C4 5th Gen LT1 Conversion
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
C4 5th Gen LT1 Conversion
So more a thought then any concrete plans.
I was looking into the “Connect and Cruise” kits that GM is selling and since I work at a Dealership I get a discount. I don’t exactly know what it would be but I know I was quoted for a 5th gen LT1 and a 8L70-E for about $16.5k coming with all the stuff in the C&C, That doesn’t seem so bad considering that the car those go into still go for 45k.
My question more rather is the difficulty of the swap, like what else I may need. I know some brackets are made for the engine mounts. What would I have to change in my C4 to really make it work? (it’s a 95 auto, only current biggies are a ZR-1 radiator and a soon to be installed 3.54 rear gearing after a diff rebuild)
I was looking into the “Connect and Cruise” kits that GM is selling and since I work at a Dealership I get a discount. I don’t exactly know what it would be but I know I was quoted for a 5th gen LT1 and a 8L70-E for about $16.5k coming with all the stuff in the C&C, That doesn’t seem so bad considering that the car those go into still go for 45k.
My question more rather is the difficulty of the swap, like what else I may need. I know some brackets are made for the engine mounts. What would I have to change in my C4 to really make it work? (it’s a 95 auto, only current biggies are a ZR-1 radiator and a soon to be installed 3.54 rear gearing after a diff rebuild)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
The LS swap brackets should work for engine. No clue about transmission. The c beam supports rear of transmission and front of diff. So there will be so fab required. Another concern will be transmission tunnel clearance.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,641
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
I started a thread with the OPPOSITE of what you wanna do
obviously the 90s lt1 would need to be built, heads,cam, tune to match the current gen lt1 output
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-lt1-4-a.html
obviously the 90s lt1 would need to be built, heads,cam, tune to match the current gen lt1 output
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-lt1-4-a.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 580
From: Langley BC
I would love to see a Gen 5 LT1 swap into a C4. They can make big power with some upgrades. I think holley makes accessory drives that solve the problem of the gen 5's not having a PS pump. Mounts should be similar or the same as an LS, get the wetsump Gen 5 LT1, C4 beam adapter and drive shaft may need to be delt with but not that big of a deal. Guages may be probematic, but swapping in a nice aftermarket cluster will solve that problem easily.
Would be a super unqiue, modern drivetrain upgrade for a C4, would love to see it done!
Would be a super unqiue, modern drivetrain upgrade for a C4, would love to see it done!
Last edited by DMITTZ; Nov 28, 2020 at 12:36 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 580
From: Langley BC
I forgot to mention I just put a T56 MAGNUM in my LS swaped C4, it fit fine and it is considered a large body trans, but even if it the trans doesn't fit its just fiberglass, making mods to the tunnel would be easy.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,641
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
is equal or less than that of a zf6?
now how does the weight compare between the 2?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 580
From: Langley BC
the magnum is rated at 700ft lbs of torque but can easily be built to handle over 1200.
Weight it is 120lbs.
You can buy them brand new from tremec, along with any replacement parts you ever need. Also allows easy use of LS or lt clutch and hydralics if yor doing an engne swap (unlike the ZF) which requires some work to figure out
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,641
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
I never had a ZF my car had a 4+3. To answer your questions:
the magnum is rated at 700ft lbs of torque but can easily be built to handle over 1200.
Weight it is 120lbs.
You can buy them brand new from tremec, along with any replacement parts you ever need. Also allows easy use of LS or lt clutch and hydralics if yor doing an engne swap (unlike the ZF) which requires some work to figure out
the magnum is rated at 700ft lbs of torque but can easily be built to handle over 1200.
Weight it is 120lbs.
You can buy them brand new from tremec, along with any replacement parts you ever need. Also allows easy use of LS or lt clutch and hydralics if yor doing an engne swap (unlike the ZF) which requires some work to figure out
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 580
From: Langley BC
Racer
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 289
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From: Dover N.H.
I dunno... For that money, I am thinking. what ever happens you will want the dash to work and all the OEM stuff to work....Just saying, anyone can do a retro fit and loose the driver experience. If I had 15k to spend today i would send it to a resto shop and have it gone through from tops to shoes. people wont care if its a shitox and goes fast. You will care if you cant stand being in the car. Its Americas Sports Car! There are enough mustang, camaro, dodge hunters out there. who gives a crap. NONE of those are as fine as a well running C4 the strip. Is Why I left that crowd. But do what you want and report the results!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,641
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
I dunno... For that money, I am thinking. what ever happens you will want the dash to work and all the OEM stuff to work....Just saying, anyone can do a retro fit and loose the driver experience. If I had 15k to spend today i would send it to a resto shop and have it gone through from tops to shoes. people wont care if its a shitox and goes fast. You will care if you cant stand being in the car. Its Americas Sports Car! There are enough mustang, camaro, dodge hunters out there. who gives a crap. NONE of those are as fine as a well running C4 the strip. Is Why I left that crowd. But do what you want and report the results!
i saw (at the dragstrip) so many late model mustangs, camaros, hellcats - they all just blended together .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 580
From: Langley BC
You can always do both, at least that's what i'm trying to do with my LS swap. Giving it an awesome modern drivetrain upgrade but making sure all the guages etc.. still work, making sure the interior and exterior are in nice shape, dealing with any other problems on the car and making it look integrated and feel like it could have be 'stock' or something that GM built even though its highly modded. Its just a matter of taking the time and money to do it right. Swapping in a newer drivetrain doesn't need to be exclusive of making the rest of the car nice too. You can do both.