Hey fellow thirdgenners!

I used to be a 4-banger guy--mainly turbocharged Dodge engines in Daytonas and LeBarons and one
500+ hp SRT-4. I am excited to have made the switch to the small block Chevy engine, back in 2007.

This is my first V-8 swap ever. I'm pulling out my 305 tpi and 700R4 today, to make room for the LT1/T56

For the LT1, I'm going to build a 383 with factory ported heads and a pretty big cam. Lloyd Elliott will do this part for me. I'll probably turbo the beast one day because I love turbo boost (who doesn't)?

I will use this thread and this thread only to post updates on everything I do to the LT1 and how it affects performance.

I hope this turns into a monster thread.

I'll post some pics, as my swap progresses. Wish me luck guys!

I sure do miss my Red Jewel 87 IROC (pic below)...sigh.

 

Kind of a long day today. I did it all myself, except for the tranny crossmember. All I have left to do is disconnect the speedo cable and loosen the engine mounts, and the engine/tranny assembly is ready to pull out.

Took a nice piece of flesh off my middle finger when I broke the wire loom loose from whatever it was stuck on inside the passenger side fender hole. I got that dang thing out though.

My car is at my friend's house, and I left my camera on one of the headlight cutouts. Pics soon.

I want to thank "Pocket" for helping me with some questions I had about the wiring harness and a few other things.

 

Are you going to use a LT1 ECM? Just wondering how you plan on controlling everything.

 

I am using the PCM from the same 97 Camaro from which I am getting the LT1 and 4L60e. Pocket, a fellow thirdgenner here, is going to mate the LT1 harness with a third gen harness for me.

After doing Dodge wiring for turbocharged engines for years and years, I got tired of wiring.

 

Again, thank you Pocket, for helping me out with my questions.

 

Glad to help, got the engine free yet?

 

Thanks. Just wondering about the details but it looks like you have things covered.

 

I got the old 305 out today. It feels good to have that part done. I have pictures, too. The hardest part was figuring out how to put the pallet flat on the ground, with the way the legs were on the darn hoist. Got that done, finally.

Engine ready to be pulled, pretty much. I decided to just bend the tranny cooling lines a little and secured them onto a bracket with a clothes hanger.


Starting to come out!


There I am with that third gen smirk on my face.


There she is


Done--except getting that pallet onto the GROUND was a PITA!!


I could put mudders on the front of my Camaro now..he he he.

 

And here's the donor: I was told it was running, before the wreck, and then it just got parked in the salvage yard.

 

good work!

best of luck getting through the rest. feel free to ask me more questions as you go

 

Thanks man! I appreciate it. I'll go check your thread in a minute.

I'll post pics of where I am thinking about mounting my LT1 PCM.

I'm also going to get a new coolant overflow container, for sure.

As time allows, I'm going to clean up the engine bay and paint it semi-gloss black with some Rustoleum spray paint. It'll look pretty much just like yours.

I can't wait until I get that underhood all cleaned up and nice.

 

I am acquiring a free engine stand from a friend. Sweet!!

My 305 and 700R4 shipped out today, to Pennsylvania. Good bye forever

 

OK I left the engine mounts on the 305 block, and it has shipped out already. Doh!! Pocket was telling me one of them needs to be different for the LT1.

Any feedback guys? Thanks!

 

A pic is worth a thousand words

Hes a LT1 pass side mount. Notice its upside down



Side shot showing the difference between SBC and LT1. Notice the drivers side is the same as classic SBC mounts. Left is off some random engine about to get junked. Middle, off my 305 from my 92, right is LT1

 

Def need the SBC mounts, I learned this the hard way, trying to set the motor in on the lt1 mounts. The only thing that resulted was a face palm followed by a slur of cursing.

 

Thanks guys. That's good information to have. Pocket told me that "one is different." I now understand that he meant one mount is different ON THE LT1 ENGINE MOUNTED ONTO A 4TH GEN, but the other side is the same as a third gen's mount.

 

Looks like you are moving along with it the battle is half over. You will love the low end of the 227!

