How much do you figure it will cost me to fully swap and LS1 into my 1986 Z28 Camaro. I can get an LS1 crate with full wiring for $1500 dollars I think so how much are the additional odds and ends going to cost me. From what I know I need to fix the mechanical guage problem, fuel pump, fuel lines, exhaust, and a couple other things that dont come to mind. It has what I think is the 85 mph mechanic speedo. Is there anything I can possibly scavenge from the a junk yard that would help me with this swap, Im going tommorow to look for other possible swap candidates but the price of this LS1 is making it irrestible.

 

Wow, how are you getting an LS1 for that cheap? I'd buy several of them and resell them.

Anyway, the 99 and up LS1 uses a serial data line from the computer to run the gauges as opposed to the 98 which uses traditional wires from sending units so you will probably want to run with a 98 computer and harness. Another thing is the trans. and motor mounts. Only an LS series trans will bolt up and you will have to fab or buy some adapter mounts for the trans and motor. There is still a laundry list of odds and ends as far as cooling and wiring but you seem to have the big stuff in mind already. Unfortunately the LS series has nothing in common with any of the 3rd gen parts so a junk yard won't be much help.

There are many people on this board that have done it already and they will be able to tell you exactly what to look for and how to avoid problems.

 

I couldnt believe it either but a friend of mine knew I was looking for one and mentioned that his dad who owns a garage bought two crates from GM and put one in a pickup truck and the other one is just sitting there. I talked to his dad and it seems that dealer costs on Ls1's are only like $1200. I find that very hard to believe but I dont see why his dad would lie to me also.

 

WORSE ADVICE EVAR!!!!

damn... i wasnt even going to post here since he should do a search and get his answers, but i HAVE to correct what you said now before you mislead someone.



NO!! avoid the 98 harness.. get the 99+ one.
the 99-02 harnesses are the same, with the exception of EGR not being in the later ones.
they use the same PCMs, and very well supported operating systems.. the 98s are... well crap.

as far as the gauges go, do a search, but in a nutshell
there is a tach wire
there is a speedo wire... either get a electric speedo, or get a elec to mechanical coversion box.
there is a oil wire.
the only thing missing is the coolent temp outlet... and you can screw in a 98 coolent temp sensor and run it to your stock gauge.


ANY SBC transmission will bolt to the LSx motors. you will need a diffrent flexplate or clutch, but they all work easily.

however, i highly recocmend sticking with the later ones because electronic auto transmissions are MUCH better then the earlier ones, and if you're getting a manual, anything less then a T56 is a waste of time.


btw, you can buy conversion mounts.

the odds and ends are already covered on the board, but if you come up with a SPECIFIC question, feel free to ask it, and someone will reply...

 

give me the GM part number, and i can tell you dealer cost.

 

expect to pay atleast what you pay for the engine on odds and ends. Minimum. And if your getting perf parts then expect to pay more.

*Not trying to discourage just want you to know what to expect.

 

Wow, you need to get your **** straight before you start telling me i am wrong. Standard bolt pattern transmissions from a small block WILL NOT WORK on an LS1 style motor. Do your homework. 98 systems are more user friendly, and that is all I was trying to say.

 

I don't have an LSx engine, but from what I've read and all the pictures I've seen, one missing bolt hole isn't that big of a deal mounting up earlier Chevy V8 pattern bellhousings/transmissions to one.

(And, by the way, watch your language. Just because the board software ****'d out your unacceptable word, doesn't mean you can expect to get away with that kind of behavior.)

 

He's done his homework and he's right.

One bolt as indicated is the only variation at the bellhousing. I wouldn't do it personally, but it's been proven to work reliably by several members who (unlike yourself) have actually done LS1 swaps.

98 PCMs have much less sophisticated software tables to tune than the later ones.

Aside from adding a '98 coolant temp sensor, the rest of the job is no less painful for a moderately-skilled weenie to swap than a '99+ harness...and you get a much nicer and more junkyard-available PCM.

 

I think the part number is 809-25534322, anything you can tell me would be great because if this guy is lying to me Im wasting my time with the LS1, Im just going to do a 350 build.

 

the GM part number 25534322 is the full LS1 kit with harness... so that part is right.

if you can get it for $1,200, jump on it... GM list price is $8,430.30.... the dealers pay $5,901.21 for it...