Ok so I have an LT1 camaro, and I want to convert to a SBC setup. with a TH400 and a12-bolt. Wats involve in teh swap? I nkow the rear and trans wont be a problem but what is involved with keeping wiring and lighting to work? gauges too? Any wiring harnesses thta I need to get? Help I need all the help anyone can give!

 

you wont be able to keep the stock guages,the vats will be gone when the computer doesnt work,you can rewire the starting system to work off the key if you like.

so you'll need a new guage setup,rewire the starting system,the lights work off a different harness.

 

You don't have to rewire the starter. I've done this twice and never had to. The main wiring harness on the passenger side that goes into the firewall, you only need the larger purple wire and the small ground wire. These are to the ignition. As far as gauges, you will still have your fuel gauge and volts gauge as they aren't computer controlled. But no speedometer, tach, oil pressure, water temp, etc. It's a very easy swap, Like I said I've done it twice and I'm not all that bright sometimes You will still have all your lights and power windows, etc. ??? Hope this helps

 

ok,wasnt 100% sure with the starter.

 

Hey I am doing this swap as we speak. What K-Member are you using and what did you do about the motor mount brackets. Also what did you use for headers. WIll LT1 headers work?

 

As of now, I'm using the factory K-member, I'm not sure about aftermarket K-members. The factory LT1 motor mounts will even work but only 2 of the bolt holes will line up on each side. So you will only have 2 bolts in each motor mount, I've never had an issue with this. I'm currently using just an LT1 Hooker 1 3/4" long tube header and they seal fine with my AFR heads. I'm thinking of going with a set of Lemmings headers for my next project. They're one of the only company's I know of that make headers for a big block chevy . The only real issues I've had with the sbc swap is I'm not running any power steering, and with the big solid roller cam, you won't have ANY brakes without a vacuum reservoir. I'm not sure if it's necessary, but I've always notched the firewall back to the windshield to make it easier for removing and working on carburetor and it's pretty much necessary for distributor installation/removal. You can check out my car domain website for a few pics of the finished project.

 

Awesome info so far guys, anyone have any ideas on where to buy random parts i MAY need or things i should look out for?

 

Well, not sure if you've thought about it but you have to come up with a fuel system. You have a few options. You can use the stock tank and run a fuel pressure regulator with a return line regulated to like 7lbs for the carb. Or you could put a rear sump in the tank and run the pump from there, or you can do like I did and put in a fuel cell and I'm now running a Quick Fuel Technology 140gph in line fuel pump. But if you want to retain your fuel gauge I'd use the gas tank with the factory pump. You just need to wire your fuel pump to a 12v source so that it has power with the ignition. The fuel pump relay is under the kick panel in the driver's side floorboard. I ran a Mallory 4 port regulator first, then an Aeromotive regulator, now with the fuel cell I'm using a Barry grant for the fuel and a holley for the nitrous side. It's totally up to you on that part. Any other questions??