 

I've read up on the Crane 227. Everyone who's had that cam liked it a lot. I figured I would, too. It was pretty hard to find a place that sells it. It's called "Compucam" now it seems.

I can't wait to see how it runs. I finally got the car towed back to my house today. Now I can start picking apart the engine bay and getting it ready to clean up and paint.

I didn't take the torque arm off the rear end, so it was going, "bang bang bang" on the underside of my car, as I was getting towed back home.

No biggy.

Looking at it, it appears I have a lot of work ahead of me--I'm sure it will be sort of fun, and I'll be glad to have done it, once it's over.

I'm considering sand blasting the darn thing.

 

I guess it wouldn't hurt to replace those rubber parts under the mounts that are bolted to my frame. They seem OK, though.

 

I would go ahead and replace the mounts not that much money and would be easy to do now.

 

Yeah I was thinking the same thing. I might as well replace them now. I'm trying to think where the power steering reservoir is in the 97....I was busy taking stuff out of the engine bay and never noticed the reservoir. I DO remember disconnecting a number of lines, just to get the darn radiator, a/c compressor and condenser out.

I wonder if I could mount the same style power steering pump as was on my tpi engine. I don't see why I couldn't. It'd probably be more of a pain than it's worth.

 

Where the heck is the power steering reservoir? I didn't see it when I was getting stuff off the LT1 and getting it ready to pull out.

 

Whyd you decide on an LTX swap? Just found a good deal on the donor car? Just curious that's all.
Looks like youre making great progress! Keep up with the great posting bud.
With the cam and valve train work, what are you looking at? Around 300 rwhp? Heck yes that'll scoot much quicker than the little 305!

 

I got a good deal, and it seems like a worthwhile swap. I think it will be somewhere around 300 hp--definitely more than the 305 put out anyway. It should be fun.

I got a good deal plus the 350 will put a bigger smile on my face.

 

Oh for sure, just nowadays you see most guys just do the LS1. But it's understandable since you got a wicked deal on the stuff. And the LT1 is a potent power plant. Good luck with the swap my friend!

 

Thanks--it should be fun and strong running when it's done...and here's an update with pics.

I almost totally gutted the engine compartment this morning before church--just need to pull the booster, steering box and throttle cable and get the brake lines out of my way for paint preparation.

I'm also going to remove the old fuel lines, to get it ready for a new set of fuel lines that will run directly to the back of the LT1. I'm probably going with the kit from PureChoice....seems to be the easiest way to do the fuel lines.

The cruise control vac is gone forever and so is the charcoal canister--I'll cap off the line and use a vented gas cap.

Pulling the HVAC and front wiring harnesses was kind of a PITA, but I got 'em.





Oh and a stupid "ooops!" My hood got blown over by the wind and fell right onto the gravel on the road. I was working on my car and heard quite a loud CRASH. I looked over and saw my hood laying face down on the road--Doh! That's what happens when I get in too big a hurry. I have been planning to strip and prep the hood anyway--I'll just need to use a bit more body filler now.

 

Yesterday I ALMOST got the LT1 ready to be pulled. The ground at the salvage yard was awful because it was all chunky and hard, after the mud FINALLY dried.

It was a PITA.

I'm going to put the LT1 on an engine stand and clean it up and build the heads and maybe get them ported.

I found a guy who will do everything I need on the PCM for $89.00 to $120.00, so that's awesome.
http://www.lt1pcmtuning.com/contact/

Here is some stuff from the 97 that I'll reuse---radiator (now I won't have to figure out what hoses to use--he he)--dual fans--alternator in white plastic bag. Up top on the sawhorses sets the 97 rear, too. Bottom left are the harnesses and heater blower/box that I pulled from my 86 this morning.




Getting THIS out of the 97 was a PITA big time....I thought my ratchet broke when the nuts on the manifold flange studs finally broke free--that's what it felt and sounded like anyway. I still have to pull the passenger side piping....woo hoo!!



Good bye forever heavy LT1 A/C compressor. I live in Wyoming, and I don't need ya, and I don't want ya!!

