KyleW707

Has anyone here ever put a lt1 into a 98-02 car? I have both at my disposal, and as to be expected, noticed a few differences just with a quick look. 1st, is the fuel lines are different. Not a big deal, I can use AN line, or just take the stock lines from a lt car. The ac system is a bit different, but again, no big deal. I'm sure there's a few others as well, but the main thing I'm curious about is the body harness for the 2002 I have, doesn't have the plug under the dash for the starter. Anyone have an idea on a solution for that?

Spartan7

iTrader: (7)

Yes, I've done it. It's not a common swap, mainly because it's a PITA. The wiring will be the biggest hurdle. Other problem areas include the gauge cluster, ABS, fuel lines, and possibly the pedal assembly, and obviously the k-member.

KyleW707

What did you need to change as far as wiring? I have a 97-02 style v8 cluster, its auto to auto so no worry about pedals, also have the entire kmember/suspension to swap in. What's different with the abs system, that you can't just hook up the brake lines and call it a day? I have a complete 95 lt1 donor car btw

Spartan7

iTrader: (7)

I swapped over the entire body harness and forward light harness as well, so there were no wiring issues for me. However, there's no telling how many differences there are between the 98-02 body harness and the LT1 engine harness. If you want the least headaches, do that. But it requires tearing apart the interior and dash.

The 97-02 gauges are NOT the same. 97 is a special year, and 98-02 communicate with the LS1 PCM via serial data. The LT1 setup uses individual wires for all the indicators and gauges. The LT1 PCM will not work with a 98-02 gauge cluster.

The ABS also uses serial comms for its indicator lights on the gauge cluster. Without rewiring it, you won't know when you have an ABS issue. It might not even be possible at all.

When I did it in my 99, the V6 car had an electronic throttle, which was hooked up to an electronic gas pedal that was fully self-contained and not part of the usual pedal assembly. So if yours is like that, you'll have to swap over the pedals. That's what I was referring to.

I'm sure there are other minor things I'm forgetting, but I'd never do the swap again.

NewOrleansLT1

The 97-98 gauges are the same..

KyleW707

So in other words, not worth the trouble lol. Thanks for the reply. Guess I'll try to sell the roller or find a ls for it

NewOrleansLT1

If your really set on it then go for it.. I saw a neighbor do the same swap.. The car ran good and he sold it for a profit..

KyleW707

I'm not really set on it. I was going to throw in an engine and sell it. I currently have 4 fbodies and need to get that down to 1 or 2 lol. Plus the one we're talking about is with me out in bfe where I work, and I have limited tools, and no decent space to work on it. If it were back home in my shop, it might be a different story.

Spartan7

iTrader: (7)

Pretty much. I thought it would be a fun project, it quickly became not fun at all. But I also slapped a 93-97 front end on it, so it ended up taking even longer. At least I can say I have a unique car now.

NewOrleansLT1

How hard was the front end swap? I've thought about swaping back to the old front but it seems like the old front had more bs and extra stuff to bolt together vs the newer front..

Spartan7

iTrader: (7)

The biggest problem for me is that the 98-02 hood bump stop brackets need to be swapped for the 93-97 ones, because they sit higher and won't let the hood close all the way. If yours was already an LT1 front end to begin with, then you won't have that problem.

I'm not sure what you mean by extra BS, they both seem to have the same amount of parts and work involved. Panel alignment is a PITA no matter what car it is.