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Thinking about an 86 Trans Am LS1 Swap

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Old 07-30-2003, 07:07 PM
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Default Thinking about an 86 Trans Am LS1 Swap

I am thinking of buying (well, i am buying) my buddies mint condition 31,000 original mile 86 trans am. Thing is, I want an LS1 in it. So questions:
Is there a pain free wiring system for it? So I need not worry about all the gauges, fuel, spark and all that?
Are there headers out there, prefer long tubes so I can make it the same as my 99 Z28 exhaust.
How hard is this project? I have a welding buddy..so no worries...can someone give me a heads up of the headaches to expect?

Appreciate it guys...Bobby.
Old 07-30-2003, 10:03 PM
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Default Re: Thinking about an 86 Trans Am LS1 Swap

Click on the Speartech banner above. ^^^^^^^^

Then click on the 91 Z28 link. You'll find some info there.
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Old 07-31-2003, 06:10 AM
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Default Re: Thinking about an 86 Trans Am LS1 Swap

John,
I already checked out that site. I don't see any major problems, All I see is the motor mounts need to fabbed up (unless someone sells them out there) and the tranny mount needs some help. Other than that, seems fairly easy. Just hope I am not biting off more than I can chew.
Old 07-31-2003, 07:43 AM
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Default Re: Thinking about an 86 Trans Am LS1 Swap

I think Roy at Thirdgen Resource has those mounts available now, already welded up and ready to go. I think he even makes the rear trans mount also.
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Latest numbers: 9.71 ET, 141.42 MPH, 1.40 60' , 610 RWHP Mustang Dyno

www.speartech.com
Old 07-31-2003, 10:04 AM
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Default Re: Thinking about an 86 Trans Am LS1 Swap

John, Sounds great. That will save me some headache with alignment and all of that while welding. As far as pain free wiring harnesses go, you sell those? If so, how much are we talking about?

Also, gauges...will I have a problem with Stock gauges? I want to keep them because the car is canadian (Metric System), and it is kinda rare in Texas.
Old 07-31-2003, 10:53 AM
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Default Re: Thinking about an 86 Trans Am LS1 Swap

Wiring harnesses are the specialty here, so I can help you with that. A custom stand alone harness is $750. This can put the LS1 PCM right back in the stock 86 location if desired (or anyplace else you want it).

More info here: www.speartech.com/customharnessinfo.html

When you remove the old engine, keep track of the oil pressure and water temp wires, and I can walk you thru an easy hookup of your gauges. The tach requires an adapter box ($80), and to maintain your mechanical speedo your best bet is to use the Abbott X-box. around $300 I think.

www.abbott-tach.com/cablex.htm
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Latest numbers: 9.71 ET, 141.42 MPH, 1.40 60' , 610 RWHP Mustang Dyno

www.speartech.com
Old 07-31-2003, 11:05 AM
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Default Re: Thinking about an 86 Trans Am LS1 Swap

John
Thanks a ton. This is sounding easier and easier, just costing me more and more, hehe.

With the brackets buyable, and the harness buyable, sounds like cake. I know exactly what wires are the water temp and oil pressure as I had a 85 trans am i did a lot of stuff to a few years back, engine in and out like 4 times...

Thank you for all of your help and link, this might not be as bad as i thought it might be. I appreciate it.

Bobby



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