 

Hey who knows what that vacuum line is that goes behind the driver's side headlight and then underneath the car? I figured I didn't need it thinking it is part of the cruise control apparatus.

I pulled that large vacuum line that goes from the brake pedal switch to the cruise control vacuum can thing.

I am also wondering where to hook that tube-line that comes out of the HVAC harness--I guess I hook it to any vacuum source??

 

Pretty sure that's the vent that comes from the gas tank and into the charcoal cannister. But don't take my word for it. Someone will post who knows for sure, that's just my guess.

 

Sounds like the vacuum reservoir for the HVAC. It should be underneath in front of the wheel well liner.

 

Small line behind the drivers headlight goes to the vacuum canister. Its a big sphere

Feeds vacuum to cruise and HVAC. It can go

HVAC vacuum line gets attached to any of the 4 vacuum ports on the LT1 intake

 

Sweet. Thanks! I'll find a vacuum source for the HVAC and get rid of that sphere. The more junk I can pull off-the better.

Two questions:

1. What's up with all those pipes on the LT1 water pump? I am guessing the two on the passenger side are for the heater core circulation and the driver's side one I THINK is for pressurizing the system, but I don't know?

2. This might be a dumb question: Can I use the third gen coolant reservoir with the LT1 radiator?

Heck with it...I'll fit the 4th gen reservoirs in there nicely.

 

I'm starting sanding and cleaning my engine bay today.

Still have to pull the steering box and booster and get a few brake lines out of there, to make it easier to sand and paint. Steering box is kind of a pain, but oh well.

I'm also going to pull the stock fuel lines and get those out of the darn way, then I should be able to just swap in the PureChoice fuel lines when I get them. One thing I want done perfectly is the fuel lines, for sure.

I am wondering if I should somehow just plumb in the 97 proportioning valve, for the brakes.

 

Two pass side WP lines are heater core, drivers went to the oil cooler

Good pic
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...wap-lt1-6.html

You can use the 3rd gen tank if you like or any generic tank. Its really up to your and how little/much you would like to change. FYI, your stock 3rd gen V8 radiator is larger than the LT1 radiator. Main differences are hose port locations and the steam line nipple

Only use the 97 prop valve if you're using disk brakes in the rear, if you keep the drum axle you will have issues stopping. Disk/drum prop valves are different from disk/disk valves. I cant remember which uses a significantly higher line pressure than the other, but do remember they are not compatible. Check the brake forum for more info

 

Thanks Pocket! I'm still confused because I didn't see an oil cooler anywhere. The hose goes right to the radiator. See pic below: the radiator is on top right: and at the bottom left of the radiator, that is where the hose goes, from that same fitting that kthxbai removed from his water pump. I don't get it. Where is the oil cooler?



I'm using a disc braked 4th gen rear, so the 4th gen prop valve should work fine.

 

It's pretty much completely gutted now. It doesn't look like it, but I did a lot of sanding and cleaning in there. The bottom right booster nut was a pain to get out, but it was doable.

Kind of a small thing but irritating, nonetheless: I can't find a power steering reservoir anywhere in the 97 Camaro. I plan to have everything I need and then install it all at once (except the wiring harness probably). That'll be the last thing I install, most likely.

 

The one on the lower left side, just put it onto the nipple on the lower driver side of the water pump, that's where it goes on cars with no oil cooler.

 

Thanks! ...I had planned to do that because that's how it was set up in the donor car (seems easier than plugging the water pump and radiator nipple), even though I don't understand its function.

I will not be running an oil cooler on my LT1. Not necessary, especially with the good synthetic oils out there.

 

Hey guys!

It was getting pretty warm outside in the sun, so I took a break to post this update on my engine swap progress. The LT1 is ready to be pulled, and I'm getting near finished with painting my 86's engine bay.

I've done a lot of cleaning, sanding, scraping, and disassembling these past few days. I am seriously considering installing a polygraphite front end kit and new Energy dust boots. I have read good and bad about PST. Any suggestions? Is Energy all that good?

Here are some pics from today, with a before pic, for comparison.

I think it looks way better.

