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I recently inherited an LT-1 that came out of a 1993 camaro and im looking to swap it into my 1984 vette with the automatic transmission. Ive seen alot of different things on this swap and im curious if anyone more knowledgeable than me has done it or has any advice on how i can make this swap as easy as possible.
Anyone know of a kit or anything i could use to get this sorted. I know the wiring harness will have to be altered but if anyone has any more tips i would appreciate it.
I might be wrong but I believe that the LT1 motor mounts require an LT1 specific subframe K-member, among other details of the swap.
While I believe subframe K members from any year C4 will bolt to any year frame, you get into a sorta hairy conversion situation when it comes to the upper front shock mounts which are welded to the frame and are different from 84-87 to 88-96 model years, combined with the lower front shock mounts which depend on the lower control arms?
Overall I don't believe it is the easiest swap.
Hopefully others can chime in.
Last edited by yakmastermax; Feb 13, 2024 at 01:42 PM.
I swapped a 94 LT1 from z28 into a 79 Malibu that previously had a standard Chevy small block and it bolted right in without any modifications to the mounts on the engine or the frame. I’m thinking the 84 frame should accept the LT1 no problem.
The mounts from the older 350 Malibu bolt right up to the LT1 block. So if you’re putting the LT1 into an 84, use motor mounts for 84.
Now, getting over the hurdle of bolting the block to the frame is easy. There’s lots of other stuff to consider. A free engine isn’t gonna be free by the time it’s in the car functioning and functioning reliably.
What all came with the 93 LT1 engine? Is the proper transmission with it? What about the complete wiring harness, all needed sensors, PCM, accessories like steering pump, alternator and all related pulleys and such. Because you are transitioning from an old school distributor ignition to opti, the way the accessories are set up is different.
When I did the LT1 into 79 Malibu swap I had a complete 94 Z28 to supply me with everything I needed. Still it was a fairly involved process. I can’t begin to imagine how much trouble it would have been if I would’ve needed to track down and acquire a bunch of odds and ends that didn’t come with an entire car.
Now, getting over the hurdle of bolting the block to the frame is easy. There’s lots of other stuff to consider. A free engine isn’t gonna be free by the time it’s in the car functioning and functioning reliably.
What all came with the 93 LT1 engine? Is the proper transmission with it? What about the complete wiring harness, all needed sensors, PCM, accessories like steering pump, alternator and all related pulleys and such. Because you are transitioning from an old school distributor ignition to opti, the way the accessories are set up is different.
When I did the LT1 into 79 Malibu swap I had a complete 94 Z28 to supply me with everything I needed. Still it was a fairly involved process. I can’t begin to imagine how much trouble it would have been if I would’ve needed to track down and acquire a bunch of odds and ends that didn’t come with an entire car.
Here’s the LT1 tucked into the Malibu engine bay
the motor came with wiring harness as well as computer as well as all of the accessories Powersteering, compressor, etc
I have a built trans in the vette right now it’s the automatic 700r4 I’d like to use it if possible
I think you’re in luck there because the 93 Camaros with auto trans had the 4L60 (non electronic) which is the same thing as the 700r4.
Now, did the Camaro that this LT1 engine came from have an automatic or manual transmission? It’s important because you’re going to need the TV cable setup for a 93 LT1 equipped with automatic transmission. If that car had an automatic you should be looking even better. Although even if you’re 93 LT1 has correct throttle body bracket for the automatic equipped application you may need to get a compatible TV cable because I’m not sure if the 84 TV cable will be the right length. Not only is length important but also how much pull slack the cable has. I’m thinking a TV cable from a 93 Corvette, Camaro or Firebird might work. Obviously the Camaro or Firebird cable would need to be from an LT1 car.
That TV cable setup controls transmission line pressure and it’s crucial that’s its setup correctly. There’s no room for error there or you’ll be toasting transmissions.
That TV cable setup controls transmission line pressure and it’s crucial that’s its setup correctly. There’s no room for error there or you’ll be toasting transmissions.
The lt1 had a manual behind it. If that’s the case would it be better/easier to find another transmission to throw behind it for the swap
The lt1 had a manual behind it. If that’s the case would it be better/easier to find another transmission to throw behind it for the swap
The 700r4 you have should work as long as you have the parts to operate the TV cable properly. Even though the Camaro had a manual transmission the TV cable bracket may still have been on the throttle body from the factory but not used. Post some good pictures of the throttle body linkage. Maybe we can see it. Even if it’s not there, finding one shouldn’t be that big of a hurdle. Same situation with the actual TV cable.
Another thing. You say you have a built 700r4 in the 84 already. What are the details on that?. Does it hav a lockup or non lockup tq converter? If it’s lockup, what controls the lockup function? Considering it’s “built” it could be various configuration. Depending on the configuration you may or may not have to do anything additional in that regard.
I bet your 93 LT1 has the bracket that will accept the TV cable housing already on it. It probably also has the pin on the TB linkage where the cable itself connects.
I just looked at my stock 94 LT1 throttle body and even though this engine did not have a TV cable from the factory, the TB still has the pin. The bracket on the intake also has the position to accommodate the TV cable housing even though this engine never had a TV cable setup. Here are the pics I just took. In the first picture I’m pointing to where the TV cable connects to the throttle body linkage. In the second picture, the empty square with the dimple is where a TV cable housing would connect.
You’ll also need to compare how the accessories are arranged on the front of the engine. Considering you have all Camaro stuff, how will that work in the Corvette engine bay?
Even though LT1 was used in both cars, the accessories are arranged differently. The coil and ICM assembly is also positioned differently in each platform. It can be swapped to the other side if needed.
Are you planning on running an AC compressor? That too can affect the plan. If the Camaro accessories will physically fit as they are, where will the power steering pump be located? If it’s on the opposite side as typically for a Corvette, what power steering lines will you use? They’ll need to be the right length and have the right fittings. You’ll need to be able to secure them properly so they’ll last.
LT-1 Swap
