1st Gen LS1 or LT1 swap

[Mike Hall]

I just picked up my next project 69 Camaro yesterday and I'm already starting to plan out how it will be built.

Which setup would you go with LS1 or LT1? I figured I could spend $6K on an LS1 swap and leave it stock for a while or get a $2500 LT1 swap and do some mods. I also thought about getting a High mileage SL1 swap for about $3k And doing a few mods but im unsure if that would be a good idea or not. My goal for later on is 600 rwhp with twin turbos. Which engine would be easiest to build up to that power and still be streetable and somewhat reliable?

I forgot to add that this project camaro has a good running 350 in it now. I have no clue to what kind of 350 it is but i guess it could be a good starting point for the power I want. What do you think? I do have a Holley commander 950 for BBC but I could get a SBC intake and use the TB and the rest of the commander kit right?

Any info on the power these power systems or the swap would be great.

Thanks
Mike

[XcYZ]

Mike, IMO, I'd go with the LSx motor. You can buy everything you need off the shelf to bolt one in and they've proven to be a killer motor. However, if you go the twin turbo route, I'm not sure what would be available for manifolds. A custom set of stainless turbo headers can cost as much as the LT1 motor you mentioned.

[69MyWay]

I went through this same thought process then scored a $400 LS1 and a $100 4L50E trans so my decision became very easy. Then I dumped about $3K into the LSX with a SLP head/cam/injector package and another $600 or so on the short block for rings, bearings, gaskets, double roller chain and oil pump. Dropped another $600 in the trans for a 2,800 stall TCI converter and got the internals for free from a buddy for a full rebuild.

Harness cost about $300 (painless) and I scored the computer on ebay for $120 (new in box as a GM performance PCM). Found a fellow in Indian that re-programs for $75 plus shipping. Did the headers on the CHEAP by getting a set of Pacesetter 2000 Z28 non-emission units. The passenger fit right out of the box. I also put a Steeroids rack in so I had to move THREE pipes on the driver header. Topped that off with black ceramic coat and I am good at under $400 for the headers complete.

Motor mounts from Brewers Performance with stock F body accesory brackets and a custom A/C bracket from Brewers to run the Sanden compressor. A/C from vintage air.

Radiator is a 31" x 19" mated to a late model Malibu fan assembly. The PCM controls the fans neat and clean.

If I had to do this again I believe I would have left the motor more stock as dealing with some idle issues and the excessive (sewing machine) noise that comes from the engine with the head/cam swap is a pain in the butt. However, when you roll on the throttle is is AMAZING!

If anybody can do things on the cheap...I can. This should give a feel for what a DIYer should expect with some eblow grease and creative thinking.

See more on my website:

www.mcspeed.homestead.com

Good luck with your decision!

[Mike Hall]

There would not be a way to use the stock cast iron manifolds from the LS1 by just turning them around? Im sure there would be some mods needed to make it work but im sure I can come up with something. Maybe by the time Im ready for turbos, there will be a kit out.

Mike

[XcYZ]

Yep, you can certainly do that, and it has been proven to work damn good, too.

[Mike Hall]

How does this deal sound? This is a local find so I will be able to inspect before I pay which is nice.

2001 Camaro LS1 with T56
41,000 miles
Comes with everything most pull outs come with.
$4500 + tax.

Also, wont the Steering rack work with some mods to the subframe? If so I will try to get them to throw that in with the deal.

Mike

[black2002ls]

the LS1 is the way to go. if that 4500 comes with the complete harness and the ecu and everything you need then it is a good buy. figure the trans alone would cost about 1500. with 41000 on the ticker though, i would spend the extra cash and have the motor and trans rebuilt. just for safety sake. to make sure it is all reliable. IMHO. i would pick it up. take the trans, all the wiring and computer stuff, and sell the short block. check the head castings if they are the 243? i think it is, keep them. they are the good casting. you will probably only find this if the previous owner has done some work as these are LS6 heads. take that money and go find an IRON LQ4 or LQ9 block. wich is the 6 liter variant. build your project motor around this block. the iron block will withstand the boost better. plus, strapping LS6 heads and intake on this motor, stock, should net you around 375-400 HP easy. if not more. a good IHE package, a cam that will flow enough air for some big ports to support the power the 6 liter is capable of, and possibly a FAST induction system. intake and TB and you could see upwards of 500 NA.

check out these sites for more LS1 information

LS1tech.com
ls2.com