LS1 Engine Swap???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 136
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LS1 Engine Swap???
I have an 85' that may be in need of an engine rebuild soon. And by "Need" I mean WANT 
Anyway, someone I know has offered me a very low miles, complete LS1 from a Camaro. I can probably get it for $700-$800. My question is, can this motor be used in any way in my L98 based Vette??? Even if just as a short block??? Sorry for my ignorance. I am new the Chevy thing. I don't know a thing about the small block interchanges (i.e. bolt patterns on heads and intake manifolds)
Anyway, someone I know has offered me a very low miles, complete LS1 from a Camaro. I can probably get it for $700-$800. My question is, can this motor be used in any way in my L98 based Vette??? Even if just as a short block??? Sorry for my ignorance. I am new the Chevy thing. I don't know a thing about the small block interchanges (i.e. bolt patterns on heads and intake manifolds)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: Beverly, NJ
It probably will work fine. But you will need to get an adapter to use a 700r4 with it. I am pretty sure I saw an adapter for the bolt pattern on the fly wheel of LS1 for use with a 700r4 or 4L60E. Also, you will need the computer, and a new tuned chip. Another thing to think about is that the LS1 is a much lighter motor than the L98, so it will throw off the handling some. Make sure the LS1 is complete with EVERYTHING! I asked the same question right after I bought my 86 and these are just a few things that I was told. But you will deffinatly need to adapt your 700r4 or 4+3 trans to the LS1. Someone else will chime in, I am sure.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
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Oh yeah. One More thing, It will have to be emissions legal. I'm pretty sure it will need to have a smog pump to pass the Arizona visual equipment test. Anyone know who might make the adaptor for the tranny
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 18
From: Raleigh, NC
You will have to fabricate motor mounts, an accessory drive system, possibly exhaust manifolds, and an entire host of other things.
Beyond all that, there is the computer issue. You can use the wiring harness and ECM from the LS1, but none of your gauges will work. I wouldn't even know where to begin with a problem like that.
$2500+ is a realistic estimate of the cost of the swap. That's an awfully expensive way to make 300 RWHP.
Beyond all that, there is the computer issue. You can use the wiring harness and ECM from the LS1, but none of your gauges will work. I wouldn't even know where to begin with a problem like that.
$2500+ is a realistic estimate of the cost of the swap. That's an awfully expensive way to make 300 RWHP.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,655
Likes: 24
From: Charleston SC
You can get the motor mount adapters from Street and Performance for $80
You will need a 3 wire hook up LS1 wiring harness (Try here http://www.jimsperformance.com/ )
You will also need to figure out what to do about and exhaust
By compleate, do you mean with all the assys? If not you will need the whole assy package including any brackets then you will have to make sure teher are no fitment isues.
Also check out thirdgen.org they have a great LS1 swap section
You will need a 3 wire hook up LS1 wiring harness (Try here http://www.jimsperformance.com/ )
You will also need to figure out what to do about and exhaust
By compleate, do you mean with all the assys? If not you will need the whole assy package including any brackets then you will have to make sure teher are no fitment isues.
Also check out thirdgen.org they have a great LS1 swap section
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Others here have done the swap succesfully. Sounds like your'e going to spend 5-10 k by the time all the details are ironed out. You'll need the correct 4L60 for the motor. No LS1 parts interchang with the standard small block. There will be plenty of wiring woes I'd imagine, fitment issues, etc. If you have the money to burn, go for it. You'd have an awesome car . If not, dump it, buy some good cyl. heads and a cam for your L98 to start with. It'll run pleny hard. By the time you got done with your conversion you could have bought a 98-00 LS1 Camaro.
