Hello, I am looking to do an LT1 swap on my 91 camaro rs. The car has a 700R4 with the throttle body 305. I want to know all of the problems I will run into while doing the swap and how to get around them. And also all the parts I will have to get for the swap. How hard is this swap? How much time? What are the best bang for your buck power adding mods for the LT1? Thanks

 

It aint easy. LT1 was only around bout 5 or 6 yr and reverse cooled and a few other odd quirks. They were however extremely strong runners especially for their day. I wouldn't swap one in if someone gave me one but it is your choice and a fine engine it is even in stock configuration.

 

Depending upon what you start with for a donor engine, the biggest "problems" are wiring in the PCM and getting clearance for the AC compressor.

If you want to use your TH700, the only LT1 year that used it was '93. You need a way to operate the TV cable, so a '93 TB takes care of that. I'm sure somebody has modified their TB to mount the TV cable, though. In my opinion, the 4L60E is the superior choice, but that isn't always possible.

The nice thing about the LT1 swap is the 305 engine mounts work, and 3rd gen V8 exhaust works.

So, what did you have in mind, or lined up?

 

I planned on buying a used LT1 and maybe tranny. It comes with ecm, harness, and radiator. I want an LT1 because gas mileage, reliability, and its relatively quick and cheap. This car is my daily driver so I want it to be right.

 

There are some very good write ups on this site about modifying the lt1 and 3rd gen harnesses.

 

If the LT1 comes from an f-body, then getting the 4L60E from it would also be a good idea. It's a better tranny than the TH700 (although they look pretty much the same, and most of the internals are the same), and it'll work well with the LT1.

If the LT1 comes from a Vette, the tranny is different from the f-body, so it isn't as straight-forward (you'd be better off trading it for an f-body tranny). The good part about the Vette LT1 is the AC compressor is mounted high, so you don't have to notch the K-member. But, the oil pan doesn't fit the f-body chassis, so it has to be changed out.

If the LT1 comes from a B-body, it'll have iron heads, and the cam isn't as good. It'll weigh more, and the accessory issue is the same as the f-body. The tranny will work, but won't have the torque arm mount like the f-body. But the oil pan fits the 3rd gen f-body chassis. B-body LT1s are typically cheaper than f-body or Vette LT1s.

I have an LT1 in my '96 Vette. I really like it for a daily, except for the tranny front pump seal leak (apparently that year had that problem). Other than that, it's been trouble-free. Even gets decent gas mileage.

 

I actually have a line on a running 97 Lt1 with accessories and harness for my 84 TA since my 355 ate itself...can't afford a full rebuild right now on the 355, just looking at keeping the car running and as a DD (until it ate itself), lets me upgrade to the EFI and install the motor for less than the price of a rebuild (I've already got in-tank electric pump and Stainless braided fuel lines to handle the fuel part of it). What all needs to be done to modify it for the AC to work/fit? Any known brackets or the like? Cant seem to find anything in the search here....still looking through.

 

Serious clearancing. Way more than is needed for a ls swap. There are pics on the boards.

I'd go 5.3l swap. You need fbody accessories and a fbody oil pan. But at least then you are in the ls world.

Or you could do a vortec L31 swap. The L31 is essentially a iron headed LT1 without the reverse cooling. It's a sbc so the existing accessories will bolt right up.

 

I just got done doing an lt1 swap if I could of redone it over i wouldn't I started with a 305tpi I reaused my 700r4 and used the 305 tpi Ecu and wiring harness.I did this cause I had the motor from a bbody project. I didn't even attempt to keep a/c in it and used a a/c delete pulley.u will need bbody p/s lines.universal t/v cable and throttle cable,I made the fuel wlines stock ones won't fit 4th gen f body upper rad hose c4 Corvette lower rad hose,ur fuel pump needs to be replaced.if u wanted to do a quick cheap lt1 swap get one with all the assorys re drill a regular sbc carb intake andthrow ur tbi on it with a retune

 

Only reason I stayed LT1 is I had an abundance of parts I'd have to sell at a loss, and it would cost me a very pretty penny to convert my M28 T56 to a LS compatible T56.

 

yes another fact no one tells you about while there saying forget about ever thing else and just put an ls in it,that swap is still expensive as heck u normal spend around 3k and have to piece so many parts if ur using a 5.3 I'm a benz and bmw service tech I have all the tools in the world to do the swap but not the money

 

Converting a 94-97 t56 is cheap. It's the input shaft and front plate.

Converting a 93 t56 required a lot more internal parts. Major reason I didn't jump ship.