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Ls1 Chevelle swap Q's

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Old 11-03-2011, 07:45 PM
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Default Ls1 Chevelle swap Q's

Alright guys, I have a 71 Chevelle fully restored that just threw a rod with the new engine(all done by previous owner). I have an 01 SS I just picked up with 150k on it and I figure ****, instead of selling that I will just put it into the chevelle. Basically I will save money putting the LS1 in the chevelle and selling the SS as a roller then just rebuilding the 350, which helps the whole broke 19 y/o budget thing.

It's a stock LS1 with Pacesetter headers and I will be using the SS auto transmission also.

Will Pacesetter's work for my swap? Will the auto slide right in and bolt up? Will the drive shaft fit? What engine mount plates do I need?

Any other pointers to go along with it? Also can I use an in line pump? I did the in tank thing on my 80 T/A swap and it never did work right.





Old 11-03-2011, 10:56 PM
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I used the walbro inline pump with the corvette filter/regulator combo. I'll be posting pics of it soon on my thread(I'm nearly done with a 69 442 LQ9'T56. I simply couldn't afford an intank setup. The auto trans should bolt in, driveshaft length depends on how far back you sit the motor.
and
Good luck man, those wheels look awseome with that paint.
Old 11-04-2011, 05:54 AM
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A good fuel tank alternative is a 94-96 Impala SS plastic tank. I believe it is 23 gallon, so you get increased range. It nearly bolts right in. I made spacer/extenders for the tank straps, and made a hole in the trunk floor to tuck it up tight. A BBK intank pump works great. You will need to recalibrate the sender or change gauge. If you need them I can provide pictures.
Old 11-04-2011, 08:46 AM
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I would hate to part out a good SS, but that is your choice. But yes.. parting it out and selling off the roller or parts would cover the cost of the swap or HP parts, But at 150k.. I would spend some of that on refreshing the engine/trans and anything that is already high mileage on the Chevelle (suspension/rear). You can also use the LS1 brakes on the Chevelle with adapters.

Yes.. Using a late model B-Body tank and a Racetronix B-Body kit (pump and wiring harness) is a great alternative to the high cost tank and complicated modifications of the OEM Tank. I have done this in my swap also. You should not have to recalibrate the sender.. it is a 0-90 ohm which should match up with your Chevelle gauge.

I looks like the prior owner swapped a 72 grille.

Last edited by bczee; 11-04-2011 at 05:45 PM.
Old 11-04-2011, 09:25 AM
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I did an external pump on my 68 corvette, it has starvation problems at under 1/4 tank. It's tank is deep though. My 72 442 tank is shallow and wide. No way that wont have problems.
I went with the 96 caprice tank. It has a built in sump and I upgraded to the racetronix pump/wiring. Works great except you got to fill it slowly to prevent backsplash..
Old 11-04-2011, 05:45 PM
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Hmmm.. Garys_68.. i have no filling issue.. I always pump at full rate at the pump ?.. how is that vent tube that goes from the tank to the filler neck ? did you use it or is it obstructed in venting ?
Old 11-04-2011, 07:09 PM
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How do u use the ls1 brakes on the chevelle
Old 11-04-2011, 10:23 PM
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BRPhotrods sell adapters kits... you can also find them on eBay (there are others vendors also).. They front adapter kit for both Disk or Drum brake spindles. I picked on up for my Nova swap. Need to pick up a rear adapter next (about 1/4" spacer is needed).

There are a few threads on doing this.. suggest you research "LS1 Brake swap" or "adapters".

http://www.brphotrods.com/mm5/mercha...gory_Code=BRK4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-1968-19...item2c606d91a8
Old 11-04-2011, 10:32 PM
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Just a suggestion.. I have a Genesis radiator.. aluminum hand weld that works beautifully in with my Ls2. There's no reason why they wouldn't make a gas tank as good ...
http://www.genesisautoparts.com/gas_...t-chevelle.htm

G/l with your build. Nice seeing the classics come back.

Lisa
Old 11-05-2011, 02:54 AM
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Originally Posted by kingjay72
How do u use the ls1 brakes on the chevelle
This covers the rear. C5 stuff works as well in place of fbody parts. http://www.sloppymechanics.com/archi...entry_867.html
Old 11-05-2011, 06:51 AM
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I'm not the only one with that issue. Right now, my vent line is capped, but after reading post 34 from the link below, I have not Ted it into the neck.
What's your setup look like?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...es-pics-2.html
Originally Posted by bczee
Hmmm.. Garys_68.. i have no filling issue.. I always pump at full rate at the pump ?.. how is that vent tube that goes from the tank to the filler neck ? did you use it or is it obstructed in venting ?
Old 11-05-2011, 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by garys 68
I'm not the only one with that issue. Right now, my vent line is capped, but after reading post 34 from the link below, I have not Ted it into the neck.
What's your setup look like?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...es-pics-2.html
Gary, If you goto post #50 in that thread.. that is my setup... . I am using the vent to filler neck tube as it would be in a stock B-Body.

BC
Old 11-05-2011, 01:27 PM
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Guess I'll try adding the vent.
Old 11-05-2011, 05:58 PM
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I made a vent line also, still get a backsplash soon after starting to fill, then again when tank is almost full.
Old 12-25-2011, 09:28 PM
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Any word on the Pacesetter LT's fitting your chassis?
Old 12-26-2011, 10:50 AM
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I used the 85 Buick Grnd Natl tand w/wabro pump. Fits right in no cutting the floor for access. Straps fit good. Just have to off set the filler neck with fuel hose.
Rick
Old 12-26-2011, 11:58 AM
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I found a few different posts where the ls1 camaro headers fit 68-72 A bodies pretty much perfectly. Can't remember which side, but one collector points inward a bit.
Old 12-26-2011, 12:51 PM
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the pacesetters should work. The drivers side kicks off at a funny angle, Just cut the collector on the 3" section and angle cut it so the header shoots straight back. I did this with a set of hooker super comps for a 2002 camaro before they ever made swap headers of the chevelles.
Old 12-26-2011, 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by kballs
I found a few different posts where the ls1 camaro headers fit 68-72 A bodies pretty much perfectly. Can't remember which side, but one collector points inward a bit.
drivers side.



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