What do you guys think?

Before (obviously)


Just finished priming the front clip/headlight housings.


Pic with front clip painted semi-gloss black and k-member anti-rust treated.


Another angle

 

Wow no replies. I'm surprised. I finished painting the engine bay but don't like the pics I took tonight because of the flash. I'll post pics tomorrow.

Next I'm going to clean up the steering box and other parts that go in the engine bay and start reinstalling them all.

 

looks great

that was probably one of the most dramatic days for my swap- having the bay all cleaned up makes you feel alot better about the new motor. im very glad this forum talked me into painting it.

looks like you did nice work in there, definitely worth the time and effort.

keep it up!

~Steven

 

Thanks Steven. It probably looks way familiar to you...he he he.

I can't wait to get the LT1 on a stand and start cleaning it up, to get it ready to put in there. I still have to pull it from the donor (if I ever get done paying for it).

Hope your car is running well!

 

Here it is all painted semi-gloss black in the sunlight



Here's a few more in weird lighting





Time to start cleaning up parts and putting them back in there.

 

It's weird how the sunlight pic looks like I missed some spots, but I didn't.

Got my Wilwood prop valve ordered from a forum member. I still need to buy the flaring kit, cutter, and proper fittings for the prop valve swap.

I want to put my 3:42's and a tru trac posi in the 4th gen rear, before I swap it in. $$ decisions it's about a $500 project, if I do it myself--another $250 if a shop does it for me.

It's been raining non stop for two days, so I haven't started cleaning and re-installing parts yet.

 

Hey New2! Didn't know you jumped back in! These cars are like catching a bad virus! Nice work so far. You will love the LT1, I have on in my Corvette. When you do your cooling lines make sure you delete the throttle body heater lines. Unless that is your winter ride! Good job Brother. If I was closer I'd stop and help!

 

Hey thanks Eagle. yeah, I sold my 87 Red Jewel IROC in mid 08 (crappy times back then). I missed the heck out of my 87, but then I found an 86 Z28 last September.

Some help would be cool, for sure. How's it been going for you?

I just wish I had a pile of money, so I could do everything I want to do all at once and get it done. Oh well. She'll be done soon enough, and it'll be worth the wait. I noticed the PO of the 97 car already did the TB bypass, so I'll just keep it that way, even though it gets cold here in the winter. The TB seems to get warm enough without the coolant lines going to it, so it should be fine....plus I don't drive my Camaro on snowy roads too much because it really doesn't work out too well. Of course, it does get cold, even when there is no snow on the roads...he he he.

I want to get that LT1 wiring harness out NOW and ship it to Pocket with the third gen harness I bought, but I can't get it free from the tranny, even though it is unplugged from the tranny (it's a PITA for some reason), plus the ground the car is on is a muddy nightmare right now because of all this rain we're getting.

I sure miss my garage that I had in Arizona.

Next things I'll be doing are:

-working on my hood (getting the dents filled in and priming it black)
-cleaning the steering box and booster and re-installing them
-re-installing the brake lines with a Wilwood prop valve and 4th gen master cylinder
-ordering and installing the Purechoice fuel line kit
-pulling the LT1 and putting it on an engine stand (which I got for free )

I so want to order all the bushings I need from Energy and install them all, but I am torn between doing that and paying off the 97 Camaro. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet.

 

looking great so far, good job painting the engine bay!

 

Thanks Chris. It definitely looks better than before.

 

Ah ha!! I get it now...the Purechoice fuel line kit is simply two short lines that connect to the hard fuel lines at the stock location and have two quick connect LT1 style fittings for connecting to the fuel rails. I pulled my entire hard line setup out of the car already. No wonder the kit is so inexpensive....the Purechoice lines don't go all the way back to the filter and tank return line. I've been wondering about this for a while and just now figured it out.

I want to rid the engine bay of those hard lines and just have the braided lines running right to the back of the engine from the hard lines down the tranny tunnel....looks like I'll need a different setup made.

 

Subscribing! I'm thinking of doing this one day to my 91 TA convertible with it's stock 305 TPI and 700r4