im currently looking for a ls1 i was wondering what to look for when serching like eneything that would hurt the build time in the futer or even what year would best fit into a 91 maro. eneything else i should look for?

 

I would say that f-body LS1s are the easiest to install because the oil pans fit with little to no modification.

 

If you get an LS1 with a harness and computer, you will want one as late as possible. 00-02 would be the best. There have been alot of programming issues with the earlier ones. Also you want to think about all the little things to do now instead of down the road. Fuel pump, cross member, exhaust, I would recommend hawks or youngs f-body long tubes, motor mounts, good clutch if you go standard so you don't have to take it out again, and there is some stuff you need to get to make all of your gauges work.

 

what are the programming issues?

 

My buddy has gone through 3 computers, they won't program, and then the car won't start. I've heard of other people with the same problems,

 

If you buy from a wrecked car, you don't want an engine from a front collision; even if it looks like a low speed accident. A roll over will have less chance of damage to the engine.

You'll save time and money if you buy a complete engine, ECU and transmission from the same car.

 

interesting. I never heard this befor. mine has been programmed so many times oh well. I wonder if it comes down to the software used... well it almost has to be other wise all the f-bodys and trucks with that 98 pcm would have issues when we program them at work(dealer)

 

84ls1_transam, I'd say it's the computer tuning software or the wiring of your friend's car as well.

For the OP, you might want to check out the general LS1 FAQ at LS1Tech (link here), as it includes many things that you should read up on the engine. There is also a list for each year of the LS1 and the changes made.

'02 LS1 was the best/last year for the 4th gen f-bodies. I would try to go for a '01-'02 LS1, as they come with the LS6 intake and no EGR, plus a different cam that made more low end torque.

 

I would say it is neither the software nor wiring, since I have read it many times on LS1tech.com. Also he had tried different programmers 2 of the 3 times. But I know everyone knows everything here. Sorry I tried to help. I went of the swap for months before doing it. It doesn't look you have done the swap.

 

Ive also never heard of LOTS of people having issues with the 98 PCM... And Im an LS1tech regular. Oh and I have done the swap.... The 98 LS1 set up will do you fine. But I agree with trying to find an 01 or 02. If you plan on modifying the motor though, it doesnt much matter. There seems to be more support for the 99+ stuff. Such as wiring diagrams and the such. But I never looked for 98 info so there might be just as much.

As with anything car related. The less miles the better of course. Finding a donor car for a decent price is like finding gold. There are so many little odds and ends that you can use, not to mention you can sell parts off to make some money back. I got a 99 camaro vert for what most people pay for just the motor and trans already pulled. And the motor was built, upgraded trans, and a 12 bolt rear. So there are deals out there.

You can search the threads to figure out what you'll need. Some of which has been covered in here...but your best bet is to go check out a swap thread and read up on it. There are somethings you just plain need to buy, some things that you can make if you are hand and have the right tools, and some things that you really have no choice but to fabricate on your own.

But as for buying the actual motor and trans, just make sure you are getting something complete...or a running donor car. Do that, and youre set.

J.

 

I've done the swap. Some of us know a lot about it, some know little, but nobody knows everything, so don't get worked up. It just sounds more like a wiring or tuning software issue if he has gone through three PCMs and they don't work.

cool z, it really helps to buy OEM service manuals for your car and for the year LS1 that you are swapping. Helm is the best (they make the OEM manuals), and I wouldn't go Haynes or Chilton, etc, as the wiring diagrams are nowhere near as detailed.

I second ghettocruiser on buying a whole car... it really makes the swap easier and in some ways cheaper, since you can pull all the parts you need, and then sell those that you don't need.

 

I'm glad someone else knows about the 98 PCM's. And they were used PCM's, so that was most likely the problem with them. I had my car programmed with the same software, no problem.

 

Get a 99+ if you can.
01-02 for the ls6 intake and rod bolts and clutch cylinder but really not a huge deal if you mod it anyway.

My 99 programs fine and it even has 4 sodered connections on the serial cable. Hope it stays that way.

 

what I mean is lets say ls1edit has issues with a large number of 98 pcms that's a software issue 99 is differant and so on. the gm dealer equipment doesn't have to try to break in /crack the code as efilive and ls1 edit do and I have yet to see a bad one at the dealer which makes me think software. as for others with issues who knows that's why I ASKED! so settle down


I totally agree as well to find a 2001/2002 setup but a 98 won't be full problems.

and yes I have my own swap I did my self

 

so im going to start looking for a 01-02 with no front end damige and probly take the howl car if i can and just swap out the trany and engine, another question does the trany just bold up to our stock axel or is their going to be modification?
what would the price wise be in these years from buying engine and buying a wrecked car with everything in it?

im just going to do this in my collage class next year taking auto body and my best friend is taking auto class, so we are going to work on my car this coming year

going to half to start looking around tomarrow