formul8!!

Whelp,

Guess I will have to find out the hard way!

I'll keep you all posted....

CobraKilla92Z

Hello all...I finished my LS1 swap about 2 months ago. I used Speartech's wiring harness and 3rd gen resource mounts. I have a 91Z with a 98 LS1 M6. As far as some of the stuff I did it a little different.

For the throttle linkage I used the 98 Linkage. It was a hair too long so I took the 3rd gen gas pedal out and bent it back so I could have WOT, it works great now.

For fuel lines I took the stock TPI lines and I cut the rubber off the fittings so I have the part that just screws into the fuel line. Then I took the LS1 lines that I had and cut them off where the LS1 rubber fuel line clips onto it (you know the little lip around the line) Then I took them and welded the two together. That way I could mount the stock 91 fittings into the line and mount the stock 98 fittings into the fuel rail. It came out clean and looks like stock 98 lines.

For the coil pack clearance, I didnt have to cut the heater box, in fact I have tons of room over there. I just put the coils on after then engine was it.

I did notch the frame for A/C, but not for the alt. I am having custom lines made for the A/C and converting it to 134a.

Since I live in CA i did lots of other different things for smog...I used the LS1 air pump, along with the 98 Fuel tank, Evap, and all the OBD2 stuff. The car has passed CA state inspection and smog.

For the fuel tank, it fit but I had to cut 2inches off the filler neck cause it was a hair long. I mounted the EVAP next to the tank in the rear fender.

If your wondering about my harness, we gave Speartech a entire complete harness out of a 98 (interior harness, engine, exterior) and the 91 harness. He made it so it all worked and was all the correct length too. My hat is off to that man for taking the time to do it all.

Our guages all work, however our tach is 500rpm fast, and the rest of the guages arent set for the 91 numbers. They are set for the 98's numbers/positions but since we have 3 4th gen cars I know where all the readouts are, so that doesnt bother us.

We kept the p/s cooler off the 98 SS and yes the p/s lines to bolt right into each other.

Also yes our car sits higher now there is no doubt about that.

Anyway thats all I can think of now, and I do have pictures of all of this if you are interested just e-mail me or whatever. Brads454@aol.com
Later,
Brad

Arctic White 91 RS

Cobrakilla, that is a most impressive LS1 3rd Gen

Last I heard the JBA/Hooker shorties (1-5/8 primary) and stock manifolds were the only options for exhaust with an LS1 in a 3rd Gen.

Anyone know if the new BBK shorties with 1-3/4 primary will fit in a 3rg Gen with an LS1?

http://www.eastsidedyno.com/index4.php

Go to Category, BBK, GM Headers and there are several pictures of 98-02 LS1 1-3/4 shortie headers.

CobraKilla92Z

Thanks

BTS88IROC

That is sweet man! I can't wait to get started on mine. So the 98 tank was the plastic tank correct? And it bolted right in huh? Again thats awesome!

CobraKilla92Z

Thanks we've got a lot of time invested in the car. Still have more stuff coming in and are working on changes everyday pretty much.

As far as the tank the tanks were metal till 99 or 00 then the went to plastic if I remember right. The tank bolts in, but the filler neck needs to be measured and cut back then sectioned(I used gas hose that fits tight over the neck with clamps) We had to cut about 2 inches back, becareful not to seal off the vent either. I have some pics of this is you are interested, then e-mail me and I can send them.- Brads454@aol.com
Thanks,
Brad

1bad91Z

iTrader: (1)

Just some info:

You can use LS-1 longtube headers if you use a tubular k-member and a-arms (like a roadtech or PA racing). Also, you wont have to notch the k-member for AC if you have a tube-k. When you switch to a tube-k, that would be a good time to install eibach 2in. lowering springs which will give you a total of 1/2 inch drop from factory ride height once the LS-1 is installed. Also, the speartech conversion harness is plug and play with the LS-1 ECM and the factory 90-92 camaro instrument cluster so all the guages will work with no problems (expect the tach reading will be off a little).

Arctic White 91 RS

1badz,

Are you positive an LS1 LT header will fit with the aftermarket K-member? I asked SpearTech about this a few weeks back. Bottom line was it would come down to trying it to find out. I know BBK has a shorty with 1 and 3/4 inch primaries..

FLP

Hooker

SLP

Grotts or various Grott knock off's

Any info greatly appreciated.

wm_sorg

I would not recomend this. The floor pan is different on the 4th gen especially the left side. You probably will have to heat and bend stuff to get it to clear. If you are hell bent for headers a custom set will be the way to go.

CobraKilla92Z

I hope someone has tried this and has info and pics as to if it works for sure or not..If it does I will be doing it A.S.A.P so I can clear some LT's, lose some weight, and have be able to flow a stroker motor's exhaust. Pics please! Thanks for the info...

vipess

hi, i'm new to the site. but this summer i just may be dropping an LS1 into my car (currently a 2.8L v-6) its a '86 bird.
it wasn't clear to me if the wiring was a problem or not...i'm getting that the gauges hooked up alright, but what 'bout all the lights (interior and exterior)?
also i'm assuming the tranny had to be swapped? can any one help out and think of some other problems not yet dealt with there that i might come across?

