LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
I'm new here, first post, but this looks like a great site. I had a 1982 Firebird with the Product Guild IMSA Kelly kit and a Rancho Suspension back in college that I intended to one day swap the drivetrain on, but then I got married, kids, etc... Long story short I sold the car in 1991, and now can't find it. Last time it was registered was 1996, so I guess it's long gone now. So back to square one. I'm buying another 3rd gen, putting the Danko kit on it, new wheels/tires, suspension upgrade, and more powerful drivetrain.
I've located a LS7 engine and 6L80E transmission from a totaled 2007 Corvette, and would like to swap them into an '86 Camaro. I did a search, but didn't see this swap discussed before (search came back with 240 results, but none I could see were actually LS7?). I can get all the emissions equipment, computer controls, accessories, etc. that were in the Vette.
Is this going to work? The engine is set up as a dry sump, can I install it that way or do I need to convert it to wet? Which parts from the donor can I use? Will the A/C, cruise control, gauges, etc. in the Camaro work with the new engine/transmission? Help me before I buy a bunch of parts I don't need or neglect to buy something I will.
I've located a LS7 engine and 6L80E transmission from a totaled 2007 Corvette, and would like to swap them into an '86 Camaro. I did a search, but didn't see this swap discussed before (search came back with 240 results, but none I could see were actually LS7?). I can get all the emissions equipment, computer controls, accessories, etc. that were in the Vette.
Is this going to work? The engine is set up as a dry sump, can I install it that way or do I need to convert it to wet? Which parts from the donor can I use? Will the A/C, cruise control, gauges, etc. in the Camaro work with the new engine/transmission? Help me before I buy a bunch of parts I don't need or neglect to buy something I will.
Last edited by 82IMSA; Apr 6, 2015 at 05:24 PM.
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From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
The Z06 didn't come from the factory with an LS7 and 6L80E. Are you sure it's an LS7 and not a dry sump LS3 from a GS?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,947
Likes: 644
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
The LS7 only came with a six speed manual.
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
Right, the transmission is from a different car. The LS7 was mated to a manual in the wrecked car, but I don't think I want to try to convert a Camaro that was originally automatic to manual, and my old Firebird was really bad about eating clutches, so kind of left a bad taste in my mouth.
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
And yes, I know the stock 6L80E won't handle the HP/torque of a LS7. I'm going to have it beefed up or possibly wait until an 8L90 becomes available which should be able to handle the power straight out of a wrecked vehicle. Can't be that much longer before that happens...
Anyway back to my main question, what about putting this LS7 in a 3rd gen Camaro?
Anyway back to my main question, what about putting this LS7 in a 3rd gen Camaro?
Last edited by 82IMSA; Apr 6, 2015 at 03:11 PM.
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From: Wichita Kansas
Car: 92 RS
Engine: LT1
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
I know an ls7 has been done but I don't remember where I read it at. The 6l80 is gonna take some tunnel mod to fit in our cars.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 6
From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
How much mod?
What about the TCI 4L80E 6 speed? I assume that will bolt right up?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tci-271600p
What about the TCI 4L80E 6 speed? I assume that will bolt right up?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tci-271600p
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
Looks like Hawks has done it and slapped a blower on for good measure. They were able to leave it a dry sump. The tank goes between the coolant reservoir and passenger headlight, battery in the trunk.
http://www.superchevy.com/features/1...a/viewall.html
http://www.superchevy.com/features/1...a/viewall.html
Last edited by 82IMSA; Apr 7, 2015 at 08:51 PM.
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,354
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From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
You can put the oil tank where ever you want that it will fit. I have seen guys section out the firewall and install the tank under the fender, in first and second gens. I would get an aftermarket one since the factory one is very tall. Either way, you're going to have to cut some sheet metal and doing a manual swap isn't really that big a deal if you're going to start cutting the battery trays etc. All you need for a manual swap is the hole for the clutch master and the hole for the shifter. The clutch master is a hole saw and the shifter is a cutoff wheel or a drill and a sawsall,
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From: St. Cloud, MN
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LS1383 in work
Transmission: Magnum F - to be installed
Axle/Gears: Zexel Torsen 3.73, 28-spline mosers
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
Ohh...I like the idea of an LS7 in front of my built 700R4.
