Swap LS1 for LS6
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 393
Likes: 7
From: Colorado
Swap LS1 for LS6
i have a 1997 c5 with the standard ls1. I have someone that has a 2004 ls6 I was thinking of swapping into mine. I know bolt wise it should be fine. Any issues or how easy is it to do a swap.
Racer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 488
Likes: 13
From: LBC CA
As long as the 2004 LS6 is using the old 24x reluctor crank style, I think it'd be fine. Otherwise you'd need to buy a 58X to 24X reluctor sensor to ECU adapter.
Last edited by conradb; Apr 17, 2018 at 11:27 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 499
Likes: 3
From what I understand, the C6 is the introduction of the 58x reluctor wheel with the LS2's. However, I believe all C5's came with a 24x reluctor.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 31,977
Likes: 487
From: Guinness Its whats for B'fast JAWGA
CI 3-4-5-9 Veteran
LPE published a good list of the changes by model/year.
https://www.lingenfelter.com/PDFdown...L460065397.pdf
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Are you are using the 97 wiring for the entire engine? Im trying to remember if some things on the 04 are a little different than the 97. I know the engine WILL bolt right in.
The injectors on the 04 are probably a little larger than the 97 and you may need the tuner to change that in the tune OR use the 97 injectors. .
The PCV system is WAY different and you can eliminate all that crap plastic /rubber pluming behind the manifold.
The 04 ZO6 exhaust manifolds will NOT fit your mid pipe. So,,, If you are using the 04 ZO6 Manifolds, (which are better) you will need an 02-04 mid pipe.
The 04 Intake manifold is MUCH better than the 97!! KEEP THAT!!
The ZO6 tune is a LITTLE different (better) than the 97. The ZO6 has more compression, bigger injectors (not by much but bigger) and a better cam.
SO, that being said, it would behoove you to have the PCM custom tuned when it all said and done. That will allow you to get the most out of the engine.. It will most likely start and run fine but the 97 tune will NOT be optimized for the ZO6 engine.
The 04 Oil Dip Stick mounting location is in a more forward location (between cylinders 2&4 vs 6&8) if you keep the 04 exhaust manifolds. If not.... MAKE SURE that you reuse your 97 dip stick tube AND the 97 Oil Dip Stick. DO NOT interchange sticks and tubes cause they are DIFFERENT and different lengths!!!!
If I can think od any thing else, I will repost
The injectors on the 04 are probably a little larger than the 97 and you may need the tuner to change that in the tune OR use the 97 injectors. .
The PCV system is WAY different and you can eliminate all that crap plastic /rubber pluming behind the manifold.
The 04 ZO6 exhaust manifolds will NOT fit your mid pipe. So,,, If you are using the 04 ZO6 Manifolds, (which are better) you will need an 02-04 mid pipe.
The 04 Intake manifold is MUCH better than the 97!! KEEP THAT!!
The ZO6 tune is a LITTLE different (better) than the 97. The ZO6 has more compression, bigger injectors (not by much but bigger) and a better cam.
SO, that being said, it would behoove you to have the PCM custom tuned when it all said and done. That will allow you to get the most out of the engine.. It will most likely start and run fine but the 97 tune will NOT be optimized for the ZO6 engine.
The 04 Oil Dip Stick mounting location is in a more forward location (between cylinders 2&4 vs 6&8) if you keep the 04 exhaust manifolds. If not.... MAKE SURE that you reuse your 97 dip stick tube AND the 97 Oil Dip Stick. DO NOT interchange sticks and tubes cause they are DIFFERENT and different lengths!!!!
If I can think od any thing else, I will repost
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Apr 19, 2018 at 03:12 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 233
Likes: 41
From: Clarksville Tennessee
It can be done. I have done it. My 97 coupe now has an 02 ls6. Pm me and I'll answer any specific questions you may have. The main hang up will be at the fuel lines and wiring harness.
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Guinness Its whats for B'fast JAWGA
CI 3-4-5-9 Veteran
In a stock setup or even heads and cam the larger MAF does not gain very much. I would also keep the 97 MAF, and fuel rail/system.
You would need to retune the PCM for the car to run optimally.