Lumberg

CHP's article on the swap detailed this car

http://www.thirdgenresource.com/91_z28_ls1

I know the link appears elsewhere in this thread, but didn't know if anyone saw any of the (apparently) 3 articles about the car and the swap. I'm interested if anyone else ever cut their K-member for the A/C or is this the FIRST case of this.

LS1 IROCZ

I believe several other people have cut the K-member to fit the AC. Speartech is one of them.
I talked to the guy from thirdgen resource.com this weekend in Bowling Green KY. he is working with Spohn to make a tubular K-member that is stronger, and will also eliminate the need to notch it out. He is also developing some long tube headers for the Third Gen LS1. ( If the long tubes don't work out, he will make a 3/4 length header)

Lumberg

Yea, I looked at more of the posts above and noticed at least one that had the k-mod. I have a thirdgen K-member completely removed, a spare in the event of a mishap (gotta be a BAD one I guess), I'm considering cutting it just for kicks.... although by the time I got through with a prokect like an LS-1 swap (3 years lol), my car would still be a "oh, another one of them". what can you do....

Very cool swap!...live it up while you can

Dave Z
Convertible 92Z-406-Superram-T56 "another one of those" :/
www.dzy.org

CobraKilla92Z

I cut my K-member when we built the car for A/C, but would rather have a tubular K-member for various other reasons. I have tubular front control arms already and am going to be on the phone with someone trying to sketch out a k-member for the car as well...

Lumberg

I'm just regirgitating here, I have no experience, but I've heard that tubular K-members are a decent choice for drag-racing, but because of lateral stresses, are NOT good for road-courses.

Can someone dispell that or verify it?

MrDude_1

this really isnt the right thread for this but:

it all depends on how its built.


if its built to be light weight and just hold the engine, then it is for drag racing and not ment for the stresses of street driving or road racing. hitting a pothole with one of these could mean disaster.


however if its built for the street or with roadracing in mind, then it would be even stronger then the stock k member, and it would probly still be lighter. these can hit a pothole and survive.

so its dependant upon the design. not the material.

Lumberg

So the smart thing to do would be to ASK the maker if it is appropriate for road-course duty.

I think its relevant, for people who forget to do ALL the research and ONLY look at this thread

Thanks.

MrDude_1

perhaps. but then again. anyone that plops down over 5k for the LS1 and misc parts and doesnt do any more research then read this thread is a idiot.

Lumberg

lol.. agreed. ls1.com's thirdgen section seems a little scant compared to this thread... IMO. Lotsa good links are provided above too, including the thirdgenresource.com car... they can follow their nose!

later...

CobraKilla92Z

I've been on the phone today with a company I am talking with to make a tubular K-member for this and they said that they can build a tubular K-member that will withstand open track days, autox's and street driving. They are back east and their work day is over so as the week/s unfold I will have more info as well. I also talked to Roy@ Thirdgenresource and he said like was mentioned here Sphon is in the process of making a K-member. He has some headers on a template, but they need to be welded up. Like was said before also is Roy thinks a 3/4 length will be best for this application for many reasons including cost. I didnt get to talk to him very long, to get more details but if I scroung more stuff up I'll pass it on.

wm_sorg

I read on another post here that Spohn is developing everything needed for an LS1 swap including a tubular k member. I wish he got around to this earlier. Could have saved some cash.

It would be worth your while to wait if you really want to do the K member. His stuff is top quality.

Arctic White 91 RS

Ed Potter @ LPE suggested SLP LT's should work with a stock 3rd Gen K-member, when I was discussing cam selection for the LS1 to 3rd Gen project, I'm planning. I explained IMO that wouldn't work due to the A arm.

However, here's the real deal - no speculation.

The following is the jist of an email I inquired about current 4th Gen LT headers, specifically SLP LT's and 3rd Gen stock K-members.


... Anyway, we have a brand new, expensive and useless set of SLP longtube headers in our work shop that we bought to use when putting a LS1 into our '85 Camaro. We were told that they fit, but they sure don't. The lower control arm at the rear of the control arm hits.

We Had Street and Performance build us a set, but they're not near as nice as the SLP headers.

The only way 4th gen headers would work is if you used a tubeular front crossemember with a coil over shock setup.

Spohn Performance is supposed to be in the process of making a streetable tube crossmember, but I don't think it's going to be a coil over setup.

Gotta Run, CYA, Bill

Just wanted to pass on what I've learned.

BTW BMR may consider doing some sort of k member for a 3rd Gen

Arctic White 91 RS

This can be a decent forum for asking stuff about LS1 conversions. In general www.LS1tech.com leaves ls1.com in the dust on technical issues.

http://www.ls1tech.com/threads/postl...psed&sb=5&o=21

vipess

any one know if the security systems swap over too? as in do you need the new ignition switch in the steering colume and new keys to start the car. 'cause don't 4th gens have those chips in the keys?