I just have a hard time installing a used motor in my car though, so I will probably never be able to afford one. hehe
I just have a hard time installing a used motor in my car though, so I will probably never be able to afford one. hehe
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
The one I found only has 7K miles on it, so barely broken in. 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,796
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From: St. Cloud, MN
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LS1383 in work
Transmission: Magnum F - to be installed
Axle/Gears: Zexel Torsen 3.73, 28-spline mosers
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 6
From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
With all the accessories, computer, wiring harness, etc. a little over $12K.
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From: O.C
Car: Iroc-Z
Engine: 383ci
Transmission: 700hp 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:45
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
The tunnel mod is here just search for it.. It's from the front of the tunnel all the way down the console. The raise is aprox. 1.5". You have to cut your double din radio console to a single din etc.. And there is a torque arm mod also.. Pm me an ill try an help you find the thread..
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Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
It can be done. I figured out how to put the first ever LS7 in a 4th gen. (http://www.superchevy.com/features/0...-chevy-camaro/) Send the harness from the donor car to Speartech and he'll eliminate all the unnecessary circuits. Get a C100 harness from Pocket to run the gauges and run redundant EOP and ECT sensors. If I remember correctly 1987 was the first year for a VSS so you still have cable speedo. Back in the day when I swapped an LT1 in my 1985 IROC I bought a box to take that signal and drive the speedo cable. Hopefully the technology has come a long way in that department since 2000.
Get the ETC pedal bracket from Hawks and take the throttle pedal from the donor car.
You can keep the dry sump system. Just mount the tank as shown in that link above and get AN adapters for the bottom of the tank and the pan, then make -12 tank lines.
AC will work with Corvette accessories but you'll need to notch the engine crossmember as shown in all the third gen LS1 conversions.
Maybe a built 4L60 from RPM would be easier than dealing with the 6L80. Even if you did the 6L80 from the donor car you would need to sort out a bellhousing because the C6 has a transaxle with a torque tube.
Get the ETC pedal bracket from Hawks and take the throttle pedal from the donor car.
You can keep the dry sump system. Just mount the tank as shown in that link above and get AN adapters for the bottom of the tank and the pan, then make -12 tank lines.
AC will work with Corvette accessories but you'll need to notch the engine crossmember as shown in all the third gen LS1 conversions.
Maybe a built 4L60 from RPM would be easier than dealing with the 6L80. Even if you did the 6L80 from the donor car you would need to sort out a bellhousing because the C6 has a transaxle with a torque tube.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
Looks like some advancements in VSS to mechanical speedo have been made since 2000. LOL. I think I paid $450 back then for one.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ci...FQcOaQodPIgAHA
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ci...FQcOaQodPIgAHA
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
It can be done. I figured out how to put the first ever LS7 in a 4th gen. (http://www.superchevy.com/features/0...-chevy-camaro/) Send the harness from the donor car to Speartech and he'll eliminate all the unnecessary circuits. Get a C100 harness from Pocket to run the gauges and run redundant EOP and ECT sensors. If I remember correctly 1987 was the first year for a VSS so you still have cable speedo. Back in the day when I swapped an LT1 in my 1985 IROC I bought a box to take that signal and drive the speedo cable. Hopefully the technology has come a long way in that department since 2000.
Get the ETC pedal bracket from Hawks and take the throttle pedal from the donor car.
You can keep the dry sump system. Just mount the tank as shown in that link above and get AN adapters for the bottom of the tank and the pan, then make -12 tank lines.
AC will work with Corvette accessories but you'll need to notch the engine crossmember as shown in all the third gen LS1 conversions.
Maybe a built 4L60 from RPM would be easier than dealing with the 6L80. Even if you did the 6L80 from the donor car you would need to sort out a bellhousing because the C6 has a transaxle with a torque tube.
