Cferrel4

So I have been doing some searching and trying to find some answers relating to what I am thinking of doing for my 1970 Camaro, which is transfering everything possible from a 98 Z28 to the 1970.

backround: I was gifted the 1970 Camaro which became a mild restoration project when I decided to paint it and found body filler/bondo over almost every panel. It is an 8 cylinder auto originally, no special options from what I can tell. It came with no drive train, a 10 bolt that has 3.08s in it. I have essentially stripped the car right now. I have a brand new 10 bolt with 3.73's to go into it.

I have been searching and thinking of what drive train to put into it. I have an option to build a 88 350 4 bolt main I have sitting around that is seized with a bent rod, a brand new 383 from my father for $2000 but still need heads/intake/ etc, a crate 350/350, or this LS1/4L60e with 100k on it that I could transfer over from the donor that I have $2300 into completely.

I am leaning more towards the LS1, just the wiring, accessories from the f body and motor mounting are holding me back. How can I hook up the gauges from the 1970 to the LS1 from the current set up if possible? Has anyone else used the complete harness? Which headers work for a DD?

The only mods to the engine I am thinking of doing is some porting of the stock heads/roller rockers and bigger valves and a mild cam for some more lump. Goal is to be around 400 horsepower.

Is it true you can take the stock 70 trans mount and flip it around 180 to make it work? Or is drilling/taping new holes mandatory.

Since I am not going to have A/C, will the f-body accessories work?

Lastly some pictures:

72ls1

iTrader: (1)

I believe with the f body acc the alternator hits the steering box.

Doug G

I would go with the LS1
After seeing how well these engines run....it would be stupid not to.
A cam only will reach your 400 HP wants with ease.
There are lots of options out there to get the AC deleted accessories working fine. You can do the wiring yourself with the help of a few on here, or sub it out. (may cost a few $$ but keep all your hair )
Check out newschool72 (S/N) over in the carbed section for a few pointers as well.

Cferrel4

I know a Cam only can do the 400 hp, however, I think I would do a mild cam with a set of ported/polished stock heads and bigger valves would do it and still make it more street-able/gas mileage wise. Newer roller rockers to avoid that weak link.

I was thinking of using the entire harness from the donor. Just how would the gauges hook up or do I need to get electrical gauges/custom cluster?

Could I use a truck accessories bracket if I got a 2" cowl hood for the 70? I would need to get the spacer set up then. Would the hood still close to clear the alternator?

Cferrel4

Just found out a friend is going ot sell his 350 lt1 with around 450 hp, runs low 12's. Everything for the engine/harness/ecm for $2000. It needs a transmission though.

I know I will still have fuel system to worry about, but is this a quicker swap than the LS1? if I were to use a 700r4, do i still need to modify the trans cross member if i don't use a 4L60e?

Do any of the accessories from the LT1 from a camaro hit anything or do they clear? I was not expecting this option to come up. Not the most friendly daily driver gas mileage engine though; however, it is a ton of fun.

krwyellowZ28

iTrader: (10)

$2000 is pretty steep, even for a 383 LT1 now days. However, if you're not looking to light the world on fire with 900 hp, that sounds like a good route to go. It will essentially bolt right into your Camaro with no accessory or oil pan issues, as well as bolt up to cheap LT headers and engine mounts. Put a decently built 4L60 behind it, shorten the driveshaft, and have fun. The wiring is easy and your biggest other expense will be figuring out a fuel system.

Cferrel4

I went and checked out the LT1, needed a complete overhaul. Had not seen the car in a long time. Yeah the dyno sheet says 475hp, but it smelled like anti-freeze. Couldn't see buying a complete car that used to be a 6 cylinder for even $1400. The trans was bad too.

I Just walked away.

Going to be using that LS1 I have from the 98 Camaro. Thinking just going to do the GM Hot Cam kit, new roller rockers and some 243 heads if I can find them for cheap. That should put it around 400 hp which will be plenty for a daily driver with some fun.

Has anyone used the complete wiring harness from a fourth gen to do their swap. Thinking about it, then I could use the ABS module too. Have to wire in the switches and check head light connectors and parking lamps...

I see the hook headers are pretty inexpensive at $350 from summit. I see some people have fitment issues and others don't. Any particular reason?

