RSRagtop

I am planning to swap an LS1 into my car ( and yes I read the sticky and did the searches ) but here is my question, has anybody actually kept A/C with with kind of swap? LT1s and LS1s both mount the compressor down low by the frame, which I know has to be notched, but has anyone found lines that will work. Has anyone been able keep their car emissions legal and retain all other accessories like cruise control and the anti-theft? The thought of blasting down backroads with and LS1 and T56 in my 'vert gives me and evil grin , but I think it is a waste of money if you have to gut all of the goodies out of the car. My plan is to build a machine on the same level as a new SS, screaming fast, but comfortable and reliable too.

Guest

I'm sure with a little effort you could relocate the AC or mount it differently so it'll clear the frame. Seems to me the LT1 you cant use the F-body setup, but if you use the corvette setup (brackets I assume) that the AC fits in fine. The lines are the least of your issues IMO. There are a number of places around here that custom make AC lines (the parts store I worked in is one of those) and I'd imagine across the country you should be able to find someone fairly close that could do it.

RSRagtop

I'm confident I can notch the frame, its just welding and fabbing ( and if that scared me, I wouldn't be doin' this swap ) but I would like to find a way to keep A/C using as many factory parts as possible, sure I could get custom lines made, but that would be pricey and the drivetrain is gonna cost enough .

rich88gta

The compressor wont clear the frame. But if you can fab a different bracket in there.......

Guest

Actually the lines we made were often cheaper than replacement lines. Ask first, you might be surprised.

Z28ricer

iTrader: (2)

LT1 you can use the F body setup just dent the frame as shown on www.hpsalvage.com or get a tubular K member, also have to modify the mount to brace the compressor, its shown there too.

RSRagtop

Looks to me like the LS1 A/C compressor is in roughly the same place as the LT1, so I think the same tweaking will allow it to fit as well.

wm_sorg

I am planning the same mod as well. I am wondering if the Corvette setup will eliminate the frame clerance issues altogether.

GTA-SPD

With the LS1, simply bending the k-member won't work, unless you're a lumber jack or sumthin' LOL (lotsa poundin). The A/C compressor is a bitch but notching the frame works, (my brother did it.) make sure you make the notch big eunogh to compensate for the torque of the motor. If the A/C compressor hits the cross member, it may cause some problems. Also, he retained all of the LS1 options, except the anti theft, and it freakin' screams. This is such a cool motor and damn does it run. He had his A/C lines custom built at an A/C shop in Denver. I'll get pics next time I see him. Could be a week or two since I've got a dead GTA at home that I've gotta get fixed. Maybe I should get my brother to sign up for this site, so that I can quit with the "My Brother did this, and my Brothe did that responses! Oh well, let me know if you want pics.

RSRagtop

Yeah pics pics pics, I can't wait to see them, thanks!

wm_sorg

Same here! Any other information regarding the swap would be greatly appreciated.

BILL

GTA-SPD

I'll try to get some this weekend when I'm at the yard installing my fuel pump. I don't want to be like the Targa Top Project and say all of this stuff and then never come thru. I hope my brother has a picture or 2 of the pocket in the x-mem with the motor out, if not I'll try to get a pic of it if I can get my camera down there.

GTA-SPD

Well I got a couple of pics this weekend, nothing too special though. I couldn't get a pic of the pocket in the cross member, there was just too much **** in the way to see it. The pics are a little bright, but you can see the way the motor fits in there. My brother did say that he'd modify your x-member to accomodate the F-body LS1 A/C compressor for a small fee. If anyone is interested, let me know with a PM or direct e-mail. I'll post the pics I got tonite when I get home from work. I left the damn photo card at home this morning. Anyway if you guys need help or advice on this conversion, I can ask my brother pretty much anything and give y'all the answers, or if he's game, I'll give up his e-mail and you can ask him directly.

wm_sorg

I appreciate all your efforts. I need all the help I can get.

GTA-SPD

Pics as promised. Sorry they're not very descripive, he was on his way out to Neb. to ski the lake.

GTA-SPD

nother

GTA-SPD

LH motor mount

FLYNLOW92rs

iTrader: (53)

Looks Good.....

You got a PM