just wondering in the old 86 to 96 corvettes tpi- lt1 can you convert these to ls1 setup easly or is it just not worth it

thanks for the input

 

i'm sure with enough modification and fabrication it could be done, but the real question is, why? I mean, the LSx series motors definitely have the benefit of improved engineering and technological advancement, i just don't see why one would regress back to an LT1.

 

He said he wanted take an LT1 Corvette and put an LS1 in it.

 

I think he's talking about taking OUT a TPI/LT1 motor and putting IN an LS1.

Sure it can be done, but as with anything it all comes down to $$$. First thing I can think of which would be a big $$$ factor is that to my knowledge there aren't any off the shelf aftermarket headers that will fit LS1's IN that car, so you'll most likely have to have a custom set fabricated. Unless you never planned on modding it enough to justify needing headers...which makes doing the motor swap in the first place kind've pointless.

Transmission is the second consideration. If you have an earlier C4 Vette that used a 700R4 instead of a 4L60E, that could be a problem because LS1's don't have a provision for the throttle valve cable. They might make an adapter for it, but I couldn't tell you who does. Motor mounts are a consideration. Power steering is a consideration. (Going from remote reservoir to pump mounted reservoir.) The little things add up.

 

Here we go.............

 

Its been done, couple folks on this site have done the swap.

 

If you already have an LT1 don't bother swapping for an LS1. Just build that bitch.

If you have an L98 TPI car.. ditch that POS ASAP

 

i disagree about the ditchin the tpi
if thats wat u have
its cheaper to get some good sbc heads and valvetrain with a rebuild and a
turbo o sc u will make good power
use a distributor motor instead of dealing with that pos opti
stik with ur tpi and go forced induction forged
the sbc parts are way cheaper than lsx

 

If you have a tpi just swap in a built lt1.

The swap will be easier and cheaper.

 

Have you ever owned/driven a TPI car? They're seriously handicapped above 4300 RPM. They make a decent amount of torque due to the Long Tube Runner setup (17 inch long runners in stock trim IIRC) however their top end is so rediculously crappy that building them isn't worthwhile at all.

If swapping isn't an option, I suggest carbing the motor. Simply swapping a carb onto a TPI motor has shown proven gains of 20+ hp. That's how bad the TPI chokes the motor. Also remember that the TPI intake was originally built around a 305 platform, and then simply ported over to the 5.7L engine. It was never designed or intended to be used on a 350. It's rediculous they ever used them in performance vehicles like the Fbodys and 'Vettes.

 

That motor should have been in trucks!