Get the ETC pedal bracket from Hawks and take the throttle pedal from the donor car.
You can keep the dry sump system. Just mount the tank as shown in that link above and get AN adapters for the bottom of the tank and the pan, then make -12 tank lines.
AC will work with Corvette accessories but you'll need to notch the engine crossmember as shown in all the third gen LS1 conversions.
Maybe a built 4L60 from RPM would be easier than dealing with the 6L80. Even if you did the 6L80 from the donor car you would need to sort out a bellhousing because the C6 has a transaxle with a torque tube.
Any idea if the cruise control can be made to work? The Camaro has a cable and the Vette is drive-by-wire. Or is the Vette cruise control built in to the ECM?
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
The tunnel mod is here just search for it.. It's from the front of the tunnel all the way down the console. The raise is aprox. 1.5". You have to cut your double din radio console to a single din etc.. And there is a torque arm mod also.. Pm me an ill try an help you find the thread..
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Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
I'm going to say no. I think the cruise control would require inputs from a BCM that you don't have.
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
Turns out one of the guys at the salvage yard I'm getting the motor from has done this swap. He says the Vette cruise control is part of the engine computer, so if we get the wiring correct the Camaro controls should operate the cruise control.
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Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
Cruise Control Description and Operation
Cruise control is a speed control system that maintains a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions at speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph). Steep grades may cause variations in the selected vehicle speeds.
The following are the main components of the cruise control system:
The accelerator pedal
The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor
The body control module (BCM)
The clutch pedal position (CPP) sensor, if equipped with a manual transmission
The cruise control on/off switch
The engine control module (ECM)
The + RES switch
The − SET switch
The throttle actuator control (TAC) motor
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
The BCM monitors the signal circuit of the cruise control switches. The BCM relays the cruise control switch status to the ECM via a serial data message. The ECM uses the status of the cruise control switch to determine when to capture and maintain the vehicle speed. The ECM monitors the vehicle speed signal circuit in order to determine the desired vehicle speed. The ECM uses the throttle actuator control (TAC) motor in order to maintain the vehicle speed. For further review of the TAC System, refer to Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description.
Ignition voltage is supplied to the cruise control switch from the 2-ampere CRUISE SW fuse located in the integrated BCM fuse block. The cruise control function switches are arranged in a resistive ladder design, with each cruise control function switch having a different resistance value. The BCM detects a specific voltage value that is associated with the cruise control function switch being activated. When the normally open cruise control on/off switch is turned ON, the switch closes and the BCM sends a serial data message to the ECM indicating that the on/off switch is active. Similarly, when the normally open + RES switch or the normally open − SET switch are pressed, the switch closes and the BCM detects the predetermined voltage signal on the cruise control resume/accel and set/coast switch signal circuit. The BCM sends a serial data message to the ECM indicating that the + RES switch or the − SET switch is active. The + RES switch or the − SET switch will remain inactive when the BCM has not received the predetermined voltage signal from the on/off switch.
Cruise control is a speed control system that maintains a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions at speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph). Steep grades may cause variations in the selected vehicle speeds.
The following are the main components of the cruise control system:
The accelerator pedal
The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor
The body control module (BCM)
The clutch pedal position (CPP) sensor, if equipped with a manual transmission
The cruise control on/off switch
The engine control module (ECM)
The + RES switch
The − SET switch
The throttle actuator control (TAC) motor
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
The BCM monitors the signal circuit of the cruise control switches. The BCM relays the cruise control switch status to the ECM via a serial data message. The ECM uses the status of the cruise control switch to determine when to capture and maintain the vehicle speed. The ECM monitors the vehicle speed signal circuit in order to determine the desired vehicle speed. The ECM uses the throttle actuator control (TAC) motor in order to maintain the vehicle speed. For further review of the TAC System, refer to Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description.
