As said, this is my first swap, and I've decided to go around the LT1 and go for the LS1. I have an '89 IROC-Z 5-speed with a 305 that went to hell a few months before I deployed to Afghanistan. Now that I've made some good deployment money, an LS1 is well within reach.

I've been doing a lot of research on this website and yet to find an answer to this question:
1) My Camaro has exhaust headers that went with the previous engine, and I know an L98 would fit them just fine, but can I drop an LS1 on them just the same? Or would I *sigh* need to make modifications on those as well? If so, what exactly?
2) I want to keep it AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE, my only priority in the long run is making it fast! For now I just want to swap so any unnecessary luxury I can go without, for example I don't plan on keeping A/C. What else would make it easier to install by not keeping?
3) Instead of looking for a separate engine, T56, and wiring harness, I figured it'd be easier to literally just buy a 1998-2002 Camaro/Firebird on Craigslist and use it as a donor. Any advantage pertaining to a specific year/model?

Finally, I understand hundreds of drivers here have posted their work through this same swap, and the problem isn't that I can't find any, it's that there's just so many I can't pick a detailed one relating to this same/similar swap! If anyone can point me in the right direction to one of the more descriptive swap procedures, it'd be very much appreciated.

I'm currently still overseas but will follow up with the work as well as pictures upon my return stateside. Thanks again! And God bless

 

1) No. SBC (Small Block Chevy) headers do not fit LS engines. You will need new manifolds/headers, and custom exhaust work to tie into the cat-back part. A quality local muffler shop can do this.
2) Less stuff makes the swap simpler.

 

3) 2000-2002 I believe has a more reliable hydraulic clutch.

 

thank you for service !!

i used an entire 98z for my swap drivetrain tank dash wiring. it was pretty easy for me, basically plug and play. a few modifications but nothing major