Ls conversion kit
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 355
Likes: 1
From: JACKSON MS
Ls conversion kit
Im finally deciding to ditch my lt1. I just want to know where can i buy a conversion kit from or do i have to buy and make certain parts. And how much trouble is it to convert over. Thanks for any info
Racer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 313
Likes: 15
From: Modesto Ca
I am putting a 5.3 into an 87 .The reality of it is that it costs money.All of the Fead assembly( alt,water pump,brackets,ps) need to be from a Corvette so the engine will fit behind the steering rack.Used Corvette parts just are not as cheap as pick up or f body parts.If you are using an auto trans its easy.There is a company that has a tail housing adaptor+ motor mounts but I can't remember the name .Google has it.Melrose builds headers or c5 manifolds should work.I built my own engine harness out of the pick up harness.Goto www.lt1swap.com for harness info or you can send your ecm to him to get the vats pulled out for $75.The engine won't run if you don't get the bats pulled.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 266
Likes: 20
From: Philadelphia Pa
Just curious, not trying to flame you at all
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
NO internal mods! LTCC ls coil conversion. Ford R injectors. same 24lbs. already installed when purchased. car ran like a dog!!! I installed my SLP claw = about nothing. ram air. at the plate, Headers, H-pipe, mufflers. 180 Stat and my tuning. I can dip into the 12's.. If I installed a LT4 hop-UP. and RE-tuned. this car would be very serious.
Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Aug 26, 2016 at 12:50 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 308
Likes: 79
From: Orange CALIFORNIA
Stock LT1 heads have 170 CC intake volume and stock LS1 heads have 200 CC intake volume. That is a huge difference in stock performance. Many other factors stack up for efficiency: cathedral ports, larger camshaft, 6 bolt mains, lighter engine weight, and modern computer. All motors can be great for the street but some offer better price/performance along with maintenance/performance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
we realize The LS has outstanding potential! and is the modern platform. with all manufactures on board. making performance parts. In short the more modern LS has a great advantage over the LT and SBC. Due to the fact. GM has taken all of the High Performance parts and installed them in the LS factory cars. Creating a much better baseline. VS~ lets go with 80's SBC designing parts to actually DEcrease power. for the big G. emissions. a big thanks the Buick> GN / GNX Busting out of this trend. pushing!! HP back into the game.
Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Aug 26, 2016 at 03:14 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 313
Likes: 15
From: Modesto Ca
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 85
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From: huntingdale western australia
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 237
Likes: 11
From: Houston Texas
If I was to do it over again I would try my best to find a complete pullout from a vette c5 or c6 with the harness,ecu and all accessories. like previously mentioned befor the accessory brackets, damper, pulleys ect need to come from a vette. It definitely is a costly swap, I don't think it would have been worth it using a truck motor as the performance isn't much difference and the iron ls motors are heavier then a sbc, the ls6 ls2 ls3 or ls7 would be worth it, just my opinion.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,659
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Stock LT1 heads have 170 CC intake volume and stock LS1 heads have 200 CC intake volume. That is a huge difference in stock performance. Many other factors stack up for efficiency: cathedral ports, larger camshaft, 6 bolt mains, lighter engine weight, and modern computer. All motors can be great for the street but some offer better price/performance along with maintenance/performance.
add boost to an lt1 and the voodo head magic of the lsx series disappears.
also parts are more readily available and sometimes cheaper for lsx.
lighter engine weight is the main reason i will be doing an lsx for my next build.
and a lightweight carbon fiber hood
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,659
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
If I was to do it over again I would try my best to find a complete pullout from a vette c5 or c6 with the harness,ecu and all accessories. like previously mentioned befor the accessory brackets, damper, pulleys ect need to come from a vette. It definitely is a costly swap, I don't think it would have been worth it using a truck motor as the performance isn't much difference and the iron ls motors are heavier then a sbc, the ls6 ls2 ls3 or ls7 would be worth it, just my opinion.
if you Arent getting the weigjt savings out of an lsx then there is little benefit
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 635
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
Randy
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 237
Likes: 11
From: Houston Texas
You have to use the QuickTime bellhousing and come up with a hydraulic tob, McLeod or Ram. I used a Ram but had to tap the hyd line deeper and use a 90deg fitting to get clearance for a stock ls3 clutch.
Last edited by TurbineSurgine; Aug 27, 2016 at 11:23 PM.