Ignition voltage is supplied to the cruise control switch from the 2-ampere CRUISE SW fuse located in the integrated BCM fuse block. The cruise control function switches are arranged in a resistive ladder design, with each cruise control function switch having a different resistance value. The BCM detects a specific voltage value that is associated with the cruise control function switch being activated. When the normally open cruise control on/off switch is turned ON, the switch closes and the BCM sends a serial data message to the ECM indicating that the on/off switch is active. Similarly, when the normally open + RES switch or the normally open − SET switch are pressed, the switch closes and the BCM detects the predetermined voltage signal on the cruise control resume/accel and set/coast switch signal circuit. The BCM sends a serial data message to the ECM indicating that the + RES switch or the − SET switch is active. The + RES switch or the − SET switch will remain inactive when the BCM has not received the predetermined voltage signal from the on/off switch.
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From: santa barbara,ca
Car: 1990 iroc z
Engine: LSX 376 F1A
Transmission: 4l60e
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt 3.42
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
You should just get a built 4l60e, it will handle the ls7 no problem. I have a built 4l65e and it handles my setup without any issues.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 6
From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
I'm going to do a whole thread on how to do this and what parts to use from which car, but after consulting with Bruce Hawkins and another guy experienced in this swap, we will be using the cruise control module from an '02 Camaro w/o traction control to feed the signal to the ECM. That module will work with the stock cruise control stalk on the '86 Camaro.
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
That valve issue was on some '08-'11 engines and resulted from a machining error in the valve guides. The engine I'm using is an '07, so shouldn't have that problem.
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
After working up the gear ratios, shift RPM's/speeds, etc. I've decided to go with a built 4L80e with the 2.98/1.57 gear option, and a Gear Vendors external overdrive. That will give me 8 forward gears if I want to split gears manually, but looking at the dyno stats for the stock LS7 and gearing for the 4L80e I will probably just use it as an overdrive. Speed limits out here are 75 mph to 85mph, so having that .585 double OD should really help my fuel economy on highway trips, which is how I plan on using the car most of the time. With the setup I'm looking at I will be idling down the highway at roughly the same RPM's as a stock Vette, and those guys say they are getting around 30 mpg on the highway. The TCI 6-speed winds up with a OD ratio of .75 which is higher than I'm looking for.
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
I'm going to do a whole thread on how to do this and what parts to use from which car, but after consulting with Bruce Hawkins and another guy experienced in this swap, we will be using the cruise control module from an '02 Camaro w/o traction control to feed the signal to the ECM. That module will work with the stock cruise control stalk on the '86 Camaro.
It doesn't even sound correct as the cruise module doesn't put out data, it only takes data FROM the ecm. I think you're going to need to pull a BCM from another vehicle to make it work
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
Unless Bruce has already done that, I don't think it will work. This is a Gen III Vs Gen IV issue. If you look over on LS1Tech they still hadn't figured it out last time I looked. I think someone was selling re-boxed BCM's to give cruise on the Gen IV platform, but I never followed up.
It doesn't even sound correct as the cruise module doesn't put out data, it only takes data FROM the ecm. I think you're going to need to pull a BCM from another vehicle to make it work
It doesn't even sound correct as the cruise module doesn't put out data, it only takes data FROM the ecm. I think you're going to need to pull a BCM from another vehicle to make it work
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
Here is a good thread on LS1Tech
http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...e-control.html
I am not up to date on all the gen IV stuff, but you can do it with just the ECM for some of them. I dont know which ECM the LS7 uses
http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...e-control.html
I am not up to date on all the gen IV stuff, but you can do it with just the ECM for some of them. I dont know which ECM the LS7 uses
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
Looks like the E67 will do cruise without the BCM. not sure if the LS7 uses that or not though.
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 118
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From: San Angelo, TX
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: LS7
Transmission: Built 4L80e w/GearVendors overdrive
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
The BCM is not expensive, so I'll just get it if necessary, but Bruce said the wire harness they are going to make will have what is needed to make it work without the BCM. Possible I misunderstood what he was going to use...
Re: LS7/6L80E Swap Into '86 IROC
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