I could really use some insight from those of you that have done either of these swaps. I purchased a 93 firebird with a LT1 and 6spd. I thought I would flip it. 2 owners ago hit a deer and wrecked the front bumper and blew both airbags. No actually chassis damage. 90% of the body work has been done by the next owner. A good weekend could finish it and then paint it. The drivers air bag has been replaced but not the pass side. After looking further into it, I think the entire dash needs to be replaced with the pass airbag. The car runs perfect btw, leather seats and corvette rims. I like my 90 Camaro body style better. So I thought I would clean up this Firebird and sell it. I paid $1800 for it. The more I think about it, I think I want it for parts. Engine, trans, brakes, seats. So I would have a complete running car to use for swapping everything, wiring, mounts, etc.

However I picked up a vortec 5.7 out of a 99 Denali for free. It does need to be rebuilt tho. It was still running but making a weird noise. The previous owner drove it really low on oil, so i'm sure it needs a rebuild. Then I would need all the parts to make the vortec work. Lower intake manifold, egr, I live in California and need to pass smog.

So I can still clean up the Firebird, sell it and use the money on the Camaro and the vortec motor, find a 6spd, eventually upgrade brakes and seats.

or use everything from the bird including the LT1, or everything but the LT1 and still use the vortec. Then part out the Firebird after I've used all the parts off it.

Anyone ever have a complete running driving 4th gen and use it for parts? lol

I've been reading thru all the posts on the swaps, I couldn't find one that was a direct comparison on these two. The A/C and power steering seem to be an issue with the LT1. I definitely need to keep the a/c living in CA lol The vortec doesn't seem to have too many issues except the cost of some of the parts, intake, exhaust, egr setup.

the stock LT1 is 275hp and the vortec stock is 255hp and I believe 325 vs 330tq.

So anyway, thoughst? ideas? recommendations? personal experience?

I don't post too much but I really enjoy this forum, so many helpful people on here.

Thanks

 

Put the LT1 in your car no questions asked. Its from an F-body so almost everything is there, and if you don't want the T-56 you can sell that to recoup some loses. The only downside is that its the earlier lower power output version of the LT1, but those vortec motors are only worth their cylinder heads.

 

I do want the t-56. I'm sure I'd blow up that t-5 eventually lol I can sell the LT1 for good money I think cause it runs and I can show it before I pull it from the car. The vortec won't bring me much money because it's on a crate and I know it needs to be rebuilt. That LT1 does run good tho I boiled the tires off that car lol

 

Are you exempt from CA emissions requirements? Technically, we're all subject to at least the Federal requirements, but CA is even tougher to get through the emissions inspection and test.

I have seen recently that light truck engines (3/4 ton and less) can be used in passenger cars in CA. However, regardless of what you put in, you need to use all of the emissions equipment from the vehicle from which the engine came. That would make the Vortec difficult since all you have (I assume) is the engine.

With the complete LT1 car, though, you have everything you need to be compliant, regardless of CA or Fed requirements.

The biggest hassles of the LT1 swap would be the AC and wiring. Can you cut & weld? If not, you'll have to either get that fab'd for you, or get a tubular K-member. Wiring isn't that bad.

 

I am not exempt from emissions. I need to pass CA smog test, and it is a little stricter than fed. And yes, the vortec, all I have is a long block. And I can do cutting and welding. I would kind of prefer bolt on stuff... but in the long run I want performance, and having a complete donor car I think is good too. The LT1 I would have to have inspected and certified for emissions, which I don't believe will be a problem with the complete donor car. Just a little extra work. The vortec, with tpi intake wouldn't look any different and they would think it's still the 305

 

The vortec with tpi intake would look identical. However, you would need to buy that very expensive lower intake manifold to bolt the TPI setup to the vortec heads. Its up to you in the end though, you can use what you already have or flop it and spend it again.

 

When I read a couple times about taking a sledge hammer to the car for the a/c to work i was a little concerned about the LT1 swap, but I do like having a complete donor car.

 

No, don't take a sledge hammer to the K-member. Cut and weld. Several posts with pictures about it in the LTx and LSx sub-forum. Start with the LT1 swap sticky in the top section of this forum.

 

thanks guys, I'll keep reading old posts too. Can I use the K member from the 4th gen?

 

anyone ever try this kit for relocating the a/c?

http://www.brrs.efishant.com/index.p...d=66&Itemid=58

 

No.

I don't know of anyone, but perhaps someone will chime in.

 

does anyone know what happened to this link:
The Not-So Definitive LT1 Swap Guide (By thirdgen.org member: TexasLT1)

not good anymore.

I guess what I'm also really wondering is which engine makes the most power easier? I know that can be a loaded question, but I think I'm only looking at a cam, maybe a little porting, and computer tuning. I think that's all I can get away with in CA for smog. Other than bolt-ons. So if the LT1 is going to make more power then I don't mind the extra work to install it.

One more thing I thought of. I have a set of 1.6 roller rockers for a sbc. Can I put those on the stock LT1? Would I need to retune the comp just for swapping those out?

Most of the LT1 sticky's are about 10 years old and just kind of drop off. A lot about the wiring too, which I don't think I would have that problem having a complete car to use, right? I think I can just swap the entire engine wiring from the 4th gen to the 3rd?

Thanks for your help

 

Anyone ever find out what happened to that link?

 

His host crapped out on him, and he lost all the information. We haven't come up with alternatives yet.

Hopefully an LT1 expert will step in and offer replacements.

 

I have a picture of the modified motor mount in this thread. I would have prefered to weld the notch into the frame, but I don't have a welder.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...lt1-build.html