1981 Corvette
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
1981 Corvette I am planning on putting an LS1 in my 81 Vette, but now I am coming up with a lot of questions. The number one question I have is if I have a complete LS1 engine and PCM can I run this with my Muncie 4 Speed Tranny? Assuming it is built up to handle the extra power. If your answer is no can you tell me why. Also be sure to let me know if anyone knows any reason why I should not attempt this motor swap. Thanks
Electrically, you'd need some way to feed Vehicle Speed Sensor data to the PCM or it won't be 100% happy. It uses vehicle speed to manage idle speed, fan logic (no sense spinning the fans if the car is moving fast), etc.
Mechanically, it's possible to run trannies other than 4L60E or T56...the ASA guys do it. McLeod sells a modular bellhousing that can adapt most trans to most engines, check them out.
Lingenfelter is tightly involved w/ the ASA engine program and may be able to get you some info on bellhousing and tranny options.
LGMotorsports (sponsor!) also races LS1 cars and may have info on bellhousings.
Please share what you find, you're breaking new ground for us all!
LS1 in a C3 is becoming more common now, there are a few here and I love the car as a hybrid platform. Good luck!
Mechanically, it's possible to run trannies other than 4L60E or T56...the ASA guys do it. McLeod sells a modular bellhousing that can adapt most trans to most engines, check them out.
Lingenfelter is tightly involved w/ the ASA engine program and may be able to get you some info on bellhousing and tranny options.
LGMotorsports (sponsor!) also races LS1 cars and may have info on bellhousings.
Please share what you find, you're breaking new ground for us all!
LS1 in a C3 is becoming more common now, there are a few here and I love the car as a hybrid platform. Good luck!
There are a few people that I've heard are using Muncie trannys behind LS1s. However, I'm not sure how they are getting the VSS signal. I'm sure you can find the answer with some Google and LS1Tech searching. However, I have to ask: why? The 6 speed is one of the best parts about doing the swap. With my old setup (350, M20) my 3.70 rear end ran 3500rpm on the highway. With the LS1/T56, it's 1700 in 6th gear.
I have some info and a bunch of pics of my swap on my site. Check it out and then feel free to ask more questions. There is a ton of info out there, so we suggest that people read thru as much of the archives as possible and use the search button to find more specific things.
Good luck. It's a fun swap and I think you'l be hard pressed to find a better mod for your Corvette.
-Matt
I have some info and a bunch of pics of my swap on my site. Check it out and then feel free to ask more questions. There is a ton of info out there, so we suggest that people read thru as much of the archives as possible and use the search button to find more specific things.
Good luck. It's a fun swap and I think you'l be hard pressed to find a better mod for your Corvette.
-Matt
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 179
Likes: 3
From: Warsaw , Ohio
Here is a cut and paste of my earlier post on this very subject:
I just test fit a new Lakewood blow proof #15005 to my LQ4 fit good except for some minor grinding near the top of the block for the nut on the block plate. This may not be an issue with the aluminum block LS1 & LS6. It also comes with a machined adapter that presses into the back of the crank to use a standard pilot bushing. Instead of the adapter and bronze pilot bushing I used a GM pilot bearing #12557583 which is a sealed ball bearing , everything fits perfectly and it cost less than $10.00 . Much less than some dealers want for the adapter to use the old-style bushing. This bellhousing even has a bracket on it so I can mount a bracket for my clutch cross shaft. This bell will ONLY bolt up to Muncie,Borg Warner T-10 , Doug Nash , and other transmissions with the old style bolt pattern. No T-56 but who cares they seem to be made outa glass! As 71 Camaro LS1 stated above its simple. Just use the GM pilot bearing and you don't have to make anything and you can use the old style aluminum bellhousing if you want. But the Lakewood bell is the way to go if you want to keep your feet, I have seen a car after a clutch explosion it aint pretty, its just cheap insurance.
see pic.https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachmen...achmentid=9437
I just test fit a new Lakewood blow proof #15005 to my LQ4 fit good except for some minor grinding near the top of the block for the nut on the block plate. This may not be an issue with the aluminum block LS1 & LS6. It also comes with a machined adapter that presses into the back of the crank to use a standard pilot bushing. Instead of the adapter and bronze pilot bushing I used a GM pilot bearing #12557583 which is a sealed ball bearing , everything fits perfectly and it cost less than $10.00 . Much less than some dealers want for the adapter to use the old-style bushing. This bellhousing even has a bracket on it so I can mount a bracket for my clutch cross shaft. This bell will ONLY bolt up to Muncie,Borg Warner T-10 , Doug Nash , and other transmissions with the old style bolt pattern. No T-56 but who cares they seem to be made outa glass! As 71 Camaro LS1 stated above its simple. Just use the GM pilot bearing and you don't have to make anything and you can use the old style aluminum bellhousing if you want. But the Lakewood bell is the way to go if you want to keep your feet, I have seen a car after a clutch explosion it aint pretty, its just cheap insurance.
see pic.https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachmen...achmentid=9437
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
What you need is a gadget that converts a mechanical speedo`s physically going round action, to an electronic VSS output for the ECM. I also need this and I`ve been pointed in the direction of "Jags that Run" - JTR. They make a reluctor wheel and sensor which either goes through the speedo or bolts onto the propshaft flange and provides that signal
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Teching In
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: southeast
saw this to convert manual cable to vss signal
http://speedscenewiring.com/v-web/ec...x.php/cPath/30
http://speedscenewiring.com/v-web/ec...x.php/cPath/30
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