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    Thread: LS1 Swap

    1. #1
      Join Date
      Feb 2005
      Location
      Houston, Texas
      Posts
      229

      LS1 Swap

      I know you all have answered this question a hundred time, but could you please do it one more time. I am new to the site and you all have inspired me to install a LS1 in my 67' Camaro. How hard is this going to be? Is this something i could do at home in my garage? What should i look for when buying a motor and transmission? What custom fabrication will i need to do? How hard is it to integrate the wiring harness to the car?

      I am sure i will think of some more questions.

      Thanks for any information.

      Matthew



    2. #2
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Burnaby, BC, Canada
      Posts
      1,388
      I am in the process of doing the same swap. I'll see if I can chime in here what I've found out:

      There are two companies that sell "install kits" for LS1 motors:

      Street & Performance: www.hotrodlane.cc
      S&P makes a motor mount plate, (you can bolt your SBC mounts to)which sets the motor further back, you can re-use your stock accesories but not the AC, you'll either have to notch the subframe or run one of thier expensie serpentine systems. They also make a shorty header to go with these mounts and you'll also have to notch the oil pan. They sell these as well or offer the service.

      BRP Hotrods: www.brphotrods.com
      BRP makes a motor mount as well, which sets the motor further forward. This enables you to retain all accesories and the AC, and the oil pan can be left stock. But you must ditch your stock rear-steer and run one of their retro-fit 4th gen rack & pinion kits. This requires notching the subframe and they give you instructions to do this yourself, or they offer the complete service. The sway bar is moved to the rear of the a-arms, and the main advantage to this setup (besides the rack & pinion steering) is that it enables you to run long tube headers. Now there is a company called Stainless works which sell these and they are the only "bolt-on" longtube for LS1's desgined for 1st gen's. But you must use the BRP motor mounts and rack & pinion steer. BRP also sells a T56 install kit.

      That narrows down the hard install of the motor.

      For the T56, like I said before BRP sells a kit, but American Touring Specialties (ATS) also sells a more complete kit: www.t56kit.com I also think Kiesler engineering sells a T56 kit.

      For wiring there are some options:
      Painless makes a wiring harness for LS1's, although I think it's only for 98 PCM's but I may be wrong. You can also get a custom harness from Street & Performance or you can get www.speartech.com to modify your stock one and re-tune the computer. The modifying includes removing Vats, Air & Smog equipment. There are various companies that can tune the computer: Speartech, Texas-Speed, LS1speed, MTI etc.

      For fuel is where I am a bit stumped. Most guys use these Rock valley stainless tanks: http://www.rockvalleyantiqueautoparts.com/catalog.htm you can also buy narrowed versions from Detroit Speed & Engineering if you are mini-tubbing and running 335's. You can also do fuel cells, other custom tanks or modify a stock tank. The Rock valley tanks are big $$$. Not sure if you can run a stock tank with an external inline pump only.

      For cooling you can run a donor rad and fan setup from a 4th gen, or an aftermarket rad like Be Cool "cross-flow" or others. Matt @ RFR can make you a custom tank or rad if needed, or you can run a Ron Davis rad or Griffin.

      I found most of this info on www.ls1tech.com in the conversions/hybrids section, as well as this site and researching on the web.
      1969 CAMARO RS

      2002 LS1-T56 Dyno results: 452 rwhp, 425 rwtq
      Project pics of my '69
      Lateral-G Feature Page
      Camaro Performers Magazine Feature

    3. #3
      Join Date
      Feb 2005
      Location
      Houston, Texas
      Posts
      229
      Thank you very much for sharing the information. It sounds like you have already done a lot of research. I am inthe process of selling my engine and trans now.

      Is there anything special i need to look for when buying the motor and trans? I have have already found a used LS1 and 6 six speed that is for sale. Now i just need the money.



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