Anyone use the LS fuel tank from CamaroCentral.com for $600? Comes with a pump.

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

Either that or you have to notch your frame. I went with the corvette accessory system (gmpp 19155067) and everytthing cleared fine. I even used the c5 batwing oil pan.

jamminj007

iTrader: (6)

I just ground down alittle on the alternator housing. Fits nice/ no issues.
I did an ly6 swap with cam only and dynoed 412rwhp on a mustang dyno through the 4l80e and 3500 convertor.

Cferrel4

I was thinking about grinding down the alternator housing, just how much does it need to be grounded down?

Been compiling a list of all the necessary parts I need to make this car happen. Not going to have many of them until I sell my trans am. Take the money from that and invest it into this.

Might just consider doing the gm hot cam and headers. Put in new roller rockers, lifters, etc. It has 853 cylinder heads on it. Maybe mill them a bit to bump compression a tad. Just not at all out to set the world on fire with this car.

Cferrel4

Just got back from Italy. Looking into motor mounts and trans cross members for the LS1 swap.

Still torn between that and just getting a crate 350 and 700r4.... I just can't seem to win in trying to figure this whole crap shoot out. Definitely not going to be able to get my car on the road this summer. To much money and work needs to be done.

Cferrel4

Anyone know how large a cowl hood must be in order for a ls truck intake/alternator to fit under the hood of a 70 Camaro. Considering a 5.3L or 6.0L with just changing the oil pan. Then I won't have to worry about the accessories on the gear box it seems.

Also considering running an inline walboro 255 and a corvette regulator if need be. That way I can reuse my original tank.

turbotbirds

Nice project.

Razor

3" cowl should work with truck intake. I am running the truck accessories in my junk minus the AC. Fits perfect with carshop 1" set back plates and hedman headers. Truck accessories are easy to come by. F-Bod accessories are way over priced.

Razor

Get the F Bod oil pan. Truck pan hangs too low. People also want too much for these...can get a brand new one here http://www.superchevyperformance.com...p/12628771.htm
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Oh, and I am using an L88 hood scoop to clear the Whipple with room to spare height wise. Truck intake cleared with no issue.

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

the corvette batwing fits if your engine is set back (that's an LS1 bolted to a TH350 trans in the stock position):

Cferrel4

Thanks, I was hoping to use a 2" or 3" cowl hood. I actually bought and have a spare f-body oil pan, pick up and what not for $180. So I got that end covered.

I have a 98 Camaro LS1/4L60e combo still in a camaro right now with 101k on it. Needs an oil pan gasket, crank seal, rear main seal. I have $1600 in whats left of the car now. But If i could sell it for maybe $2250 I would have more money to play with the 5.3L and not worry about accessory issues. I wouldn't have to worry about a cowl hood though.

The yard offered me a 55k mile 5.3L aluminum engine complete with everything and 2wd trans for $1500. Hot cam and headers would be plenty for the street for around town and decent mpg I would think. Just need to get a cowl hood...

Cferrel4

My father states that I have major ADD with my cars and projects lately. Probably because I am extremely low on funds right now. Forced to work with what I have and nothing more right now.

Got the door jams on the 70 pretty much stripped. Need to vacuum out the interior.




Trying to find out if anyone has kept and used the entire LS1 harness in a 2nd or 1st gen conversion. Also thinking about just trying to do that and changing the steering column from the 4th gen to the 2nd but it seems no one has really done it...

Striking out on Gauges that are not $600 for electronic to fit in the original cluster...

Also, thinking of keeping the race car black. However, painting it a pearl black like Acura's Nighthawk Black Pearl. I would prefer a black with red metal flakes like a black cherry, but I can not find a factory paint like that. I want it to look black but have a subtle color/metallic POP element to it in the sun.

Cferrel4

Been slowly plugging away at the camaro in the cold. Picked up some motor mount frame brackets for a Big block that will actually work on the frame. Will this change anything in putting the LS1 in on those with the big block mounts. The mounts sit lower than the tall thin SBC.

Also, have the opportunity to get a 55k mile 4L60e 2wd out of a truck. Would it be better/easier to run the truck trans or use the 100k mile one out of the f-body?

Cferrel4

Any thoughts on keeping the fbody 4l60e trans or using a truck one?