3rd gen camaro Z28 LS1 swap

[tracar91]

Well, after the L98 giving up after 237,000 good miles, I started my LS1 swap. I hope to document the step by step in this thread if I don't get too lazy.

1st step, List the scope of the project.

I use the car on nice days, weekends for car shows or autocross, and 3-5 weekends a year for open track days on various road courses. I very occasionally will take it down the drag strip. Within a couple years I'd like to compete in the NASA time trials for Ohio/Indiana and a high speed road race like the Silver State Classic.

In phase 1 I intend on getting the LS1 in the car and running, without alot of extra power improvement stuff. Phase 2 will be the beginning of the modfest.

2nd step, the preparation.

I have a 2000 trans am LS1 with all accessories on the engine stand. I won't be doing any internal stuff just yet, that will be phase 2. So for now, I intend to clean up the engine, and remove all the pollution stuff that isn't required.

The car already has a t-56 from a 97 trans am, but as we all know LT1 T-56's do not work with LS1 motors. So my plan is to remove all the LT1 trans stuff (master/slave, bellhousing, clutch, input shaft, front cover) and converting the trans for use.

I wish to retain AC, which means either:
1) Notching the K member
2) Using the third gen compressor with an adaptor
3) Or getting a tubular K-member.

I don't have the means to easily notch the K-member, and I don't like how the third-gen compressor looks (mounted high) when I can have the compressor hidden low. So I made a call to Thunderracing.com and ordered a Spohn tubular K member with all the extra bracing for street and road race applications. Unfortunately, it looks like a 8 weeks lead time.

The only major power improvement on tap for phase 1 is Hawk's stainless LS1 conversion longtube headers. I debated about this (because of the expense) but I knew I wanted to do them in the future and didn't want to do the exhaust twice. Plus I found a used set online at LS1tech.com for a greatly reduced price.

3rd step, Start the dissasembly.