QCY2K6

Hello,
I do not hang out in the C4 Forums any longer because I sold my 1991 a few years ago. However I have run into a cheap($1300) 1986 that really nice with a missing motor. Also over the last few months I have parted out two c5's and I now have three LS1's just sitting around looking for new homes. I was thinking is it worth the time and money to slip a LS1 into the C4 for a super cheap track car? I do not like people that are just starting to track to use my C5. So I have time and the motors just wanted to know what the masters of the C4 fourms think about the time money and the other problems that the swap have. I have looked around and saw peoples swaps. I want to get off the ground and close this open question. Swap or pass!!!!
Thanks
Benjamin

corvetteronw

Get with Corvette Central. They did this on an 85 and supposedly have all the info you need to do it yourself. They used an automatic equipped 85 for the swap and got everything to work except the instant mpg feature. I saw the car at Carlisle and talked with the guys that did the swap. There were issues with the motor mounts, C-beam mounting, the fly-by-wire throttle and the interface with the wiring harness' but they worked it all out.
Chaos here in C4 is doing a swap right now.

QCY2K6

Ok thanks for the info!!!
Benjamin

CRUZN C4

It's been done before, I'd say go for it!

C4orce2

I had a LS3 "hot cam" installed in my '92 by Corvette Restoration AZ in Tempe. If you want to see pics of the build google "C4orce2" and look for the photobucket. You may also want to contact Kim Madsen at Crovette Restoration and discuss the build. He worked with Wes Burch who built an interface between the original computer and the E67 computer that came in the kit with the crate engine. The mpg issue was not solved and we did not save cruise control or traction control, but the digital dash was saved otherwise. Not cheap or quick, but worth the while, especially with the "hot cam" engine.

QCY2K6

I saw C4orce2 car and it is a work of art!!!! Way too much work to do a conversion for a cheap track car. Thanks Larry for one person car show...
Thanks
Benjamin

PLRX

I'd say yes, if you have the cash for the engine go for it.

$1,300 for the Vette. How is everything else working? Electronics, tranny, driveshaft, differential, bearings, suspension?

You can get a C5 Z06 for $18-20K and will always be a Better Vette.

QCY2K6

I have the engine thats not a big deal... I have three of them!

It the amount of work to try to make a LS1 work in a C4 is not worth it for me after seeing one done in person.

The Vette is super nice and just needs a motor. I think I will use something else for it.

Yes, thats correct a Z is cheap, however the idea was to build a track car I can let people use to get them into autocross with a cheap Vette. I would just let them use my C5 and just buy the insurance for the day.
Thanks
Benjamin

Mohammed_z

cheap track car : do it .

if you want a better track car : sell the ls1s and get ls3.

cv67

If the FI is too much hassle just carb it, Pace Performance Parts, GMPP all sell the kit. Manifold ignition system etc. Hell for a track car why not.

yedister

X2, yea just like the man said

QCY2K6

From what I am reading the LS3 has a problem with the oiling when turning left with track tires.
Please read about it here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...es-or-not.html

QCY2K6

Yep thats what I am thinking right now.

QCY2K6

I thinking that x3

McGirk94LT1

Dont worry about needing an ls3. Ive been learning ALOT about the ls motors(past ls1 at least) lastely on the GTO forums. Everyone screams how much better the ls6 is compared to the ls2... false. The heads, technically, are identical. The valves are hollow and sodium filled in the ls6 and not in the ls2, as the ls6 was supposed to be more of a track motor. The reason I say the ls2 is better though despite making about the same hp as the ls6, is cause it may have the worst intake manifold put on a chevy motor ever(at least to match the rest of the motor) to the point that the ls1 manifold is about the same yet it STILL makes 400hp. Since the ls2 already has "243" cast heads, just buy an ls6 intake manifold for dirt cheap and itll really unleash the ls2. If you plan to track it, you may want the ls6 heads just for the better valves for high rpm use. Or its infinitely better then the ls1 because it can run the ls3 top end(though that thread was news to me and def something to think about). I dunno about exact fitament issues, but the 05/06 GTO's and 06/07 CTS-V's are ls2 and the quicker m12 transmission, plus its a standard front mount transmission so it could more likely fit in a c4. If it wasnt for mpg reasons, all ls2/3 vettes should have gotten the m12 trans, not just the z51 and grandsports.

Sorry if that was more of a rant, but hope it helps some. Im gettin rid of my vette soon and was really looking into GTO's for somethin fun with a back seat. But if money is tight I may wait till a clean Nissan 240sx chassis comes up and get an ls2/3 for it. Thats becoming a pretty common swap with multiple companies making parts for the swap. Im interested because they cost next to nothing, weigh about 3100 with ls motor and trans, and have something that resembles a back seat at least.

Frizlefrak

If you decide to pull the trigger, please do a detailed build thread with pics.

QCY2K6

I met with C4orce2 the the other day and he did a LS3 swap in his 1992. Here is his picks of the build.
































































C4orce2 tuned at Dyno-Comp, Scottsdale, AZ, 2-3-11. End results, SAE net 578 hp and 602 tq.

If you have any questions of his build PM I am sure he would be happy to talk to you about his build.

Thanks
Benjamin

3D87C4

Here's another thread you should check out, if you haven't already:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...x-my-swap.html

If you have the engines and the ability then 'go for it' is my 2 cents.

QCY2K6

Thats funny I think I sold him a P/S pump and the alt bracket.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks Benjamin

ch@0s

I belive you did.
There are a few of these going on right now. I would be glad to help in any way.