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Engine Swap

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Old Nov 17, 2018 | 03:46 PM
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Default Engine Swap

Hello,

I am thinking about swapping my base L98 motor for a LT5 (ZR1) motor.
I have a 1991 convertible 6 speed, how hard will it be to swap them out, has anybody seen a ZR motor in a convertible?
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Old Nov 17, 2018 | 05:24 PM
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Having access to a ZR1 donor car would be ideal. Chevrolet didn't believe the convertible was robust enough for ZR1 engine.
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Old Nov 17, 2018 | 05:52 PM
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I can not comment on the details of a swap but my guess is the main challenge will be wiring and computer related, also the A/C system on the LT5's is a bit different I believe.

If you had a donor car proabbly it is doable if your handy.... if all you have is an LT5 engine it may be difficult trying to track everything down. Have you considered an LS swap as an alternative?

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Old Nov 19, 2018 | 10:50 PM
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Do you have a DOHC LT5 sitting around?

I would suggest you look into the cost of one and then compare that to what a high performance SBC would cost.
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Old Nov 19, 2018 | 11:15 PM
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X2
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Old Nov 19, 2018 | 11:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Pyepye
Hello,

I am thinking about swapping my base L98 motor for a LT5 (ZR1) motor.
I have a 1991 convertible 6 speed, how hard will it be to swap them out, has anybody seen a ZR motor in a convertible?

It has been done. You will need a donor car to handle all the changes.

top items:
engine
engine harness
engine cradle
engine mounts
vacuum pump
oil cooler
ecm
dash harness
front wiring harness
transmission (unless you want to pay bill b to swap in a new input shaft)
fuel pump assembly

There are some other parts, but this will give you an idea.

Let me know if you want a Parts car to do the swap or if you would just rather buy a complete ZR-1.
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Old Nov 20, 2018 | 12:33 AM
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Might be cheaper to buy a ZR1 with high miles or simply go for a LS swap, those motors are dime a dozen and it'll be a proven combo with plenty of aftermarket support
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Old Nov 20, 2018 | 12:37 AM
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ChumpVette

Thanks for the gouge. Good stuff. I don't have a motor yet, but I have a running 1991, 6 speed, convertible. I have plenty of tools and am pretty good around cars, fabrication mig, plasma, etc...now (semi retired) have a little bit of time on my hands. I have had this car for 18 years now, I have always wanted to make it into a 1991 ZR-1 Convertible....just think it would be a challenging project and a great conversation piece/driver when finished......

looking at motors now......

PyePye
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Old Nov 20, 2018 | 12:59 AM
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Send me a PM. I've got everything you need.
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