IROC LS Conversion

[novaboy7272]

I am looking into converting my 1990 IROC Camaro into having an LS motor. I know there is thirdgen.org, but i wanted to ask you guys some questions too.

Does anyone know what big things can be kept or what definitely needs to be replaced? I know all about the conversion engine and tranny (T56) mounts and stuff. But i'm mainly wondering about the wiring harness stuff and A/C components, etc.

I was just wondering if anyone did this to a third gen camaro or knows some stuff.

[deuce_454]

you need to fit your existing ac compressor to the LS engine as the new compressor is variable displacement...

[Evan Iroc-Z]

From the conversations and reading I have done, you will need to replace the engine harness. You will still need to modify the harness, but it is not that extreme. If I assume you know nothing, no offense to you at all, you will be able to run the factory (LS1) manifolds they clear with no issues. Of course you can upgrade to long tubes easily. The k-member will need to be modified slightly due to the accessory mounting being different on the LS1 and factory motor. It is recommended you go with a 4th gen console since the T-56 is not as tall as the T-5 or 700R4 and the shifter will then sit lower. It gets even more exaggerated if you have a short throw. However, you can run it without major issues. I have also heard the factory radiator and fans will work fine, but if you want you can run the 4th gen fan with not a lot of modification. The driveshaft will be just fine, they are the same length, I personally have a T-5 with an aluminum driveshaft and rear-end out of a 2001 TA. Sorry that was all over the place I was typing and thinking and my mind never works in a simple to follow form.

[novaboy7272]

no thats great. if anyone has any more info, keep it coming. I want to go into this project with as much info as possible. And all that stuff was good. Thanks for the help. I'll start posting stuff when the project starts, but its still up in the air. Here is a picture of it now at least.

[MattG]

Do a search on LS1 Tech...

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids-28/

They will have every question covered and then some!

Good luck with your build,

Matt

[Tuske427]

I did this swap, and it's pretty straight forward.

You can see some of it here:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2407208

I used the LS1 wiring harness and had it modified form Speartech. He did a great job- labeled everything and made it very straight forward. I had to add a couple of relays to power the electric fans and AC. My car originally had a mechanical fan so I didn't have any factory wiring to accommodate an electric one.

If you use the 4th gen ls1 compressor in its stock location you will need to notch your 3rd gen cross member to make it fit. Otherwise, you do not need to modify it. You may need to move your factory brake line though.
The oil pan is a tight fit, but it does fit.

When I set up AC on my car, I used a 3rd gen compressor and used the F-body motorsports compressor conversion kit. I didn't like it, so I won't recommend it, but it is one option you can use. (in my case, 1- it was late arriving, 2- the brackets didn't match and I had to modify them to have the holes align, plus radius the sharp cut edges to avoid slicing my hands, 3- the location leaves a long distance for the belt and it flopped around under load. more then my comfort level liked. However, everyone's experience is different. maybe they improved the kit since then, who knows..)

I used the 4th gen radiator and it fit in my car fine. the only modification to the radiator was trimming the round plastic shaft at the bottom of the radiator. otherwise it fit right in in. I used a 1984 L69 radiator cover on top to secure it.

I had no issue with a short shifter. I also used the Hurst billet shifter in the factory console/ bezel. Personally, I don't like the look of 4th gen interior parts in the third gen. the 4th gen lines are all soft/ flowing and the third gen are much more rigid. the 2 styles don't mix well, imo. I'd leave the third gen console in there and use it. your car, your call..

One thing I highly recommend is using the 4th gen gas tank. It is the same shape, bolts right in and has the correct fuel pump/ regulator built in. Use the plastic tank as it has a removable rubber filler neck making installation much easier. it also needs to be trimmed an inch or 2. this, of course, is easy to do. Looks on thirdgen.org for the correct gm part number for the proper fuel gauge resistor so your third gen gas gauge reads properly. there are threads on what is needed and how to fix it.

I attached a few pics for your reference. If you need these in hi res- send me your email.

I also did this swap and had it California certified. It was a PITA!

If you have any questions, post them or pm me. I hope this is helpful.

-Brendon