Looking to retrofit a c3 Corvette

[Sythem]

Short back story. I'm looking to buy a car quickly realized I can't find a modern car I actually like, at least not in the US. I got to looking at some cars my dad liked when he was young and immediately fell in love with the C3 Corvette hatchback. Lo and behold, they can be had in decent working condition for around $5k. The only problem is, I'd like the reliability and better MPG of a modern drivetrain.

I want to drop a modern GM engine, the LY7, accompanying transmission and ECU from a Cadillac STS into a C3 ($1500 for all 3 low mileage). They're similar on HP, torque, and final gear ratios to the C3 but the LY7 has a substantially smaller displacement at 3.6 L and the transmission bumps up from the 3 speed to a 5 speed. (You're welcome to harass me for driving an auto after the questions are answered :P) Is this doable?

I presume I'd need custom mounts made and probably a custom driveshaft as well. I'm open to other engine / transmission suggestions, but I'm trying to keep this under $10k with a good paint job if at all possible. (The LS1 was $3k for the same mileage by itself) I'm also open to paying someone to do the swap, but I do have friends with the necessary equipment and experience that say it should be doable but suggested I get some advice first. So advice?

[camcojb]

Does the $10K budget include the car, swap, and paint?

[badmatt]

5.3L LS with a trans could be purchased for under $1000 if you shop around.

Much easier swap, wiring harness is readily available , Basic swap mounts, headers I believe are available ect ect.

and it give you more room to grow later on with the car say if you want to cam it put heads on it and so forth. and the 5.3L's dont do too bad on the milage either.

IMHO.

Matt

[Sythem]

Say I had my heart set on the ly7 / 5 speed setup, what all would putting it into the c3 entail?

Also, I presume by 5.3L LS you mean the Vortec 5300?

Thanks again!

[analyte]

Does the $10K budget include the car, swap, and paint?

This question needs to be answered early on, otherwise it will be difficult to define the scope. I suggest you clearly identify the budget for the project, and then we can determine if you have the funds to support custom fabrication for the Caddy powerplant rather than readily available parts for the LSx engines.


Kerry

[Sythem]

Hi,

$10k is the goal, not really a hard set limit. I'd say without the paint job I really need to stay below $10k. Already found the c3 for $5500 drive out the door price if I choose to do this. It only has mild interior issues (the carpet and steering wheel could stand to be replaced)

After some digging I managed to find a LY2 (LS family) engine, accompanying 4 speed, and ECU out of a Silverado 1500 for $1560 online. (http://info.automotix.net)

This (http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1075693-my-budget-ls-engine-swap-guide-1500-a.html) leads me to believe I could do much better by searching junkyards. But at the same time, if I can keep this in budget, not have to deal with junk yards, and get the benefit of http://info.automotix.net's 1 year warranty on parts, I'll go the online route.

Really as long as I can manage upper 20's highway, keep it under $10k, and not get so frustrated that I hate myself, I want to do this. Just need to make sure it's feasible before I start buying things.

Also, I found this diesel c3. (http://www.thedieselpage.com/readers/vet.htm) That's also quite interesting.

Thanks!
Scott

[Ketzer]

Any of those engine combos are possible. Especially if you have or know someone in a fab shop and don't mind spending the money to have one-off parts made. Doing something different than you have seen before is very rewarding but not usually budget friendly unless you are extremely handy.

The push for LS based engines is because all the engines and small stuff need for a conversion are readily available. It makes it very cheap and possible for you to do most of it yourself or have parts installed for cheaper.

Jeff-