C5 Ls1 swap started

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Jul 3, 2008 | 07:21 PM
  #1  
This website has been more than usefull, so thanks ahead of time to anybody that reads this. I just picked up a running 04 corvette with a T56, that was tboned and not repairable. Engine/trans will be going into my 89 L98. My question is will the rear axle/brakes bolt up? I plan on using anything I can off this car. We'll be pulling everything out next week. hopefully everything goes smoothly, and I'll post up the pics.

-Justin
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Jul 6, 2008 | 05:20 PM
  #2  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
You cant use the vette tranny. Its a transaxle type. On a C5, it sits directly next to the rear end. You will need an f-body tranny. Dont bother with the C5 rear end/suspension, youll get all over your head with this... Better not attempt anything this crazy if you are not a super fabricator. My 2 cents.
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Jul 7, 2008 | 10:15 AM
  #3  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
The rear calipers will bolt onto LS1 backing plates but aside from that i dont think much else from the rear of the car is really practical to use for your swap. Theres been a few threads pop up over the years about guys trying to swap in a Vette IRS rear but to my knowledge it has yet to be done successfully although I dont really browse the fabrication section anymore so perhaps theres fresher info. I think you can buy parts to mod the transaxle trans to make it into a regular t56 but your best to check with sixspeedsinc on that one. They may offer you a trade in core value for the vette towards an f body version.
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Jul 8, 2008 | 05:53 PM
  #4  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started


I'll check into the trans issue. I'm gonna start pulling everything out this
weekend.
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Jul 8, 2008 | 06:28 PM
  #5  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
There are several IRS swaps listed on TGO, but the C4, mid to late 80s is best IIRC, is better for the swap. Don't bother trying with the C5.

The first pic is a 3rd gen, 2nd pic a 4th gen, but mounting them in is essentially the same job.

C5 Ls1 swap started-irs.jpg   C5 Ls1 swap started-jays-formula-23.jpg   C5 Ls1 swap started-jays-formula-11.jpg  

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Jul 9, 2008 | 09:20 AM
  #6  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
Quote: There are several IRS swaps listed on TGO, but the C4, mid to late 80s is best IIRC, is better for the swap. Don't bother trying with the C5.

The first pic is a 3rd gen, 2nd pic a 4th gen, but mounting them in is essentially the same job.
wow ... now that's sexy. I wonder how much it would cost for a complete IRS setup.
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Jul 9, 2008 | 01:50 PM
  #7  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
Quote: wow ... now that's sexy. I wonder how much it would cost for a complete IRS setup.
No person or company makes a kit to put IRS in a 3rd gen.

They are all custom installed. Ggeometry is essential.because the LCA mounts are cut off. Once you hit that point, there's no going back! Get it right....or ruin your car.
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Jul 9, 2008 | 03:28 PM
  #8  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
Quote: No person or company makes a kit to put IRS in a 3rd gen.

They are all custom installed. Ggeometry is essential.because the LCA mounts are cut off. Once you hit that point, there's no going back! Get it right....or ruin your car.
Yea, I understand that. I meant how much it would cost for the complete IRS assembly from a C4, pretty much wheel to wheel. with proper measurements, it shouldn't be too difficult to install one, even with the custom fabrication.

I need to redo the crossmember, as I don't like the exhaust routing under the framerails.
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Jul 10, 2008 | 06:26 PM
  #9  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
any ideas on what a complete irs setup from this C5 might be worth? I'd love to make a little $$ back on this car to offset some costs.

this website is badass. I've answered like 50 questions in 2 hrs reading up on everything.

cam--
do you got any pics of your car?

--Justin
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Jul 10, 2008 | 06:50 PM
  #10  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
theres another one in my garage at fquick.com/cam
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Jul 14, 2008 | 07:13 PM
  #11  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
thats badass!! i had to read up on that 89. wicked.
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Jul 15, 2008 | 06:25 PM
  #12  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
anybody know if the c5 fuel tank will fit?
thanks !
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Jul 18, 2008 | 02:47 AM
  #13  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
the c5 gas tank is really 2 tanks, one on each side of the transmission / torque tube / IRS
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Jul 18, 2008 | 12:24 PM
  #14  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
Quote: There are several IRS swaps listed on TGO, but the C4, mid to late 80s is best IIRC, is better for the swap. Don't bother trying with the C5.

The first pic is a 3rd gen, 2nd pic a 4th gen, but mounting them in is essentially the same job.
That's funny to see, everyone on the c4 vette site I go to is trying to do a solid rear swap and here are people are putting the irs in..
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Mar 9, 2009 | 06:45 AM
  #15  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
why go solid drag race?
street would be better IRC correct?
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Mar 9, 2009 | 08:08 AM
  #16  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
Quote: why go solid drag race?
street would be better IRC correct?
Yeah, pretty much.
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Mar 10, 2009 | 12:42 PM
  #17  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
wow old post, but yeah drag racing. Those little dana pieces blow up pretty good, the 44's arnt too bad though.. IIRC the 34 or 44 are both stronger than our factory 10 bolts..
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Mar 10, 2009 | 09:46 PM
  #18  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
I dont mean to hijack or anything, just a quick question. Are these your manifolds? I have a similar swap and my custom LT are leaky and damaged...thought about trying these out, if anyone knows wether or not they fit-let me know.

LS2 vette manifolds.
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Mar 11, 2009 | 02:41 AM
  #19  
I would think the outlets are too far forward.
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May 29, 2009 | 11:52 PM
  #20  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
How about 07 Cadillac STS IRS ebay link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...link:middle:us Bolt in or what changes will be needed. My 87 GTA aussi 9 bolt is on it's way out, been wanting to do this for sometime, now I'm getting forced in. Thanks for any help you can provide.
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May 30, 2009 | 12:01 AM
  #21  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
Quote: How about 07 Cadillac STS IRS ebay link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...link:middle:us Bolt in or what changes will be needed. My 87 GTA aussi 9 bolt is on it's way out, been wanting to do this for sometime, now I'm getting forced in. Thanks for any help you can provide.
I know of a local guy who put in a LS1/T56. CTS-V IRS into his....... ......... MIATA! And all under a 100% (exterior-wise) stock Miata body. Looking it with the hood closed, you'd never guess.
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May 30, 2009 | 01:46 AM
  #22  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
Quote: How about 07 Cadillac STS IRS ebay link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...link:middle:us Bolt in or what changes will be needed. My 87 GTA aussi 9 bolt is on it's way out, been wanting to do this for sometime, now I'm getting forced in. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Well I can safely say it will not be a direct bolt-in. It will obviously take a considerable amount of fabrication to do it correctly. Is it even close to the proper width?
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Jun 1, 2009 | 10:01 PM
  #23  
Re: C5 Ls1 swap started
are you putting the motor and tranny in only
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