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Swapping L98 for LT1.

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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 04:40 PM
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Default Swapping L98 for LT1.

Has anyone swapped an LT1 inplace of their L98 in their C4 vette?

I am wondering, as if and when my engine does get tired, I'd want to put in an LT1 as I love how they look and perform with some work of course..

Is it a direct drop-in with the engine mounts, accessories?
I know I'll need a new ECM, or maybe piggy back a DFI 6 or 7 whenever this would happen (not anytime soon I hope)
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 05:24 PM
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I would assume its the same bottom end.. but I'm not a C4 guy so dont quote me on this
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Corz
I would assume its the same bottom end.. but I'm not a C4 guy so dont quote me on this
Crank, rods, pistons? Yes. Block and heads? No. The LT1/4 is unique due to it's reverse flow cooling design. Is it a bolt in? Basically yes, but you'd have to adapt to LT1 accessories or adapt L98 accessories to an LT1, wiring, computer (of course) and et cetera. It's been done but it's not a piece of cake. If you had access to an LT1 parts car it would become easier.
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 10:05 PM
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Yeah what I meant was to get a full LT1 longblock in the car.
Would I need anything other than the DFI or ECM?
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 07:29 PM
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Just the computer junk is diff, the mounts are the same.
The alt bracket and junk may be diff if you use the LT1 HEADS.
I use AFR 220 heads and the standard 4 bolt primeter covers and the heads have diff mounting for brackets.
You may have have to run a spacer on the crank balancer depending on the belt.
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Old Aug 29, 2005 | 09:09 AM
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I just started the same swap on my 86. Not too bad phycially getting things in but I had a parts car and dropped motor/trans together. When you get to the wiring you definitley cant be afraid to chase trouble connections and adapt this and that etc.
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 12:35 AM
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Default Trans questions?

Hey guys what about swapping a more mordern transmission into an early C4? ZF Richmond Keisler or otherwise pics and descriptions would be great thanks guys.
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 10:28 PM
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Default Keisler 5 speed in a C4

Keisler does make a complete 5 speed conversion kit for the 4+3 C4's. It includes everything you need to put it in, hook it up, make the speedo function properly, shifter in the factory location, looks stock and use the torque arm, etc ...

Please let me know if you are interested or if you have any questions about the conversion.

Thank you,
Robert Hall - The Driven Man
Keisler Sales - 423-773-9789
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Old Sep 10, 2005 | 07:00 PM
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Default 6spd anyone?

Sounds like a really sweet swat but is there also a six speed available? And is there a close ratio /custom gearset available? Would definitley drop one of your transmissions behind and LS6 in my 86.
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Old Sep 11, 2005 | 12:07 AM
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Default C4 6 speed

We did develop a 6 speed, but we have not put it into procution since is significantly more complicated and costly that the 5 speed, yet it does not offer a great leap in the way of performance or economy when compared to the 5 speed.

Robert Hall - Keisler Sales
423-773-9789
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Old Sep 27, 2005 | 08:11 PM
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I would drop in the LT1 with the manifold adapted to accept a conventional distributor. Then I would use your ECM and change virtually nothing. The accesories ARE different, and you must decide how you will do it. The LT1 does not have a pulley on its water pump, therefore the belt configuration is different, but everything will bolt up. If you used a complete LT1 donor with accesories, it would be a piece of cake. If you are not familiar with the intake conversion, try here: www.lt1intake.com
Good luck!!!
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