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4th Gen F-body v6 to ls1 swap?

Old 09-20-2010, 06:14 PM
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Default 4th Gen F-body v6 to ls1 swap?

I'd assume someone has done this already and that you could almost buy a kit with everything needed to swap a 4th gen f-body over to a ls1 based engine? I've searched on here but found nothing, is there a link or somewhere you can point me on more info for it. What is all needed to do a swap like this? Is it very hard to do? I wanted to build an ls1 up but it seems as if i will be replacing virtually everything with the ls1 (including block), so i figure i might as well start with a v6 unless it is a very tricky swap.
Old 09-20-2010, 06:59 PM
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Most people will suggest a donor (wrecked) LS1 vehicle
Old 09-20-2010, 07:25 PM
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It's pretty hard to do from what I know, you'll need the engine, harnesses, and tranny, as well as some suspension parts since the V8 is heavier.

It'll take a lot of time and dedication. It's possible but most will suggest against it.

If it was me, I'd keep it, save up for a good crate engine, a TH400 and a 9" or 12bolt rear end. Since you're going through the trouble you might as well go the whole 9 yards lol
Old 09-20-2010, 07:39 PM
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LS1 cars are common and cheap enough, why not just buy one and avoid the hassle of a swap?
Old 09-20-2010, 07:41 PM
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Buy an LS1 powered car its easier and cheaper,there are lots of great deals to be had.

But if you must:

http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread...light=LS1+Swap

http://www.tacreationsusa.com/3_4_3_8_v6_to_ls1.htm
Old 09-20-2010, 08:04 PM
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It's not HARD, you just need a lot of parts, the tools, and a little bit of know-how.
Old 09-21-2010, 08:40 AM
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Well what is all involved? I'd like to hear from someone that has actually done it before. I was planning on installing an lq9 with 4l80E tranny into the car with a 12 bolt rear. since I'll be replacing the entire drive train, intake throttle bodies etc... I figured might as well put it in a v6 car. I'd assume the frame and suspension (spring rates will be different with hevay engine) are about the same. If i had an ls1 car i would likely be going through the entire suspension anyway.

The biggest hurdles i see are the PCM and wiring. Is there a place i could buy an entire wire harness for the ls1 motor, or is more required than this? Such as are the wire harness for the interrior items like dash, obd II etc... different between v6 and ls1 cars??

I would assume i could buy the ls1 motor mounts then i will need a custom tranny mount anyway along with a transmission wire harness for 4l80e.

the only other thing i see being a hurdle since starting from a truck engine is i will need an ls1 style accessories mounts for the engines alternator, power steering etc... ls1 oil pan.

It might be easier to start with an ls1 car, but around here it seems as if everyone is very proud of them and asking over blue book price, and won't come down.... but i can pickup a v6 car for a couple thousand, which is what i want as it will be a project car to build and have fun with.
Old 09-21-2010, 09:59 AM
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In short your going to need an ls1 k-member and springs to support the engine along with the actual engine and tranny if you get a 99-up engine with the harness and you have a 99-up car the engine harness will plug right into the dash. 98 cars only supports a 98 harness. Your also going to need an ls1 gauge cluster once again 99-up work with only 99-up cars. All the hoses will need to be replaced along with all accessories for an ls1 car including a/c and a/c underhood plumbing. Also the fuel pump in the tank will need to be replaced with an ls1 style one i think thats about it but i may be missing a few things.
Old 09-21-2010, 10:17 AM
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build the k member all the way and drop the body on it. plug the harness and your ready.

man i wish its that easy
Old 09-22-2010, 08:34 AM
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This should help out a lot.

http://www.fullthrottlev6.com/forums...-%28w-PICS!%29
Old 09-22-2010, 09:02 AM
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I did mine last yeas 2000 v6 to an ls1 it took 8 months but there was no rush.. my guy took out the engine trans 10 bolt and replaces them all with ls1 4L60E and built 10 bolt along with a procharger kit for $1200!!. find a guy who can do this cheap. thing youll need: computer trans (fuel you can leave the same), k-member is a must, i recommend BMR tubular k-member. ls1 radiator. Suspension is not really necessary i had the car driving it fun and sometimes hard with v6 suspension and it worked perfectly...d/s is the same no need to change. you will need a y-pipe from a v8. and i think that may be it..i cant think of anything more if i do i will let you know. btw I do have all my **** for sale!!! engine FLT trans built 10 bolt suspension tires...if needed help.
Old 09-22-2010, 09:56 AM
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for a drag car wouldnt the v6 springs be better?
Old 09-22-2010, 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by disc0monkey
for a drag car wouldnt the v6 springs be better?
I was thinking the same thing.


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