I did a quick search and came up with a bunch of posts on how to convert an LT1 Camaro front end to the LS1 style. I'm mulling over getting a nice LS1 SS in the winter while the prices are good, but I absolutely HATE the LS1 front end. I want to put the LT1 nose on it.

How hard is this conversion, and what parts must be changed??
Is it completely bolt on, or is there fabrication required?
Are there HID headlights available for the LT1 front end??

I assume it would be pretty cheap/free since lots of people want to convert the other way, and would prolly be willing to trade parts. But if not, for a little more than an SS I could go for the LS1 T/A, they are teh sex!

 

hey if you get a LS1 T/A and wanna swap noses hit me up il do a 1 for 1 swap.

 

I thought the LT1 hoods didn't fit on the LS1 engine, something about them being too low? I'm not sure, thought i saw it somewhere tho...

 

true. the ls1 is a taller motor.

 

Its the air intake. You need to find a place to route it. To the right is the battery, the left is fuses and crap. Get a Harwood LT1 hood and you can keep your LS1 air intake.

 

As far as I can tell, the parts you need are:

• hood (stock Camaro/Z28 hood should work if the air intake is changed to LT1 style, but don't take my word for it)
• front quarter panels
• front bumper
• headlight mounting parts
• possibly the LT1 radiator cover
• Callaway Honker/Moroso cold air intake and LT1 air intake elbow

I've always liked the idea of doing this MUCH more than the idea of customizing a '93-'97 Camaro by adding all the newer parts and LS1 engine. I think it's more cost effective too, and almost definitely more time effective.

I theorized about everything that would need to be changed if I wanted to put an LS1 in my '95 Z28 one time (actually, why bother with a used LS1 if I'm doing an engine swap? I'd just get a brand new LS2 if I was going to go through all that trouble).

To do it right, I'd need:

• 2001 or newer automatic transmission (GM upgraded all parts in 2001 to handle more torque according to Chevy High Performance magazine)
• new front springs with the same spring rate as the LS1 Camaros (since the LT1 weighs more than the LS1, the spring rate is stiffer, so if the springs aren't changed the ride height will be a little high and handling will be poor)
• LS1 or LS2 engine at $4000+
• the brakes (rotors, pads, calipers) used on the 98+ Camaros
• 17" wheels
• 97+ interior if wanted

Seems like a lot of trouble to me.

If you find anybody who has already done this conversion, I want to see it. I like the way the LT1 Camaros look a LOT more than the LS1 Camaros.

 

This is an idea I've also considered while I wait on buying a LT1 Z28. Would love to hear about the process if you decide to pull the trigger and finish it. Has anybody else done else? No more opti

EDIT: It would essentially be a '97 clone (taillights, interior) with an LS1

 

Oh yeah, I forgot about the taillights in my list.

Personally, I wouldn't want people knowing I did something funny (like make a 2002 Camaro look like an LT1), so I wouldn't change the taillights back to '93-'96 style unless I was going to put in the dash from a '93-'96 (I'd just let everyone think it was a '97 Camaro).

I'd put in '93-'96 leather seats no matter what though. The leather is much more durable than the leather in the '97-'02. Plus, they just look better and feel better.

I'm starting to remember how cool this idea actually is...!