LS2 into C4
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo CA
That is a good question. We have all the parts on the shelf ready to go. There is a significant difference in the L76/L92 head/intake package, and the cam has a ton of bump.
I am a tad apprehensive about this portion of the project as the car runs so well right now and is plenty fast. GM rates the performance package at 480 hp around 6,500. That is enough to twist the car in two without other major mods to support. If it isn't driven hard all the time, it won't matter. However I know gas mileage will suffer and it will have a thump idle, and possible surge or other issues that are common when you push the envelope.
So - we don't have it on the calendar yet. We may put it all in to see what it does, dyno it out - drive around, then remove the parts in favor of the LS2 stuff.
The only thing I have to compare it to is my 69 Camaro. I have a SLP Stage III modified LS1 in that car. It is a fairly radical (for street use) cam, LS6 intake, highly modified LS6 heads - headers, 36# injectors...etc. While the car will blister the pavement and put a smile on your face that lasts all day...it suffers from rough idle, etc. It is a drive by cable and from time to time will stall as the IAC has trouble compensating for the air needs (not cool). However, it still gets 25 mpg on the highway and 16 in town (I drive the Camaro every day right now).
So...we will see.
I am a tad apprehensive about this portion of the project as the car runs so well right now and is plenty fast. GM rates the performance package at 480 hp around 6,500. That is enough to twist the car in two without other major mods to support. If it isn't driven hard all the time, it won't matter. However I know gas mileage will suffer and it will have a thump idle, and possible surge or other issues that are common when you push the envelope.
So - we don't have it on the calendar yet. We may put it all in to see what it does, dyno it out - drive around, then remove the parts in favor of the LS2 stuff.
The only thing I have to compare it to is my 69 Camaro. I have a SLP Stage III modified LS1 in that car. It is a fairly radical (for street use) cam, LS6 intake, highly modified LS6 heads - headers, 36# injectors...etc. While the car will blister the pavement and put a smile on your face that lasts all day...it suffers from rough idle, etc. It is a drive by cable and from time to time will stall as the IAC has trouble compensating for the air needs (not cool). However, it still gets 25 mpg on the highway and 16 in town (I drive the Camaro every day right now).
So...we will see.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: Social Circle Georgia
Neither your trans nor your rear end will take that type of power. You'll have to upgrade to a dana 44 to have a chance. The trans can be built to handle the power though.
You can reach 475 rwhp easily. See how you like this powerband http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=807945
To me it's a we bit peaky. I prefer a broader more flat torque curve btu that's me.
You can reach 475 rwhp easily. See how you like this powerband http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=807945
To me it's a we bit peaky. I prefer a broader more flat torque curve btu that's me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 3
From: Clinton IL
Neither your trans nor your rear end will take that type of power. You'll have to upgrade to a dana 44 to have a chance. The trans can be built to handle the power though.
You can reach 475 rwhp easily. See how you like this powerband http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=807945
To me it's a we bit peaky. I prefer a broader more flat torque curve btu that's me.
You can reach 475 rwhp easily. See how you like this powerband http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=807945
To me it's a we bit peaky. I prefer a broader more flat torque curve btu that's me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 3
From: Clinton IL
Those are the heads/intake I have right now waiting to go in our car - but there is the addition of the ASA hot cam...and a matter of .2 liter increase for what that is worth.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
Likes: 11
From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Very expencive to do right.
I got a quote of over 20G for the conversion, parts and labor, that was a super price for what I was getting but out of my price range.
I got a quote of over 20G for the conversion, parts and labor, that was a super price for what I was getting but out of my price range.
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Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: Social Circle Georgia
That's a wee bit too high actually. I wouldn't charge that much to do this conversion. However, the main components will make a huge difference in price. For instance, new engine and trans or used? New accessories components or used. You can definitely have it done for less than 20k.
Chris, you're right, I always forget the LS3 is a 6.2. Every little bit counts I guess.
Good choice Demonic
Chris, you're right, I always forget the LS3 is a 6.2. Every little bit counts I guess.
Good choice Demonic
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo CA
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo CA
Neither your trans nor your rear end will take that type of power. You'll have to upgrade to a dana 44 to have a chance. The trans can be built to handle the power though.
You can reach 475 rwhp easily. See how you like this powerband http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=807945
To me it's a we bit peaky. I prefer a broader more flat torque curve btu that's me.