CobraKilla92Z

There are boxes that byass the VATS (the keys and ingnition you're talking about) If you get a pre-made wiring harness they will come with a VATS bypass already in it. That way you keep your keys and current ignition.

vipess

what if i want the VATS system...i mean its a pretty good anti theft system isn't it? its an alarm and starter kill is it not? are there other harnesses that will give the option to keep this hooked up...(any one know a site for ordering these wiring harnesses)

Knyghtmare

I've got it! Hopefully by spring it should be ready and I will be one of the few, proud, and elite LS1 powered 3rd gen owners.

wm_sorg

Welcome to the club! Please provide details.

FLYNLOW92rs

iTrader: (53)

Any updates on anyone's LS1 project?

camaro temptres

I live in oklahoma and I was talking to extreme performance down here about putting the LS1 setup in my 85 iroc......how long does it usually take all together to install and how much does the whole shabang cost? I should mention I had a 305 carb engine so yeah.....

Knyghtmare

I have a couple pictures of my progress. I have my new comp cam in and the new 918 valve springs. Next is having the heads done. I'm gonna update to 2002+ piston rings and some ARP rod bolts.
Also, note that 540 in the background.

Knyghtmare

..

FLYNLOW92rs

iTrader: (53)

Good to see someone else making some progress.....

I respect the fact your building it yourself, I wouldn't even know where to start.....

Mine should be back in a few weeks, and i'll be able to fill in the holes and provide a bit more information to the FAQ on this board.......

Arctic White 91 RS

My LS1/A4 project is moving a long. Hit problem with the engine failing leak down and having to be re-ringed. The engines at Wegner awaiting tear down. Plan is to do some dyno testing with LS6 intake, LSX intake & GMPP intake. The LS6 heads are at TEA being ported to Stage 2.5 spec.

Any updates on when a good streetable K-member is coming out?

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

spohn is supposedly debuting one in late spring or something like that.

Knyghtmare

If I wouldnt have been laid off for 2 damn months, I would be practically done by now.

FLYNLOW92rs

iTrader: (53)

Here is a picture of the ThirdGenResource motor mounts for the LS1 in my car........

wm_sorg

Looks great. Don't forget to notch the frame

GTA91

iTrader: (1)

I'm still researching the LS1 3rd gen swap.... anyone find any headers or anyone that will custom make a set yet??

wm_sorg

If you waht headers you will have to have them custom made. Do not waste your money on shorties. Nice car BTW same color as mine. Do have a black interoir also?

FLYNLOW92rs

iTrader: (53)

Figured this would be useful for those interested in the and to see how the a/c can be custom made to fit, mods let me know if this needs to be moved.....

There she is guys......



New fuel system



The picture of the custom A/C compressor





Give it a couple of more weeks, there is still some more work to be done to it.....


Nicec picture of my car taken by Roy......What's backing up that LS1 in the car......



I can't wait.....:lala: :lala:

wm_sorg

My frame had to be notched and filled to use the LS1 compressor. My car still had the original freon in it. Please post more pics of the bracket when you get the chance.

Is that John B's bracket?

The swap is getting cheaper all the time. No more fabbing engine mounts, trans support and frame notching. Great stuff!

jocww

im going from a carb car to the ls1 do i have to buy a special stand alone comp or can i just iterfeed the comp. also brad that looks like jeff reeders car

wm_sorg

You would notmally go with the LS1 comoressor, however the pictures above show the factory compressor being used with a custom bracket.

FLYNLOW92rs

iTrader: (53)

Nope, custom made for the to fit my 3rd gen compressor on an LS1, and as far as i know it's one of a kind job.....

I was gonna go with the LS1 compressor, but i talked with Roy and didn't feel like having to notch anything......

SirChandlr

I almost have my ls1/t56 conversion done. It's in a 92 firebird. I need some help with the wiring and a few things though. I'm waiting for a manual to arrive but I want to finish this thing now!

On the LS1 wiring harness, what are those wires that go through the firewall. I mean, what colors do what, where should they go? Most important of them I need to know which is the power and ignition lines. Does somebody know of a site or have a list of the wires and their color and purpose? Any help would be appreciated.

Everything else is done, I just need to square this stuff away and I can work out the bugs later!

Knyghtmare

I have a pair of Corvette header style manifolds I am gonna give those a try and see what luck I have...

wm_sorg

I am not sure the corvette ones will work. The stock 01 and 02 f-body manifolds flow better than the previous design.

therckid

ummm stupid question i guess but nobody covered it. If you dont want A/C do you gotta cut the frame or get a custom bracket made?

I'mthe kinda guy who loves driving around with the windows down and t-tops off. My a/c compressor frose up 2 years ago and never thouhg once about getting it fixed. When i say froze up i mean it wont spin anymore, the belt smoked so much that once we got the hood open to see what was up, the belt had snapped off from the heat.




Shane