The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

Well, my baby's last oil analysis is beginning to sound ominous. Lead content is beginning to go off-normal high, which is telling me the bearings are towards the end of their life.

187K+ miles, wear on the other metals is nice, but I fear the storm clouds are gathering...

So, now I'm beginning to put more effort into one of my long-time dreams: dropping an LS-1 into my '94 Z.

I've searched with little (OK, no) success to find someone that's done this. I'm sure it's been done, though.

Yes, I realize it'd be easier to get a '98+ F-body, but I've always preferred the earlier body style.

So, has anyone here done this?

TIA, and have a good one,
Mike

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

It would probably be easier to change the front clip to the lt style than change the engine

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

<sigh>

A. I already have this car
B. I *like* this car
C. I've promised my son it's his when he graduates from college
D. Haven't you ever done something that's not necessarily the easiest way to do the job, just to do it?

So, has anyone out there done this?

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

I wish that I could point you to someone that has done this. Several 3rd gen guys have and it's harder for them.
I think that physically putting it in would be easy just get an LS1 K-member and steering rack. Hey just think....if you could get the whole K-member with the A-arms, spindles and such you could have the LS1 style front brake swap in the deal too.
I think that the worst part would be marrying the PCM to the body harness. Unless Painless has a harness for this swap.

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

If you have all the parts it's not real hard. Best approach is to buy a COMPLETE parts car for the engine and tranny. In a swap like this you will need so many small parts its unreal. With a parts car you will have everything you need and can even get back some of your money buy selling off everything else.

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

Why not build up a nice 383 LT1...... It would be cheaper, easier, and you can get the power requirements you want out of the build up.

Also a fun Father / Son bonding project.....

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

Well, the father/son part will happen either way.

As to the reason for not doing the 383? One word: Optispark. :rolleyes:

Have a good one,
Mike

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

not all people like the catfish camaro. Selling the LT1 with a bum engine wouldn't fetch the down payment on an LS1 sebring... I mean camaro. If someone can stuff a big block chevy in the LT1 car Im sure you can swap the LS1 engine in. Just keep in mind when you do to check your state laws and emission regulations so it can stay on the street. That way you can enjoy a 350HP oil guzzling piston slapping LS1 with the rest of em.

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

Good point about the state laws: I'm pretty sure rural Tx is OK with an engine swap. ;)

And I'm sure it can be done: I'm sure it already *has* been done. I was hoping I could find someone that had done it that could tell me about the gotchas.

Have a good one,
Mike

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

Sounds like you really want to do something different, and that's cool;) :cool:

But if it's only the Optispark holding you up from sticking with an LT1 Rebuild, there is an option: DelTeq Direct Ignition Optispark Set Up

Good Luck with the Build up either way though:D :metal:

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

Opti catches too much heat. Mine lasted almost 90k miles...

A bolt on car blowing up multiple opti's is user error.

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

My94M6,


Many people think that it's not worth it unless you have a LS1 donor car.

There has been alot of improvements made in the optispark ignition. The Aftermarket suppliers ( Dynaspark, MSD ) have greatly improved reliability. I wouldn't just write off the LT1.

A V8 powered Camaro is one hell of a gift no matter how you look at it. I hope your son appreciates and respects your generosity. Yes there have been people who have pulled this LS1 conversion off. Plenty of threads asking about/debating the swap at the LS1tech.com site.

IMO build a forged rotating assembly 350/383 with LT4 or other aftermarket heads. Add a good cam and headers. I don't know about how much money you were willing to spend on a LS1 conversion but you could add Forced Induction just for the price of an LS1 engine easily.

If you decide to proceed with the LS1. Document everything. I would say this would be a very good Sticky for the community.:cz28:

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

That link goes to the search engine and isn't finding a hit, for whatever reason. What were you searching on?

Also, if we do lose our minds and try this I'll document everythiing!

Have a good one,
Mike

Re: The Bell is Beginning to Toll.....
 

That was a listing of LT1 to LS1 conversion threads. I think the search engine was down.....again.


I have entertained the thought of purchasing a LT1 F body and was curious about modding it. If I do I'll just build/buy a 400-500hp LT1 and add 100+ more with a nitrous kit.