License2Ill

iTrader: (1)

Drove a 98 today.....not to impressed.....low end torque was for all intents and purposes lacking.

The throw on that gearbox was much longer. 1-2 and 3-4.

It spins up quick i'll give it that. Car in total felt totally different but then again maybe i've grown accustomed to my tweaks.

Wow the interior blew chunks...i think someone else wrote the same on this.....it was major cheezy......so far LT1 design is winning from a few angles.

If anything im more inspired to do the engine swap now.......tsk tsk....i may even continue to defer it a little.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

The stock Shifter is long..aftermarket one is the way to do. LS1 has a higher powerband..it moves faster in the higher RPM's.

Wiring is extremely easy..it's just the Engine Harness mouting into the car, and the way I do mine it's a direct plug in..so really no room to **** that up.

The 1998-up Clusters have a different Fuel Gauge OHM range..so they dont work with the 97-back Sending Unit. 1999-up Clusters use the Serial Data Signal Wire..

License2Ill

iTrader: (1)

So the 99 and up engine wiring harness is the way to go?

Yea im seriously had a turn around after driving it and look at the interior.
I wouldn't trade my LT1 cockpit for that VW caravan dashboard. And im certainly not going to swap out interiors.

Im thinking about LQ series...with recommended heads...and maybe even just keeping my trans and rebuilding it using the LS1 input shaft which I heard is all thats needed well outside of the bellhousing and slave assemblies.

97badass

iTrader: (8)

you also need the front cover from an ls1 t56

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

The 99-up Wiring harness is the way to go, and it needs to be re-wired for the older stuff..it works really well.

1961ba427

iTrader: (26)

School me on this Merv.
I have a 98 SS (A4) harness and PCM that I could pick up really cheap. It's in a 52K mile car with slight frame damage.

My car is a 97 SS M6. What is it about the 98's that I wouldn't want to use that year? I've seen that they are a one year only deal, but never heard or read why?
I am definately going to be getting the K-member, rack, IS shaft, and probably fuel lines from the car. As of now the LS1/4L60e are in the car, but spoken for. I will be using a LS2 shortblock from an 06 GTO. Read that it's 24x so that's one step in the right direction.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

GTO LS2 will work.

I would re-pin the 1998 Harness to 99-up specs because the 99-up computers have alot more tuning capabilities..expecially the 02 ones.

1961ba427

iTrader: (26)

Thanks. Sounds like the parts I have left to look for:
ls1 harness
99+ PCM
F-body oil pan, (screen/tray/dipstick/tube)
throttle body
LS3 or L76 intake with rails & injectors(got L92 heads)
corvette regulator/filter
a good used set of headers
camshaft
good pushrods (length TBD)
and pulleys/brackets.

So far I have:

K-member with mounts
steering shaft
LS2 long block from coils to pan and water pump to flexplate
L92 new with valves
6.0 truck flexplate with spacer & bolts (in case I put it in my 61 with TH400 & leave my LT1 alone)
26918 springs

License2Ill

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Merv.

If I score with an LQ block alone...what are the heads to look out for? I dont want to pick up the ones nobody wants is why I ask.

Thanks 97 badass. I guess ill try to look out for those parts as time goes on.

1961 good luck...Im going to have to make a list just like you.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

A set of 243 Heads & LS6 Intake will make some good power.


When I said re-wired for the older stuff I meant it as in adapted into the LT car.

1961ba427

iTrader: (26)

I apologize to the OP for my above post hijacking your thread. I thought I was in the conversion sticky Merv made. Closely following both.

97badass

iTrader: (8)

no problem! both are to help people do the swap. i wish i could find an oil pan... i changed my mind again, im ordering the intake manifold first so that i cant back out of using the ls3 heads and its being ordered tonight

1961ba427

iTrader: (26)

Any idea what kind of power difference would I see keeping those heads (LS2) & an LS6 intake vs. if I run a set of L92 heads & LS3 intake? (Mid sized cam, unported heads, stock LS2 short block) I know the L92 heads will compromise my V-to-P clearance, but not sure how much lift/duration I can get away with without flycutting.


That's the way to foce commit!! I appreciate that attitude about your thread....that's the same way I am about any of mine. As long as it helps everyone out and is on topic it's all good to me.

License2Ill

iTrader: (1)

x3!

Thanks again great info. I feel confident that this will be the route i take as well......im going to enjoy the LT1 for now since I know I will miss its low end brunt when it doesn't bog.

It's good to know I dont have to tear up my interior...and the later years wiring harness to go for.

How hard is it to find the tranny input shaft and front plate? Hope they dont charge half the damm cost of the tranny for those 2 pieces now.

Hey have you tried fleabay for the oil pan?

93Z2871805

iTrader: (5)

The LS3/L92s have more potential and will flow tons more out of the box. To make 500fwhp from the cathedrals wouldn't be hard, but you could push 50hp more from a set of LS3/L92 with about the same amount of effort. Check out EPS, they have cams over .600 lift 240+ duration you can stuff in the motor without flycutting.

1961ba427

iTrader: (26)

If any of you need help finding a GM part number let me know. I work in parts at a small dealership. Our discount stinks though. They charge us 25% over cost vs. 10% over that most dealerships charge their employess. Most prices I see quoted on here are cheaper than I can buy things.

97badass

iTrader: (8)

i check ebay daily for an oil pan. the front plate and input shaft along with the bellhousing are expensive and cost about half as much as a complete one. hence why i am going auto. ive already talked to geoff on the phone and getting the cam ground for me. i have stock ls1 heads but choose to run ls3s instead... i still have yet to paint my engine bay but waiting till i have my k member ( guy doesnt have his new one in yet) my buddy who helps me out blew up his 4.6 last night so he is busy with his own problems and cant help me

97badass

iTrader: (8)

if i get my t56 sold i can pick me up the heads to go along with the intake all im getting with this check is intake and wiring harness and ecm. found one for $150 complete harness and ecm from a 99 camaro

97badass

iTrader: (8)

headers are sold now so looks like cam intake wiring harness and ecm this week :nuts:

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

T56 stuff isnt cheap..that's why I'm sitting on mine..