My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
05-09-2008 | 12:35 AM
#3
Supreme Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 1
From: Calgary
Car: 89 Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: TH 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
man thats one mean car!
Kinda would have been cool to leave it real stock looking...for the sleeper effect but I digress.
If I had the cash--I'd do an LS3. But I don't so I mod up the 350 TPI more and more
What times did you run with your old set up?
Kinda would have been cool to leave it real stock looking...for the sleeper effect but I digress.
If I had the cash--I'd do an LS3. But I don't so I mod up the 350 TPI more and more
What times did you run with your old set up?
05-09-2008 | 01:13 AM
#5
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
From: Kent, WA
Car: 83 z28
Engine: boat anchor 305 (ex CFI)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10 bolt
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
That looks really nice. Not many early thirdgens getting genIII transplants (even genII transplants are rare). keep up the good work, can't wait untill this is done.
Cheers!!!
Cheers!!!
05-09-2008 | 03:35 AM
#6
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: Baldwin Park
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Only ran nitrous for $$ street races. On the 125 shot I was neck and neck w/ my buddies pullied and full bolt on 03 Cobra 480-490 rwhp which would run 7.6's.
05-09-2008 | 01:54 PM
#7
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Originally Posted by Z28FAST1
Here are some pictures before the tear down, there was nothing really wrong with the car except I was shooting for 10's in a daily driver....
Trending Topics
05-10-2008 | 12:58 AM
#9
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
From: Idaho Falls
Car: 82 Trans Am
Engine: LTX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 strengthed 7.5 inch
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Nice, have fun with it! It is nice to have an older car that beats the pants off newer stuff and still looks good.. just realized mine was 26 years old now.
05-10-2008 | 09:32 PM
#11
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: south central pa
Car: 85 trans am
Engine: lg4
Transmission: t5
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
looking good, i'm about to do this with an 84 trans am 305ho/700r4 car, going single turbo lq9 with t56, mine will look stock on the outside except it'll sit abit lower and have different wheels
05-11-2008 | 11:00 PM
#12
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: Baldwin Park
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Sweet build, I plan on going turbo or blown in a year or two after the new camaro comes. waiting to see some one document a 3rd gen lsx turbo build.
05-12-2008 | 01:30 AM
#14
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: 39.84N 105.11W
Car: '89 Trans Am GTA
Engine: WAS 350 - now L92 (alum. 378/6.2L)
Transmission: WAS 700R4, now a built T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Fuel system
Originally Posted by Z28FAST1
I'm a little concerned cus the feul lines are kinda close to the headers, do u guys thunk it'll be ok if i wrap them in heat resistant tape. What have others done here? I'll try and snap some pics of them tomorrow. Thanks
05-15-2008 | 12:47 PM
#17
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: Baldwin Park
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Haven't got any responses to my previous post so I'm still figuring out what I’m going to do as far as my Torque Arm, I’m leaning towards modifying the drews cross member and having the Torque Arm mounted to the cross member. I just saw some pictures from a member here, so think that’s what I’m going to do.
Looks like I have 2 options (hope u guys don;t mine me borrowing your pics), cam-'s
or Ghettocruiser's
Anyone w/suggestions is welcome to chime in. I don't have a welder so I'm going to have to take this in to be done.
----------
Instead of going underneath the car, I installed the New Era CAI from an 04 GTO. I had to use adapters to run an 85mm MAF since it’s make for a stock 75mm MAF. I’m most likely just going to bolt on a K&N that fits directly into the 85mm MAF. It cleared pretty well since the LS1 radiator’s upper hose is lowered by about 3 inches.
(***pics don't show the adapter i used to run the 85 mm MAF)
I also bolted up the suspension.
Looks like I have 2 options (hope u guys don;t mine me borrowing your pics), cam-'s
or Ghettocruiser's
Anyone w/suggestions is welcome to chime in. I don't have a welder so I'm going to have to take this in to be done.
