Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Classic car conversion questions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 28, 2011 | 09:10 PM
  #1  
BashamWS6's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned Scammer
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
Default Classic car conversion questions

Ok so i found a 70 chevelle for cheap and a ls1/t56 combo for a good deal as well..
Now ive read around and all i seem to find are progression threads
So. I figure alot of custom work would need to be done along with some massaging of the body.
Will i need the wiring? Custom made headers?
Will i nee a new crossmember?
???
Thanks
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2011 | 09:44 PM
  #2  
GNCLONE's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
Default

You might get LS1 Camaro/Firebird headers to fit - they fit my car after I used a hammer.

Depending on where you place the motor there is a chance you can keep your crossmember - with an automatic sometimes you can change tailshaft housings. I made my crossmember, ain't pretty but it works.

Read a lot and plan on getting GOOD at wiring if you want it to run
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2011 | 09:55 PM
  #3  
bczee's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,670
Likes: 6
From: Concord, CA
Default

There is a lot of information for A-Body Swaps..
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...2-gm-body.html

Wiring
1) convert the LS1 to a standalone. Lots of info on pin out and wiring in the FAQ
2) buy a new standalone harness or a converted one

Crossmember
1) I was able to use my TH350, flip it around, cut the tab off and rewelded it back where I needed it.
2) Buy a kit to make one
3) Buy a custom one (G-Force ?) or buy a complete swap kit (BRP?)

Headers
1) you can go Custom if you want
2) Swap headers by many of the vendors and manufactors
3) Use 4th Gen F-Body headers.. some fit well, some need minor modification.

Research the A-Body FAQ then ask your questions..

Good Luck.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2011 | 10:04 PM
  #4  
Barrybeans's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, CA
Default

There are plenty of conversion headers on the market, Doug's, eddlebrock, hooker to name a few. I used Doug's long tube LS1 conversion headers on my 68 camaro LS1 swap and I had a big issue with the power steering box and a minor issue with the passenger side upper control arm. I would investigate fitment in these 2 areas before committing to a certain brand.

A custom crossmember is a must, but I had one made at a local shop for like $200,the guy was done in like 4 hrs. This would be the route I'd take if doing it over. I originally bought the adjustable one from ATS, but it was flimsy and bowed over time.

Aso for the wiring, you can get buy a standalone wiring harness from a company like Painless for around 600 (ouch!) but I've seen mixed reviews with these and way too expensive. I just got a hold of a stock wiring harness and sent it in to a guy on ebay, he hacked it up and made it standalone in like 2 weeks, about $200 buck shipped. No problems so far! I considered doing it myself but I think this is best left to someone who knows what they are doing (and I'm usually good with electronics)

Custom work and massaging of the body? I didn't have to do much she just about dropped right in! Custom driveshaft, engine mount adapter plates (get the expensive ones) and I had to notch my oil pan (done by street & performance for around $180). Not too hard. And I imagine there's more room under the hood of chevelle than a camaro.

Oh and feel free to get an aggressive rear gear set. I have 3.73's and I criuse at 70mph at 1700rpm with the 6 speed. Wish I did 4.11's!
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2011 | 02:04 AM
  #5  
71ANTICARB's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (23)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Default

First thing get as much as you can with the engine/tranny (wiring, acc, etc). Second I fully believe that anyone on here that has the abilities to transplant a ls into one of the cars has the ability to do their own harness. There are plenty of threads on here to help you out I will post some of the threads that helped me a lot. As far as headers I found that the pacesetter off road for a 4th gen fit very well. And with the crossmember I cut the trans mount part off bolted the crossmember in and flipped the mount over and trimmed it til it fit well and welded it back on. With the t56 you will have to cut the floor as well.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2011 | 02:08 AM
  #6  
71ANTICARB's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (23)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Default

Here is those links.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...chematics.html

http://chevythunder.com/19992002_ls1...nk%20Connector
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2011 | 06:25 AM
  #7  
psiconversion's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 11
From: Brick, NJ
Default

Another option to converting the stock harness is to buy new (as stated above). We are still offering free shipping on new harnesses, IN STOCK!

Jon
PSI
__________________

Your Source for LSX Conversion Parts!
www.psiconversion.com

Ebay Store
Facebook/psiconversion
Instagram/psiconversion

'Dont Let EFI Pass You By!'
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2011 | 07:23 PM
  #8  
BashamWS6's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned Scammer
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
Default

Anybody have a name on the stock harness converter guy?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:06 AM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-04 18:13:20


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE