FUN, QUICK and EASY LS engine conversion
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Lindenhurst, Long Island, New York
If you're referring tome, it's going, but slow. I only work on it about once a week due to a pretty busy life. Now that winter's coming and no garage...
As of now, I have the old engine/ trans out, the dash out, working on the clutch master cylinder, and the modified trans crossmember. I still have to 'refresh' the engine and have all the stuff, but that won't be until spring. I plan on dropping the engine in during winter for mock up.
Most of the issues have a solution that I've either bought or are waiting to buy. The only real snag right now is the fuel system. I want to install a fuel cell, but for the C3's stock location is a bit on an oddball size in the fuel cell world. I don't want to cut the body or any major frame components. I still have some stuff to figure out with the harness (I know very little about wiring), but that's what I'll be working on over the winter.
If you're thinking C3, I would think twice. They tend to be high maintenance in themselves. The swap is much more straight forward than most, but the car can suck you dry. There really aren't too many swap specific parts for the C3 either, but you don't need many (modify the water pump, an '85 1 ton truck clutch MC or Z bar, some sort of trans x member solution, etc). I would go to a corvette forum and check out the problems a C3 will have. They can be annoying and an absolute b!tch to paint. But you won't find another car like it. It's a very tortured love/hate relationship, haha.
As of now, I have the old engine/ trans out, the dash out, working on the clutch master cylinder, and the modified trans crossmember. I still have to 'refresh' the engine and have all the stuff, but that won't be until spring. I plan on dropping the engine in during winter for mock up.
Most of the issues have a solution that I've either bought or are waiting to buy. The only real snag right now is the fuel system. I want to install a fuel cell, but for the C3's stock location is a bit on an oddball size in the fuel cell world. I don't want to cut the body or any major frame components. I still have some stuff to figure out with the harness (I know very little about wiring), but that's what I'll be working on over the winter.
If you're thinking C3, I would think twice. They tend to be high maintenance in themselves. The swap is much more straight forward than most, but the car can suck you dry. There really aren't too many swap specific parts for the C3 either, but you don't need many (modify the water pump, an '85 1 ton truck clutch MC or Z bar, some sort of trans x member solution, etc). I would go to a corvette forum and check out the problems a C3 will have. They can be annoying and an absolute b!tch to paint. But you won't find another car like it. It's a very tortured love/hate relationship, haha.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 26
From: columbus,ohio
Hang in there I know what you mean .I love cars, but sometimes I hate them too.I have had to put one project on hold for now ,too many cars to work on .Just going to do one at a time.I keep telling myself !
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 26
From: columbus,ohio
The cheapest ,fun ,quick and easy truck swap has to be the GM 96-98.On the car side its a little more difficult to pick .Still want more picks for a car swap ,keep in mind to make to top of the list it has to use the truck intake and accessories.Some past suggestions have been 64-72 A bodys ,3rd gen F bodys, 1st gen F bodys ,G bodys, 68-72 X body, S-10 and 240z-350z.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 26
From: columbus,ohio
What is the best non LS-1 4th gen F body to swap a LS engine into?Ive heard there is some advantage to use a 98 or later Firebird they have a different body harness. Is this true ?
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Cheap = yes
Quick = mostly
Easy = depends on your fabrication skills and tools
Fun = Heck yes! Have you ever surprised a Mustang owner?
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,829
Likes: 30
From: Central Indiana Honors: 4th grade spelling bee contestant
The less factory stuff you keep, the easier it gets. I'm using aftermarket guages in mine & all the HVAC stuff has been deleted. The only creature comfort I kept was the power windows.
I'd say the best non-LS1 fourth-gen to drop an LS1 into is any one of them that doesn't have one already
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 26
From: columbus,ohio
Are you wanting to keep the creature comforts? Factory gages, HVAC, etc...
The less factory stuff you keep, the easier it gets. I'm using aftermarket guages in mine & all the HVAC stuff has been deleted. The only creature comfort I kept was the power windows.
I'd say the best non-LS1 fourth-gen to drop an LS1 into is any one of them that doesn't have one already
The less factory stuff you keep, the easier it gets. I'm using aftermarket guages in mine & all the HVAC stuff has been deleted. The only creature comfort I kept was the power windows.
I'd say the best non-LS1 fourth-gen to drop an LS1 into is any one of them that doesn't have one already
Last edited by omc8; Dec 16, 2009 at 08:52 PM.
Hmmm.... I need to finish some projects, generate more money and build a larger workshop.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
c4 Hey Spartanv8, checked out your concept design Spartanv8.I like it, I like it alot I've been of thinking of doing C4 LS swap for some time ,already have a very low mile L-33 for it.Bang for the buck and weight wise ,I think this is a excellent choice.Sorry to here about your trans scam,Paypal should have got your money back,or at least implement a policy ,like here in Ohio were a car dealer can not keep more than 20% of purchase price on deposits.Sounds like a outright scam going on down there in Indiana.I bet Paypal did not even investigate it ,that sucks.Can I make a suggestion on your Spartan,if you go with the C4 IRS rear suspension.Get one from a manual trans car, they have the stronger Dana 44 8.5 inch gear.They are harder to find and cost a little more but worth it.It would also be neat to see if you take some design cues from the Ariel Atom,love how its frame/ chasse bows in a canoe shape.That car is rear engine thou ,so you may not be able to take that idea to far ,yours being front engine rear wheel drive.If you can stay on a diet and keep weight under 1600 that will be one nasty bitch to drive,close 3 second 0-60 mph times.How much money do estimate it will cost to construct the frame?Keep us posted on your progress .
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 26
From: columbus,ohio
Well Speedhound.com had motor plates and headers for this swap .But I think they went out of business.