----------
Instead of going underneath the car, I installed the New Era CAI from an 04 GTO. I had to use adapters to run an 85mm MAF since it’s make for a stock 75mm MAF. I’m most likely just going to bolt on a K&N that fits directly into the 85mm MAF. It cleared pretty well since the LS1 radiator’s upper hose is lowered by about 3 inches.
(***pics don't show the adapter i used to run the 85 mm MAF)
I also bolted up the suspension.
Last edited by Z28FAST1; 05-15-2008 at 12:48 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
05-15-2008 | 03:53 PM
#18
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: OK
Car: '04 Silverado, 89 RS, 69 Chevelle
Engine: 6.0, 5.0, LS1
Transmission: 4L60E, 700R4, 4L60E
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Looks good man. I'm swapping a LS1/A4 into my Chevelle. Keep up the good work and keep us posted.
05-17-2008 | 12:21 PM
#20
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 10
From: PA
Car: 86 Trans AM
Engine: LS1 (not stock...)
Transmission: Built T56
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt w/ 3.73
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Nice swap you have goin man! Regarding the crossmember... Either way (cams or mine) will work great in my opinion.
However...I wouldnt try to modify the drews crossmember to accept a torque arm. Im not saying it wouldnt hold, or you couldnt beef it up, but I was very un-impressed with the apparent strength of that thing. I was going to add a torque arm mount to it...but a buddy and I were able to twist that thing with our hands... That and it didnt fit. So I ditched it.
Someone with a welder and some time could fab a double hump up fairly easy I imagine. I wish Spohn would get on board and make his conversion x-member into a double hump with the torque arm mount. With how close things get, I understand why thats not easy though. Since every car is different.
I know that wasnt much help to ya... haha. Im gonna keep an eye on this to see how you make out though.
J.
However...I wouldnt try to modify the drews crossmember to accept a torque arm. Im not saying it wouldnt hold, or you couldnt beef it up, but I was very un-impressed with the apparent strength of that thing. I was going to add a torque arm mount to it...but a buddy and I were able to twist that thing with our hands... That and it didnt fit. So I ditched it.
Someone with a welder and some time could fab a double hump up fairly easy I imagine. I wish Spohn would get on board and make his conversion x-member into a double hump with the torque arm mount. With how close things get, I understand why thats not easy though. Since every car is different.
I know that wasnt much help to ya... haha. Im gonna keep an eye on this to see how you make out though.
J.
05-28-2008 | 07:07 PM
#21
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Norwalk, CT
Car: 88 IROC-Z/05 Silverado ECSB
Engine: 408 LSX
Transmission: 700-R4 reverse pattern/manual valve
Axle/Gears: 9"/4.11
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Z28FAST1 are you using the 3rd gen radiator with the LS1 dual fans? What type of mods were needed to make them fit, and what hoses did you use? I am almost ready to drop my motor in but I don't want to buy a bigger radiator unless its really needed. Awesome job on your car, good luck.
05-29-2008 | 12:01 PM
#22
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: Baldwin Park
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Z28FAST1 are you using the 3rd gen radiator with the LS1 dual fans? What type of mods were needed to make them fit, and what hoses did you use? I am almost ready to drop my motor in but I don't want to buy a bigger radiator unless its really needed. Awesome job on your car, good luck.
05-30-2008 | 12:49 PM
#26
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: Baldwin Park
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
That makes sense too, I just noticed that the 4th gen air intakes are modded to use the same air for the "ram-air" effect and figured the same air cooled off the radiator to some degree 
I don't know if this has been asked but does the overflow reservoir have to be at a specific level in relation to the rest of the cooling components? You can't really tell but I have mine hidden behind the ac condensor about 10 inches below the radiator cap level.
I don't know if this has been asked but does the overflow reservoir have to be at a specific level in relation to the rest of the cooling components? You can't really tell but I have mine hidden behind the ac condensor about 10 inches below the radiator cap level.
