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Has anyone out there done this swap? An LS1 into a C4. There are a lot of these available at very reasonable prices and it sure beats the cost of building up my L98. This would be going into an 89 Auto coupe, but might soon put in a 6spd. I already have a Dana44 with 3.45 gears, and a rebuilt 700R4 with a Protorque 2500 lock up stall converter.
Some questions: 1. will it fit 2. what about accessories 3. what about wiring and ECU 4. transmission/bellhousing fitment issues 5. header and exhaust clearance problems 6. proper radiator 7. smog equipment(making it totally smog legal) And anything else that I missed.
89BP, I replied to your post in other catagory. TracerX of Houston TX has an LS1 in an 84 Vette. Ihave seen the car. It runs strong. Trace posted some notes about his car here a couple of weeks ago. Do a search and you should be able to findit.
It seems like this swap would be a straightforward swap. The engine mounts would have to be modified, since the LS1 mounts (I believe) are more forward.
Dan
the bell housing bolt pattern is different,and you may have to use a camaro oil plan because the corvette pan is very wide. your best bet would be a camaro/firebird setup, trans and all.
What kind of prices are you seeing for LS1's? I've seen bare blocks cheap like $500, but not complete motors with the injection setup and the computer.
Given the price of aluminum blocks for regular small-blocks, the LS1 block looks tempting until you start pricing all the stuff to make a complete motor.
The L98 buildup to give more power than a stock LS1 should be way cheaper and easier than the swap. Agree that the swap is cool.
For anyone interested, I bought my LS1 with T56 for $3600
Very nice, what a deal. Did you get it from a private party or through a wrecking yard. There are some specialized F-Body wrecking yards, but they want an arm and a leg for their complete LS1's and T56's. One guy quoted me $3,500 for just a 94-97 T56, so using my 1/2 of new price that would mean that it would cost $7,000 new, yeah right. If you got it from someone who can get more of them I would really like to know. As soon as I can sell my 94 I am going to attempt this swap in my 89, once I research a few more issues. If you can find me another set up like you got, I am in.