trashed engine what to do what to do
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
Why not consider, if you have not already, putting in an LS-1 from a Camaro/Firebird with trans. The "salvage yards" usually sell them with the PCM and harness so you'd have all the power you want and while the gauges would still be an issue it should be a reasonable transplant.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Hmmm...
I like the thinking there, but does the tranny from firebird/camaro fit an 85 vette? I bet not but I would be interested to know if anyone else has feedback on this or if anyone has made a switch like this. Also would an LS-1 bolt in or is there any mods that need to happen to make it fit?
I like the thinking there, but does the tranny from firebird/camaro fit an 85 vette? I bet not but I would be interested to know if anyone else has feedback on this or if anyone has made a switch like this. Also would an LS-1 bolt in or is there any mods that need to happen to make it fit?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
Hmmm...
I like the thinking there, but does the tranny from firebird/camaro fit an 85 vette? I bet not but I would be interested to know if anyone else has feedback on this or if anyone has made a switch like this. Also would an LS-1 bolt in or is there any mods that need to happen to make it fit?
I like the thinking there, but does the tranny from firebird/camaro fit an 85 vette? I bet not but I would be interested to know if anyone else has feedback on this or if anyone has made a switch like this. Also would an LS-1 bolt in or is there any mods that need to happen to make it fit?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Again more to think about. Good thing I'm not planning on starting this project this weekend! Any Ideas for price range for an LS-1 from Junkya... I mean automotive recycling facility
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,157
Likes: 554
From: Glenbeulah Wi
I have an 85 coupe with loads of problems so rather than try to address problems one at a time I plan on doing the whole car at once, almost a frame off job. It is a long term project that is currently in the planning budgeting phase. The first thing on the list is the drivetrain. I would like to get 400+ hp, ft/lb out of the engine. Since it needs to be rebuilt anyway the sky is the limit(or wallet). Should I just send the block out to a shop to be rebuilt(phoenixengine.com has some very reasonably priced services for their hp claims), or buy a crate motor?
Second, and yes, this is a serious question, how bad of an idea is it to trash the computer totally and build it like an old school pre-ecu muscle car? I understand the gauges et. al. would have to be replaced with custom parts and I am willing to do the work there, but lets face it you wouldn't use a 25 year old computer at home so why use one in your car? Technology has advanced so far since then that newer designed engine components unhindered by having to fit into a basically obsolete system might have the edge. Then a gain I have been wrong before...
Second, and yes, this is a serious question, how bad of an idea is it to trash the computer totally and build it like an old school pre-ecu muscle car? I understand the gauges et. al. would have to be replaced with custom parts and I am willing to do the work there, but lets face it you wouldn't use a 25 year old computer at home so why use one in your car? Technology has advanced so far since then that newer designed engine components unhindered by having to fit into a basically obsolete system might have the edge. Then a gain I have been wrong before...
Listed below is my 355 Firebird combination that makes 400 Plus at the engine. A combination similar to this will work well in your vette.
1988 Formula 5.7L/6sp 3.91 gears,10.6 cr, SLP cold air kit, MAS gutted, TPIS air foil, TPIS AFPR, Superram, headers, under drive pulleys, cat back, E-Tec 200 heads, SDPC Vortec manifold, ZZ-409 cam.
Best ET 12.17
Best 60 FT 1.754
Best MPH 113.1
RWHP 369
RWTQ 399
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
I would do the LS1 swap. For under 2K (probably) you can get a solid LSx motor with PCM. Then look for a pair of LS6 heads and a cam and your in the new C6 territory in terms of power. You will cut a couple hundred pounds off the weight of your car and your balance will be as close to 50/50 as you can get.
As far as the tranny, the real concern is getting a bell housing that works. Aside from that options are out there, T56, ZF 6, Aftermarket. I would probably go with an auto, the 4l60 for the LSx and the 700 r4 are basically the same transmission.
Do search on LS swaps, you wouldn't be the first.
As far as the tranny, the real concern is getting a bell housing that works. Aside from that options are out there, T56, ZF 6, Aftermarket. I would probably go with an auto, the 4l60 for the LSx and the 700 r4 are basically the same transmission.
Do search on LS swaps, you wouldn't be the first.
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
From: Idianapolis Indiana
Me myself I am doing a 85 4+3. After doing 3 cars converting tbi to 90-92 speed density tpi, I'm tired of running down chips and doing the wiring. Your best bet for a easy 400hp drivetrain would be either a ls1/t56 camaro swap or 6.0 from gto or a truck.
Anything that isnt a repin or a chipped stock tpi setup will kill your gauges. I got tired of looking for a decent gauge panel so I dug up a fabricator to make an aluminum sheet metal dash. I'm putting autometer sportcomp gauges in it. But I opted to remove the radio/ac/heat. You may not want that. And let me tell you, the wiring for the gaugecluster/EFI on these things is a freaking nightmare. The fabricator told me bulding the dash was actually pretty easy.
A T5 will replace the dougnash 4+3 with a t5 using the same bellhousing/clutches/hydraulics and a cbeam adaptor from http://www.prostreetcustoms.net/CorvettePage.html These guys also have a cbeam adaptor so you can use a t56 from a 93-96 lt1 camaro.
I dont want the hassle of the wacky oiling/motor mounts/reluctor wheels/etc of an LS engine so I'm getting the motown ls hybrid block. This way you can utilize the superior ls cyl heads and intakes with the easier traditional small block bottom end.
Anything that isnt a repin or a chipped stock tpi setup will kill your gauges. I got tired of looking for a decent gauge panel so I dug up a fabricator to make an aluminum sheet metal dash. I'm putting autometer sportcomp gauges in it. But I opted to remove the radio/ac/heat. You may not want that. And let me tell you, the wiring for the gaugecluster/EFI on these things is a freaking nightmare. The fabricator told me bulding the dash was actually pretty easy.
A T5 will replace the dougnash 4+3 with a t5 using the same bellhousing/clutches/hydraulics and a cbeam adaptor from http://www.prostreetcustoms.net/CorvettePage.html These guys also have a cbeam adaptor so you can use a t56 from a 93-96 lt1 camaro.
I dont want the hassle of the wacky oiling/motor mounts/reluctor wheels/etc of an LS engine so I'm getting the motown ls hybrid block. This way you can utilize the superior ls cyl heads and intakes with the easier traditional small block bottom end.