06-09-2008 | 10:31 PM
#29
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 0
From: p'cola FL
Car: 88 iroc-z/28
Engine: 408 lsx
Transmission: 5800 stall
Axle/Gears: 4.71
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
wow man!
i dont know how i missed this thread!
nice parts, clean install. nice write up of parts too.
i dont know how i missed this thread!
nice parts, clean install. nice write up of parts too.
06-23-2008 | 02:41 PM
#31
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: Baldwin Park
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Good news is that I was able to get the car turned over and the 4th gen gauges to work using the serial data wire (I'll post more on this later). As I've read on the ls1tech, the engine would not build pressure until you actually turn it on. I have a 85mm Granatelli MAF which is not calibrated to the PCM so i think it was causing surging at idle and causing the motor to turn off. I ended up disconnecting the MAF and was able to get the engine to idle at 700-800rpm without playing with the foot pedal.
It sounds wicked with the open headers, I'll post some vids and pics this afternoon.
06-23-2008 | 05:00 PM
#32
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 73
From: Plant City, FL
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 3.1L V6
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Z28FAST1 are you using the 3rd gen radiator with the LS1 dual fans? What type of mods were needed to make them fit, and what hoses did you use? I am almost ready to drop my motor in but I don't want to buy a bigger radiator unless its really needed. Awesome job on your car, good luck.
06-23-2008 | 07:35 PM
#34
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 36
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
The tank shouldn't be that sensitive to gravity. Coolant is pushed into it by pressure being released by the radiator cap, and pulled back into the system when a vacuum is created by cooling. It shouldn't have any effect.
06-24-2008 | 12:48 AM
#35
On Probation
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,042
Likes: 2
From: So Cal
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LsX
Transmission: MN12 6speed
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
ttt
Last edited by TPI TERR; 06-24-2008 at 12:49 AM. Reason: update
06-24-2008 | 04:32 PM
#38
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: 39.84N 105.11W
Car: '89 Trans Am GTA
Engine: WAS 350 - now L92 (alum. 378/6.2L)
Transmission: WAS 700R4, now a built T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
Originally Posted by Z28FAST1
Ran a kill switch/breaker 150 Amp.
06-24-2008 | 07:36 PM
#39
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 0
From: p'cola FL
Car: 88 iroc-z/28
Engine: 408 lsx
Transmission: 5800 stall
Axle/Gears: 4.71
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
its nice to use the 4th gen rad. then the fans clip right in.
i needed a radiator anyway.
i needed a radiator anyway.
07-15-2008 | 10:21 PM
#44
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 0
From: p'cola FL
Car: 88 iroc-z/28
Engine: 408 lsx
Transmission: 5800 stall
Axle/Gears: 4.71
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
any different angled pics on the y pipe?
is that the drews brace? looks ogod from what i can see!
is that the drews brace? looks ogod from what i can see!
07-16-2008 | 07:11 PM
#46
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 0
From: p'cola FL
Car: 88 iroc-z/28
Engine: 408 lsx
Transmission: 5800 stall
Axle/Gears: 4.71
Re: My 1983 Z28 H.O. gets LS1/T56 transplant (Write up and pics.)
looks pretty sweet. good thing you dont have a spohn piece under there.
11-09-2008 | 10:31 PM
#50
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Re: LS1 Swap expenses and parts
Parts purchased new:
-LS6 intake ($300 ls1tech)
-Water Pump ($100 local vendor)
-SLP pulley and ARP bolt ($229 + 30, Summit)
- Ram Adjustable Master Cylinder ($165 Summit)
-Belt tensioner ($30 ls1tech)
-Alternator ($60 local vendor)
-Walbro 255 Fuel Pump w Ford 42 lbs. Injectors ($250 ls1tech)
-Hawks headers (3 inch collector) ($850!!)
