Engine Swap??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Washington District of Columbia
Engine Swap??
Can I replace my present LT1 engine with an LT5 (ZR1) engine
without having to make any "under the hood" modifications? Will it
drop right in the existing space? Also, would any suspension upgrades
be necessary? Would this "change-over" be a wise way to save money by not purchasing the entire '94 ZR1 Corvette. Anyone know if this has
been accomplished sucessfully? Thanks
without having to make any "under the hood" modifications? Will it
drop right in the existing space? Also, would any suspension upgrades
be necessary? Would this "change-over" be a wise way to save money by not purchasing the entire '94 ZR1 Corvette. Anyone know if this has
been accomplished sucessfully? Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 66,855
Likes: 86
From: Santa Cruz CA
St. Jude Donor '15
I don't know all the details how to do it but yes it can be done. But every time I've read responses to this question, the answer has always been it's better to just buy a ZR-1.
My question to you is what is your reason for wanting to do it? If you're looking for more HP, you can simply mod your LT1 for much less $$. Just buying the LT5 and all the necessary components can run close to $10K, never mind the work to remove the LT1 and install the LT5.
Never heard of anyone doing it, except for a convertible.
My question to you is what is your reason for wanting to do it? If you're looking for more HP, you can simply mod your LT1 for much less $$. Just buying the LT5 and all the necessary components can run close to $10K, never mind the work to remove the LT1 and install the LT5.
Never heard of anyone doing it, except for a convertible.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,328
Likes: 405
Can I replace my present LT1 engine with an LT5 (ZR1) engine without having to make any "under the hood" modifications? No, the AC evaporator housing is different. You'll also have things like fuel lines, computer, wiring, etc to deal with. You can also put a Hemi on a roller skate although I don't know why you'd want to.
Will it drop right in the existing space? Yes.
Also, would any suspension upgrades be necessary? No.
Would this "change-over" be a wise way to save money by not purchasing the entire '94 ZR1 Corvette? No.
Anyone know if this has been accomplished sucessfully? No, unless you count GM and a few convertibles they made. Thanks
Will it drop right in the existing space? Yes.
Also, would any suspension upgrades be necessary? No.
Would this "change-over" be a wise way to save money by not purchasing the entire '94 ZR1 Corvette? No.
Anyone know if this has been accomplished sucessfully? No, unless you count GM and a few convertibles they made. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Unless you can get a KILLER deal on an LT-5, or need an automatic trans, I don't see any reason why not just buy a ZR-1. Hell, you can just about buy an entire car for a little more than what I've seen most LT-5's sell for, plus you'll get the wider body!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
I agree with those that recommend buying the ZR-1. You can find a low mileage 90 for around $17k for one with no problems, and maybe some porting to boot. You also get the FX3 suspension, the sport seats, the wide stance, the 315s, and you'll own a piece of Corvette history - and the only Corvette with the 32 valve DOHC motor ever put in a Corvette.
As for modding, the LT5 was terribly restricted from the factory. How does 400-420+ RWHP on stock cams sound?
Sold yet?
P.
As for modding, the LT5 was terribly restricted from the factory. How does 400-420+ RWHP on stock cams sound?
Sold yet?
P.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,303
Likes: 714
From: Bartlett IL
If you want an LT5, just buy a good '90 ZR-1, sell your '94, and be miles and smiles ahead as well as $$$...it's not worth the headache. If you're just looking to go fast, put an LS3 in...people get 500 RWHP easily with a few go fast parts, much more with a supercharger. Again, you'll be $$$ ahead.
Absolutely. For what you can buy a decent ZR-1 for, just not worth the hassle.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Washington District of Columbia
I don't know all the details how to do it but yes it can be done. But every time I've read responses to this question, the answer has always been it's better to just buy a ZR-1.
My question to you is what is your reason for wanting to do it? If you're looking for more HP, you can simply mod your LT1 for much less $$. Just buying the LT5 and all the necessary components can run close to $10K, never mind the work to remove the LT1 and install the LT5.
Never heard of anyone doing it, except for a convertible.
My question to you is what is your reason for wanting to do it? If you're looking for more HP, you can simply mod your LT1 for much less $$. Just buying the LT5 and all the necessary components can run close to $10K, never mind the work to remove the LT1 and install the LT5.
Never heard of anyone doing it, except for a convertible.
The first time I saw it
was at a major chevy dealership that has a Corvettes gathering yearly each summer. I said to myself, "what the f . . .! Of course, this was a couple months after I had already purchased my LT1.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Washington District of Columbia
I think I knew the answer before I posed the question. I just had to
ask, out of curiousity. But, once again, I do appreciate all the very sensible and wise replys from the the forum. Thanks All
ask, out of curiousity. But, once again, I do appreciate all the very sensible and wise replys from the the forum. Thanks All
