1981 350 swap to newer LS1 drivetrain?

hydex · 01-21-2005, 09:04:00 PM

I recently started to restore my 81 z. What I would like to know is it possible to fit a complete LS1 drivetrain into my z? If anybody has seen or know of such car, How was it done? Any help would be great. thanks

badazz81z28 · 01-21-2005, 09:05:00 PM

I know a few members have doen this so it is possible. What do you need to know?
Do you plan to carb it or FI?

[This message has been edited by badazz81z28 (edited January 21, 2005).]

hydex · 01-21-2005, 09:31:00 PM

Wow that was a quick reply. First, thanks for the help. I am really fact finding right now to see if it can be done and what kind of modifactions have to be done. I'm taking the car completly down so fitting it in shouldn't be to bad. Also, I'd like to get a list of vendors used if any parts have to be made up special for this application if possible. If it's a real hassle, I may rebuild the stock motor or buy a crate motor.

badazz81z28 · 01-21-2005, 09:50:00 PM

Theres nothing like building your own engine. The LS1 is cool because of the lightness of it. What are your intentions? Do you want a crazy horsepower car or something mild to cruise around? How much of a hassle is too much for you? They sell carb intakes for those engines, if you plan to run fuel injection that might be a hassle to most.
Do you plan to go auto of manual trans?

hydex · 01-21-2005, 10:04:00 PM

I'd like to keep it fuel injected with a auto tranny. (the missus can't drive a standard.)I don't have plans to modify it other than headers, chip, and intake. I want to drop the ac though. I never use it and it may help to keep the missus out of the drivers seat a little more. This is my first project car an I just want a good driver with some pep but not real obvious to what it is.

1978LT · 01-21-2005, 10:46:00 PM

I think MikeM79 is the first on here to do this. He has it running already. The LS1 is nearly 200 lbs. lighter than an all iron sbc, so that is a huge plus. You will also double or triple your rear wheel hp. A win win situation! Good luck! Advanced Adapters and other places can hook you up with the right mounts.

hydex · 01-22-2005, 08:05:00 AM

thanks for the info. I saw the photo of your Z. It looks great. My Z is almost the same color but it's missing a few parts at the moment.(hood, doors, fenders, header panel, motor,etc........)! Some day it will look like a car again. Thanks again for the help.

MikeM79 · 01-22-2005, 08:49:00 AM

http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/009774.html

BusDriver · 01-26-2005, 10:35:00 AM

For a moderate stret car an LS1 is great! 340+ hp with a decent set of headers, more if you add some cam, and still purrs like a kitten and looks nice to boot.

If you can get ahold of a complete setup (motor/trans/computer/accesories) it shouldnt be TOO bad. You might need some custom programming or buy LS1 Edit to turn off features your car wont have, like anti-theft, so you dont throw codes.

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'03 Yellow S-10 4.3L - "The Bus"
'75 LT in progress again...