Hi Everyone,

I have recently purchased a 1982 GMC Sierra V8 350 (carb) 1/2 ton pickup, It will not be my daily driver it is a project truck. I am planning to modify and "Pimp out" this truck. I am thinking of dropping in an LT1 from a 95 Z28 but I am not sure how easy it is. I am confident that I will be able to swap out the old carb 350 for the LT1 - HOWEVER, I am not sure if I will be able to do the wiring myself. I think that I will be ok wiring up all the sensors to the CPU but I am skeptical as to how hard is it to wire up the ignition, such as starter, and the switch to "open the loop"

Can anyone who has had experience in swapping an LT1 or LS1 into an older car help me out? Any links, recommended books or advice in general would be TRULY appreciated.

Thanks,

- Johnny Fig.

 

It isn't as hard as it seems. Get the entire under hood wiring harness with the engine and PCM if you can. With that there are only a few splices you will need to make. There is a write up on swapping and LT1 into a 3rd gen in the 3rd gen tech section that should be helpful to you.
You will need to get the PCM tuned to dissable the VATS as well. What transmission are you going to use?

 

Not sure what transmission yet, haven't looked into it much since everyone keeps telling me that Ignition and the VATS will be the hardest, I've been told to attach the engine to a 4T65eHD transmission, if I go with an LS1.

I found a book on Chevy TBI and TPI engine swap guide, from JTR - So, I'm not sure, I'm also considering just leaving it a carb engine, maybe go with a 350 crate motor, that would be faster.

What is your opinion on what type of engine? LT1/LS1 or Carb 350 Crate??

 

LT1 swap wouldn't hard at all. It would be even easier if you got an engine/trans combo that was complete. Just send the PCM out for a mail order tune while your installing it to take care of the VATS and gain a few ponies.

The ignition wont require any special modification from its stock LT1 form to swap it. You would only need to sort out the fuel system and connect the power, ground, key on power, and gauges.

 

Awesome, the more I learn the more motivated I get. Thanks Mike!

 

I am in the middle of doing something similar right now. I am doing an LT1 swap into my 89 Silverado.
The engine is the one from my 96 Z28. I decided to do the swap including the 4l60E.



You have to move the AC compressor from its original location, otherwise it will interfere with the frame. One way to go is using the complete Corvette accessory drive. I decided to modify my accesory drive bracket, installed the AC compressor in place of the alternator and an idler pulley where the AC compressor sat. Then moved the alternator to the drivers side.

There is a nice writeup of an LT4 swap in an 83 Chevy Pickup at the Street & Performance site that pretty much guides you thru the install.

 

Great info at Street & Performance - Thanks man!