84 "LS1" Engine Swap/Build
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: NY
84 "LS1" Engine Swap/Build
Well after some research I have decided to do an "LS1" Engine Swap/Build. This was the thread that convinced me to do this swap...
Click HERE
and I started to wonder if anyone has done this swap in a C4. It turns out that corvette fever has done this swap in a C4 and its called Project C4orce. Once I saw that I knew that, that was the engine swap I wanted to do. The reason I'm not doing an actual LSx swap is because it is too much money for a high school kid.
So today I managed to get down to the junkyard and pick up an LM7 327 (5.3L) engine from a 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500. It has 52k miles on it and cost me $600. It seems to be in good condition and everything but I have 30 days to return it so I am going to be doing compression test and a leak down test first. Once its good I will be swapping the truck intake for an LS1 intake, fuel rails, and injectors that I bought used for $130 (still waiting for it to come in the mail). All I need to get the motor running is a LS1 harness and ECM then it will be good to go for the swap.
Here are some pics of the motor the way it is now (how it came from the junkyard)
It came with everything besides an alternator and belt.
Enjoy
Cory
Click HERE
and I started to wonder if anyone has done this swap in a C4. It turns out that corvette fever has done this swap in a C4 and its called Project C4orce. Once I saw that I knew that, that was the engine swap I wanted to do. The reason I'm not doing an actual LSx swap is because it is too much money for a high school kid.
So today I managed to get down to the junkyard and pick up an LM7 327 (5.3L) engine from a 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500. It has 52k miles on it and cost me $600. It seems to be in good condition and everything but I have 30 days to return it so I am going to be doing compression test and a leak down test first. Once its good I will be swapping the truck intake for an LS1 intake, fuel rails, and injectors that I bought used for $130 (still waiting for it to come in the mail). All I need to get the motor running is a LS1 harness and ECM then it will be good to go for the swap.
Here are some pics of the motor the way it is now (how it came from the junkyard)
It came with everything besides an alternator and belt.
Enjoy
Cory
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 10
From: College Station TX
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Janesville WI
Cool Cory!
I'm mid swap on an LS1/T56 into my 84. Mine was a running swap at one time, but I purchased it as a basket case. It should really be done by now but life has kind of gotten in the way...
Where are you located?
Keep us updated!
I'm mid swap on an LS1/T56 into my 84. Mine was a running swap at one time, but I purchased it as a basket case. It should really be done by now but life has kind of gotten in the way...
Where are you located?
Keep us updated!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: NY
Cool Cory!
I'm mid swap on an LS1/T56 into my 84. Mine was a running swap at one time, but I purchased it as a basket case. It should really be done by now but life has kind of gotten in the way...
Where are you located?
Keep us updated!
I'm mid swap on an LS1/T56 into my 84. Mine was a running swap at one time, but I purchased it as a basket case. It should really be done by now but life has kind of gotten in the way...
Where are you located?
Keep us updated!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: NY
The stock 5.3L has 285-295 hp and torque is 325 lb·ft to 335 lb·ft. But with the LS conversion it will make more than that. I have heard ranges from 325-360 HP and 370-390 lb·ft. I am not sure about these numbers since some guys did more to their engine than just swapping intakes but once mine is done and I get it on a dyno I will give you exact numbers 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,387
Likes: 534
The stock 5.3L has 285-295 hp and torque is 325 lb·ft to 335 lb·ft. But with the LS conversion it will make more than that. I have heard ranges from 325-360 HP and 370-390 lb·ft. I am not sure about these numbers since some guys did more to their engine than just swapping intakes but once mine is done and I get it on a dyno I will give you exact numbers
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: NY
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: NY
Well finally got some free time to get a little work done on the engine. I spun it upside down and took off the oil pan to check out the bottom end and look at the cylinder walls. It looks great. You can still see a slight bit of cross-hatch pattern on the walls.
And heres the difference between the truck oil pan and the Firebird pan.
Now im back on hold untill the new windage tray arrives. Also in the market for an LS1 harness and ECM. Might start disassembling the car to get ready to pull the crossfire
And heres the difference between the truck oil pan and the Firebird pan.
Now im back on hold untill the new windage tray arrives. Also in the market for an LS1 harness and ECM. Might start disassembling the car to get ready to pull the crossfire
