LS1 into 1984 z28
 

Hello everyone,

First post on this forum. I'm about to buy a 1984 camaro z28 305 l69 all stock with the plan of swapping in an ls1. I was wondering simply if this is a feasible swap. I've seen countless swaps people have done of ls1's into 1986-92 camaros, but I've found very few of people doing them with 1984's and earlier. I wanted to know if this is because the swap is significantly more difficult than with the later 3rd gens.

Thanks for the input, I'm sure I'll be on this forum a lot when I start modifying my new project. Everyone seems super helpful from what I've seen

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

You have to add a fuseblock to the engine harness because the factory one under the dash isnt large enough

The tank sending unit must be modified or replaced with an EFI unit to use an in-tank pump

You will have a mechanical speedo, so a driver box or aftermarket gauge is required

Beyond those, a conversion is no different from any newer 3rd gen

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

Thank you for the thoughtful reply. Those tasks seem doable.

So dimensions-wise, a 350 ls1 would mount without clearance issues? And peripheral equipment would fit as well? I'm under the impression that the early 3rd Gens weren't released with 350s so I'm curious about the fit.

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

Displacement is internal to the block, so any engine in the family will have the same external dimensions

Also, LS1's are 346ci

Read over the swap sticky in the LT1/LS1 forum for compatibility. Basically anything truck wont fit

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

I thumbed through the sticky but I guess I wanted to make sure I know what I'm getting into before I attempt this swap. Would the electrical work be a huge PITA for a TPI LS1 compared to if I were to purchase a 91 or 92 camaro and do the swap? since I'd be going from carb to tpi the electrical would be a whole world different.
I was thinking that if I were to start with the 91 or 92, the harnessing would only need modification rather than a completely new one altogether.

Is this accurate thinking?

thanks for the help guys

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

Carb cars need a fuseblock added, thats it. 90-92 cars are the easiest for electronics

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

There are a few other details that are a PIA- but nothing enough to stop you from doing the swap. You end up with a great car.

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

Wow thanks for all the constructive feedback! I hesitated on buying the 84 I was looking at to see if there were any 90-92 around given the easier electrical aspect... so it seems like the consensus here is that it's not much different to swap a newer 350 sbc into an older 3rd gen... why is it then that the overwhelming majority do the swap with 90-92 camaro and not earlier? Is it just the ease of the electrical?

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

If the 84 is stock,complete and in good shape, IMO, I would leave it as is... find another shell to do the swap in.

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

I agree, can't go wrong with an LS1 swap, except on an all original car...

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

My take is find the best body regardless of the year, and then take the time to do what you have to. This swap can make the car so much better, only the most rare deserve to be kept original. When I bought my '83 in '86 It was original. That meant a 195 HP V-8 with a Quadrajet, T-5, 10" disc brakes (rears, too), 15" wheels. Fine for some, but I just wanted more car.

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

Totally agree. Its ultimately up to you and what you want. Its just getting a little rarer now to find a unmolested 84 Z28, l69. If you do the swap right, nice and clean, you will reap years of a fun enjoyable car. Still, IMO, Id keep it stock. I have a 84 l69 z28 loaded with options and put in a 383. now im thinking of going back to stock and putting the 383 in another 3rd gen.. If you do the swap, keep all the parts so you will have the option to go back if you want. Cheers!

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

Its not a TTA and its not a firehawk. No one cares about an old carbed 305

Uncommon to see an early 80's 3rd gen in good condition? Absolutely. Would I hesitate to dump the stock powertrain? Not for a second

About the only old carbed car I wouldnt swap is that 4.3 mile iroc they found in some trailer a few years ago. It really doesnt matter what is in those kinds of cars, they are part of a collection and not driven... ever

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

Okay everyone. Today I've purchased my first 3rd Gen camaro. I went with the 1984 l69 and I'm in love with it already.

The thing is in INCREDIBLE shape. ... very low miles and everything stock except AC and radio.

I've decided to leave it STOCK for the summer and in the winter I will build a 350 to swap in the spring. I am definitely keeping the stock motor and carb in storage so that I'll always have the matching numbers down the road.

I've done some research and will NOT be doing any modifications to the 305. That thing will sit stock config until it's called again for duty.

I was hoping I could get opinions on suspension upgrades that I could do during the summer. I'd like to have the suspension ready for the 350 swap early next year.

Thanks for the support so far

Re: LS1 into 1984 z28
 

By the way, I plan to keep motor carbed or tbi