You can reach 475 rwhp easily. See how you like this powerband http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=807945
To me it's a we bit peaky. I prefer a broader more flat torque curve btu that's me.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo CA
Thats where I can save a lot of money on labor by doing it myself. All the research is pretty well done on the installation, just some time and skinned knuckles.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: Social Circle Georgia
I also received a call from a gentleman in Illinois that has done a number of these installs himself already. His latest is an LS6 in a 92 vette. He said he was able to use the C5 motor mounts and the mounts dropped right back into the holes on the frame that hold the LT1. These cars are road raced so they are gutted, but he indicated that the LSx AC will fit in it's stock location with the engine mounted using C5 mounts. The Melrose headers fit no problem he said. So you LT guys still have huge wiring issues to over come but you've got some things working for you.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Fredneck MD
My question is what is done with the C-beam to mount the T-56. From what I have read, you just have to make the stock holes into an oval shape and notch it. I'm also guessing people are modding the stock driveshaft? Not sure if it has to be shorten or made longer. All of this done for a Dana44 C-beam and driveshaft. I heard someone say that the shifter location isn't in the right location with the T-56. Just trying to get all the info I can.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Thanks i've already started saving money for the project as i'm not going to mod my L98 any further. My goal is a LSx engine pushing roughly 450 to the wheels with a 6 speed behind it. Already have the rear, Ford 9 inch 
I gotta be honest, this swap doesnt look hard at all. Just takes some time to get it all right.
I gotta be honest, this swap doesnt look hard at all. Just takes some time to get it all right.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: holland
im doing an ls2 swap in my 1986 vette but its gonna be drag raced for most of the time
the speed hound plates look good so Ill look in to that one for sure
im going for the edelbrock intake with the msd box and a AED carb setup
I the engine i got was a warranty swap for a 2005 vette
I opened it up and some lifters broke and the cam is toast
only thing now is ,how do I get the balancer bolt loose
to loosen its counterclockwise right?
I tried a electric wrench from Hitachi that they use for trucks but it don't even move!! [ so advise anyone?
]
thanks jeff
some pics of the engine are here:
http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../MY%20RACECAR/
the speed hound plates look good so Ill look in to that one for sure
im going for the edelbrock intake with the msd box and a AED carb setup
I the engine i got was a warranty swap for a 2005 vette
I opened it up and some lifters broke and the cam is toast
only thing now is ,how do I get the balancer bolt loose
to loosen its counterclockwise right?
I tried a electric wrench from Hitachi that they use for trucks but it don't even move!! [ so advise anyone?
]thanks jeff
some pics of the engine are here:
http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../MY%20RACECAR/
Last edited by j-stingray; Apr 24, 2009 at 12:21 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: Social Circle Georgia
My question is what is done with the C-beam to mount the T-56. From what I have read, you just have to make the stock holes into an oval shape and notch it. I'm also guessing people are modding the stock driveshaft? Not sure if it has to be shorten or made longer. All of this done for a Dana44 C-beam and driveshaft. I heard someone say that the shifter location isn't in the right location with the T-56. Just trying to get all the info I can.
You'll have to make an adapter bracket to go from the Cbridge to the T56. I don't know of anyone that already makes one.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: Social Circle Georgia
im doing an ls2 swap in my 1986 vette but its gonna be drag raced for most of the time
the speed hound plates look good so Ill look in to that one for sure
im going for the edelbrock intake with the msd box and a AED carb setup
I the engine i got was a warranty swap for a 2005 vette
I opened it up and some lifters broke and the cam is toast
only thing now is ,how do I get the balancer bolt loose
to loosen its counterclockwise right?
I tried a electric wrench from Hitachi that they use for trucks but it don't even move!! [ so advise anyone?]
thanks jeff
some pics of the engine are here:
http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../MY%20RACECAR/
the speed hound plates look good so Ill look in to that one for sure
im going for the edelbrock intake with the msd box and a AED carb setup
I the engine i got was a warranty swap for a 2005 vette
I opened it up and some lifters broke and the cam is toast
only thing now is ,how do I get the balancer bolt loose
to loosen its counterclockwise right?
I tried a electric wrench from Hitachi that they use for trucks but it don't even move!! [ so advise anyone?
]thanks jeff
some pics of the engine are here:
http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../MY%20RACECAR/
CCW off, yes. Use a 1/2" pnuematic impact gun set at 120psi. Should come off after a few seconds. You'll need a 24mm impact socket though. Might be able to get by with a normal socket. The other option is to connect something to the crank shaft in th eback and leverage there while using a long braker bar on the front. The torque on the bolt is based on angle but supposedly the conversion the foot-pounds puts it well over 200 ftlbs.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: Social Circle Georgia
Thanks i've already started saving money for the project as i'm not going to mod my L98 any further. My goal is a LSx engine pushing roughly 450 to the wheels with a 6 speed behind it. Already have the rear, Ford 9 inch
I gotta be honest, this swap doesnt look hard at all. Just takes some time to get it all right.
I gotta be honest, this swap doesnt look hard at all. Just takes some time to get it all right.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: holland
CCW off, yes. Use a 1/2" pnuematic impact gun set at 120psi. Should come off after a few seconds. You'll need a 24mm impact socket though. Might be able to get by with a normal socket. The other option is to connect something to the crank shaft in th eback and leverage there while using a long braker bar on the front. The torque on the bolt is based on angle but supposedly the conversion the foot-pounds puts it well over 200 ftlbs.
ps do you send your parts to europe too?
thanks jeff