engineering "like I did".

I would build the L98 up to the level of performance desired. The L98 will be m,uch easier to deal with in every way. You can get as much performance out of the L98 as you will ever likely need or want.

 

thanks for the info. i am going to keep this car just because i paid nothing for it. me and my buddy are going to take the L98 apart and clean it out and find where the leaks are coming from. i no one major leak from the power steering(no big deal) i also think i will be puting a 6 speed into the car. or the TKO 500. if anyone has any info in putting these in a vette id like to hear it thanks

 

A guy named Central Coaster used to be around here.
He is the best at the 6 speed conversion. He has done all the leg work for you. If you can find Central Coaster, he has all the best documentation for converting to a late C4 6 speed into a early C4.
He was banned from this site and some really great information left with him.
He can be found at another corvette site.
.
http://www.corvette-guru.com

If you want to go to the Tremec TKO 500, then Keisler Engineering has a perfect fit kit. It is the best way to go if you want a TKO 500 or TKO 600.

Richmond makes a 6 speed for the early C4 too.
It is a much older design than the other transmissions, has shift rods instead of the enclosed design like my TKO has.
I have not seen a Richmond 6 speed, but I am sure it is a good transmission too.

I went with the TKO because Keisler Engineering is known to be a great company with good support.

If I had of known Central Coaster had procedure documented as well as he does, I might have swapped in a late C4 6 speed. It is cheaper that way because you can find used transmission and parts.
More leg work, but cheaper.

All in all I am more than happy with my TKO, it cost more, but it was brand spanking new when I installed it. It is also a lot more heavy duty than the others.

Good luck.

 

that site isnt working for me hasnt been working for the past couple days. is the TKO 600 a 6 speed?

 

No. TKO 500 and 600 are both 5-spds.

 

TKO 500 is a wider ratio 5 speed.

TKO 600 is closer ratio between 1 and 2nd.

Both are great.

The TKO 600 is rated at more HP, but they both have the same strength everything. That is what the engineer at Tremec told me.
He said the TKO 500 is just as strong, made with just as strong of internals.

I can only guess it is a marketing ploy to get you to pay the extra bucks for the 600.

Or maybe the closer ratio somehow makes it handle more hp..........I don't see how it could make much of a diff.

 

Start a new thread on the subject

 

Say what? I hope you didn't mean that as snotty as it sounds.

 

Make the ZF upgrade and put a converted LT1 intake on, first gen SBC much easier and cheap to mod. You can do a a stroker relatively cheap these days.

You will spend a bundle making the LS conversion work evenif you already have the motor/trans.

 

Brian, I think they may have had some problems when they did the switch.
Is your user id the same on Guru as it is here on CF? If it is let me know and I will tell Bogus that your user id is having problems. Try again after he has a chance to resolve any issues you may have with your userid.
You did notice the address has changed didn't you. Maybe you might need to clear your temp. internet files too.

I just checked on the Guru forum. Central Coaster answered your transmission swap question.
Have you seen it yet?

 

Sorry, to be exact he started 10 (ten) threads on the same subject.

 

So did about 40 others.....

 

Sorry Jhammons
I thought you were pizzed at me for something. Like maybe I was going on to much about my TKO 500.
Heck, its about the only thing I know anything about. LOL
I guess I am a little grumpy lately.
Please accept my sincere appologies.