jhoo15

I have a 1981 Camaro that has a V6 engine that I want to replace. I recently purchased a LT1 engine out of a 1995 Camaro can some give me details on what I need to do to make this work: Will I need a need cross memeber and mounts; Will transmission work; what type of radiator will I need, etc.....

TraceZ

I'm almost 100% positive the engine crossmember is the same. You'll want to get new motor mounts no matter what. That rubber in the mounts gets old and brittle with age.

The transmission crossmember will likely need to be replaced or modified. You might need a different length driveshaft.

The LT1 has exactly the same mounting surfaces as an old school SBC, so whatever mounts and such were used for the V8 camaro of that year will work.

The radiator will be interesting. The LT1 has both the inlet and outlet up high. You'll have to look at the options and see what works. Maybe some sort of custom bent metal tubing for them?

If the V6 in the car currently is a 90degree V6, everything might just bolt up as-is. the 90 degree V6 is basically a SBC with the front two cylinders chopped off.

I wish I could help more. It's been a good 15 years since I tore into a 2nd gen F-body.

custom95

computer and engine wiring harness, I think you'll probably need a mated transmission or make some modification to yours (vehicle speed sensor and such) but I'm not sure. v8 springs. I'm also not sure about your gauge cluster and how to get all of that working properly. I know most people doing this swap into a first gen end up using lt1 corvette accessories due to better fitment under the hood, but I haven't really looked under the hood of to many third gens. As Tracez mentioned, you'll need an lt1 radiator and might as well try to fit in the dual cooling fans. If you already have a posi rear end you should be good there. Also going to need exhaust- manifolds/headers and possibly a custom y-pipe/ intermediate pipe. One last thing that I can think of would be a fuel pump, definetly want to upgrade from the v6 pump.

Dave89IROC

81 is second gen

custom95

my bad, I was thinking mid to late 80's for some reason.