I'm getting ready to swap my 1996 Caprice LT1 into a 1966 Skylark. The skylark has a chevy 350 with a Th-350 in it. I'm planning to use the TH-350 with the LT1 because the Caprice tranny is shot. I am also going to run the caprice's electric fans, radiator, and accessories.

Here are some questions I have regarding the swap:

1. Will the LT1 bolt to a TH-350? I have heard I need a special flexplate any idea where to get one? and are the motor mounts the same as old 5.7 2 bolt main?

2. I have a set of shorty headers for the old 5.7 will they fit on the lt1?

3. What is the cheapest/easiest method to convert the old fuel system for fuel injection?

4. I plan to delete the emissions equipment, and get a tune for it. How much HP is this worth over stock?

5. What to do about the LT1 Vehicle Speed sensor, VSS?

6. Can I reuse the old wiring harness from the caprice?

Is there anything else I should know about the install? Parts needed?
Thanks.

 

1. Trans will mount, block is like any other SBC. As far the flexplate use one for the LT1, the starter is a high torque gear reduction, and IIRC there is an issue being a one-piece rear seal.

2. The headers will fit, but the sparkplug wiring might be a challenge, search here OTVC wires.

3. I bought a new fuel tank, punched a hole in the bottom and ran a bottom feed line to a high pressure pump and ran -6 AN pressure line to the fuel manifold and 5/16 furl line for a return to tank.

4. IMHO zero, these engines run pretty clean already and they use a electric air pump so the only gain is weight reduction (FTW). I still have to pass emissions in the 1980 model car.

5. Check on-line, I have seen adapters that fit in the manual speedo adapter in the transmission that allow the cable to be connected and provide for VSS.

6. YES, take as much as you can from the Caprice, even if you think you don't need it right now...... better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Is there anything else I should know about the install? Parts needed?

A real good reference point including here is:

http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=49

CHeck out the fuel tank modification there also.

Make sure you have good grounds for any of the electrical connections and don't listen to those complaining about Optisparks, we knew what we were getting into when we bought LT1's.

Hey how about some pictures??????

Here is some of mine:

http://www.ls1lt1.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23532

 

The LT1 has D port heads on it. So your old headers will not seal up . I think you can use a 93 wiring harness to get around the VSS sensor . I think the 93 cars still used the 4l60 trans . Yours has a 4l60e . If I was you I would have the 4l60e rebuilt and then use your harness . I would also get rid of the EGR system . Rock Valley auto can modify your tank to use a in the tank pump . I tried using a external mount pump but it was just to noisy .

 

Your small block headers will seal up fine as long as the flanges are nice and flat. I ran round 1.5" primaries on an LT1 in an S10 for years with no sealing issues. You may have a problem with the angle plugs hitting the primaries though which may require a shorter plug.

You can use the TH350, but you will need some way to mount/actuate the detent cable. 93 LT1s and the older TPI throttle bodies were setup to use a manual detent cable. The aftermarket may be able to help as well.

Not sure how similar the Caprice accessories are to the F body but you may have a clearance issue with the AC compressor and the frame.

You may check with Current Performance about a custom harness for your project. They can make one harness to run the car & motor and I believe they have a kit to mount a VSS to a th350 tailshaft. Plus you probably don't want to deal with a 14 year old wiring harness.