-2 V clamp kit 3 inch (87.90 summit)
-Flowmaster y-pipe 3 inch (47.00, summit)
-LS1 Radiator and hoses ($140 local vendor)
-Gatorback belt $20 (local vendor)
-Spec 3+ clutch kit ($350, ls1tech)
-Poly-urethane Engine mounts ($50, Summit)
-Taylor Wires 10.4 ($63.00, summit)
-SLP 160 degree thermostat ($60, Summit)
-2 RUS- Adapter Fittings PN 640850 ($30, Summit)
-Steel braided fuel line and fittings ($35, Summit)
-Stage 8 locking header bolts ($60, Summit)
-Accelerator Cable Non-TCS ($23, sdpc.com)
Misc.
-Eibach Springs, sportlines ($250, Summit)
-Tokico 5-way adjustable Shocks ($200, TGO)
-Strut mounts ($80 local vendor)
-New rotors and brake hardware ($80 local vendor)
-Hawks 5 inch wing ($300)
-Spohn Adj. Panhard ($115, Byunspeed)
-ACC Carpet ($267, summit)
Parts purchased used:
-Corsa exhaust w/bullet muffler ($325, sold tips for $250, ls1tech)
-B&B dual oval exhaust tips ($160, ls1tech)
-Pwr steering reservoir ($20, ls1tech)
-Hawks motor mounts ($50, TGO)
-Drews T56 cross member ($75?, TGO)
-Remote clutch bleeder ($50, ls1tech)
-Z06 valve covers ($80, ebay)
Services
-Wiring harness conversion to stand alone, base tune, and extension ($350, lt1wiring)
-Port, polish and epoxy TB ($65, ls1tech)
***I know that not everything is needed for a economic swap but i always end up upgrading and doing work twice so i figured i would try to do it right the first time.
-LS6 intake ($300 ls1tech)
-Water Pump ($100 local vendor)
-SLP pulley and ARP bolt ($229 + 30, Summit)
- Ram Adjustable Master Cylinder ($165 Summit)
-Belt tensioner ($30 ls1tech)
-Alternator ($60 local vendor)
-Walbro 255 Fuel Pump w Ford 42 lbs. Injectors ($250 ls1tech)
-Hawks headers (3 inch collector) ($850!!)
-2 V clamp kit 3 inch (87.90 summit)
-Flowmaster y-pipe 3 inch (47.00, summit)
-LS1 Radiator and hoses ($140 local vendor)
-Gatorback belt $20 (local vendor)
-Spec 3+ clutch kit ($350, ls1tech)
-Poly-urethane Engine mounts ($50, Summit)
-Taylor Wires 10.4 ($63.00, summit)
-SLP 160 degree thermostat ($60, Summit)
-2 RUS- Adapter Fittings PN 640850 ($30, Summit)
-Steel braided fuel line and fittings ($35, Summit)
-Stage 8 locking header bolts ($60, Summit)
-Accelerator Cable Non-TCS ($23, sdpc.com)
Misc.
-Eibach Springs, sportlines ($250, Summit)
-Tokico 5-way adjustable Shocks ($200, TGO)
-Strut mounts ($80 local vendor)
-New rotors and brake hardware ($80 local vendor)
-Hawks 5 inch wing ($300)
-Spohn Adj. Panhard ($115, Byunspeed)
-ACC Carpet ($267, summit)
Parts purchased used:
-Corsa exhaust w/bullet muffler ($325, sold tips for $250, ls1tech)
-B&B dual oval exhaust tips ($160, ls1tech)
-Pwr steering reservoir ($20, ls1tech)
-Hawks motor mounts ($50, TGO)
-Drews T56 cross member ($75?, TGO)
-Remote clutch bleeder ($50, ls1tech)
-Z06 valve covers ($80, ebay)
Services
-Wiring harness conversion to stand alone, base tune, and extension ($350, lt1wiring)
-Port, polish and epoxy TB ($65, ls1tech)
***I know that not everything is needed for a economic swap but i always end up upgrading and doing work twice so i figured i would try to do it right the first time.