69 camaro ls1 swap a/c, th400 and oil pan questions
11-29-2011, 06:19 PM
#1
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69 camaro ls1 swap a/c, th400 and oil pan questions ok so i have the hooker headers mounts i want to run a/c but im not sure what route to go with notching the frame or what a/c box im going to have to run and what do i need to do to get the th400 to work with the ls1? everything eles im pretty much good with knowing whats gatta be done also which oil pan i could notch the stock f body pan but is it worth it to just spend the money and get a diffrent pan?
11-30-2011, 09:22 AM
#3
On my '70 Nova (same frame as your Camaro), I have clearance for the factory AC box using Doug's headers and Doug's mounts with 1/2" setback. I don't know if the AC suitcase is exactly the same or in the same spot on the Camaro, but it likely is. Take a look at my build thread in my sig link. I think Hooker makes mounts in different setback amounts and I do not think anything more than 1/2" setback would clear a factory evaporator case. If you go with a Vintage Air Gen IV unit, you will have no issues with the evaporator fitment since it would be under the dash.
Here are some threads to look at:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...8-74-nova.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...8-74-nova.html
Regarding the oil pan, I chose an Autokraft pan because it has great oil control and fitment. There are many other options too though. You will have to make your own decisions there. Try reading the x-body thread (also in my signature). '68-'74 Nova share the same suspension as '67-'69 Camaros, so 99% of the swap info translates directly.
For the TH400, you need a spacer to support the nose of the torque converter or you need a flexplate that already has that spacing built into it. I bought a TCI flexplate that included the spacer. You can also buy a spacer from GM. Or you can scrounge the boneyards for the proper flexplate. I don't know what OEM applications had it, but someone will probably chime in here with more info or you can do a search to get all the info you need. You may need to oval or drill a second patern of holes to mate things up. On my TCI plate and BTE torque converter, the flexplate hole pattern doesn't line up with the original SBC flexplate, but the BTE converter has secondary pilot holes drilled for the second pattern.
Here are some threads to look at:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...8-74-nova.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...8-74-nova.html
Regarding the oil pan, I chose an Autokraft pan because it has great oil control and fitment. There are many other options too though. You will have to make your own decisions there. Try reading the x-body thread (also in my signature). '68-'74 Nova share the same suspension as '67-'69 Camaros, so 99% of the swap info translates directly.
For the TH400, you need a spacer to support the nose of the torque converter or you need a flexplate that already has that spacing built into it. I bought a TCI flexplate that included the spacer. You can also buy a spacer from GM. Or you can scrounge the boneyards for the proper flexplate. I don't know what OEM applications had it, but someone will probably chime in here with more info or you can do a search to get all the info you need. You may need to oval or drill a second patern of holes to mate things up. On my TCI plate and BTE torque converter, the flexplate hole pattern doesn't line up with the original SBC flexplate, but the BTE converter has secondary pilot holes drilled for the second pattern.
Last edited by -TheBandit-; 11-30-2011 at 09:32 AM.
11-30-2011, 09:43 AM
#4
Before you make up your mind. .if your using the OEM A/C compressor. You need to check that the Swap plates well clear the OEM Compressor (or aftermarket). IIRC, standard / 1" setback plate will contact the Compressor and not allow it to work
I think your best bet is Vintage Air complete kit. That way your not dealing with the OEM HAVC and Headers clearance.
I think your best bet is Vintage Air complete kit. That way your not dealing with the OEM HAVC and Headers clearance.
11-30-2011, 10:07 AM
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Wow thanks guys how much is the autokraft pan?? Also I have the hooker header mounts the first ones they came out with. I don't mind notching the frame for the compresser but where will the vintage air compresser go?? I was going to use concept one setup bit it's not worth spending 2500 on
11-30-2011, 06:29 PM
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12-01-2011, 10:52 AM
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Caddilac ctsv windage tray (or truck windage tray), ctsv pickup tube and pan will give you the best clearence for a GM pan.
As for the flexplate, the cheapest route is to redrill the flexplate for the th350/th400 converter and put the gm crank spacer on. Or get a flat 4l80e flexplate and spacer and it will have the holes already lined up.
As for the flexplate, the cheapest route is to redrill the flexplate for the th350/th400 converter and put the gm crank spacer on. Or get a flat 4l80e flexplate and spacer and it will have the holes already lined up.
12-02-2011, 03:40 PM
#15
Send a PM to 69 Ghost. I think he may be using an LS1 ac compressor on his swap. He sent me some pictures a while back. I think he was using BRP mounts, which I beive raise the engine and move it a considerable distance forward compared to the hooker mounts you have now.
06-16-2012, 04:52 PM
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Compressor Bracket If you go with Vintage Air (my recommendation) here is the spec sheet on the compressor bracket and I believe you will have to use the VA compressor that comes with the kit.
http://www.vintageair.com/INSTRUCTIO...ets/141807.pdf
http://www.vintageair.com/INSTRUCTIO...ets/141807.pdf
