LT5 swap?
12-18-2003, 11:07 AM
#1
TGO Supporter
Thread Starter
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 83 bird
Engine: 305/383
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
LT5 swap?
I'm reading the November 1988 Car Craft, and they have an article on the "Most technologically advanced engine of the 90's" The all aluminum Corvette LT5. (although it weighs 600lbs... the iron sbc weighs about 575lbs with all the accessories lol) It looks like a TPI engine on serious steroids.
The specs are:
350ci
3.9-inch bore
3.66-inch stroke
370hp
390lbs-ft torque
Redlines at 7200rpm
4 cams! (32 valve)
Forged and nitrided crank with end to end oiling
Timing breaker for the distributorless ignition
Main journal diameter is 0.310-inch larger than the regular 350
Crank driven oil pump flows 9gpm @ 7k rpm
Temp controlled oil pump thermostat wont allow full throttle till oil is at 190 degrees
Aluminum lower crankcase with cast iron nodular main caps held in place with 28 bolts
Aluminum oil pan
Two roller cam chains connected to a primary chain from crank with hydraulic chain tensioners
Aluminum water pump flows 95gpm
Three stage throttle assembly with 22mm bores
Speed density
Dual oxygen sensors in stainless steel exhaust manifolds
Four coil direct fire ignition with no moving parts
Starter located in cam valley between heads
Overall engine dimensions 27x27x27 inches
11.25:1 compression ratio
This engine is insane! Lots of hp/torque, high redline...
Designed by Lotus Engineering, Chevrolet, and Mercury Marine
What ever happened to this engine? Seems like a perfect candidate for an Fbody swap... was it ever done?
The only thing wrong with it is it looks like a b!tch to work on... and it says only specially trained dealer mechanincs can do the job.
The specs are:
350ci
3.9-inch bore
3.66-inch stroke
370hp
390lbs-ft torque
Redlines at 7200rpm
4 cams! (32 valve)
Forged and nitrided crank with end to end oiling
Timing breaker for the distributorless ignition
Main journal diameter is 0.310-inch larger than the regular 350
Crank driven oil pump flows 9gpm @ 7k rpm
Temp controlled oil pump thermostat wont allow full throttle till oil is at 190 degrees
Aluminum lower crankcase with cast iron nodular main caps held in place with 28 bolts
Aluminum oil pan
Two roller cam chains connected to a primary chain from crank with hydraulic chain tensioners
Aluminum water pump flows 95gpm
Three stage throttle assembly with 22mm bores
Speed density
Dual oxygen sensors in stainless steel exhaust manifolds
Four coil direct fire ignition with no moving parts
Starter located in cam valley between heads
Overall engine dimensions 27x27x27 inches
11.25:1 compression ratio
This engine is insane! Lots of hp/torque, high redline...
Designed by Lotus Engineering, Chevrolet, and Mercury Marine
What ever happened to this engine? Seems like a perfect candidate for an Fbody swap... was it ever done?
The only thing wrong with it is it looks like a b!tch to work on... and it says only specially trained dealer mechanincs can do the job.
12-18-2003, 11:27 AM
#4
TGO Supporter
Thread Starter
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 83 bird
Engine: 305/383
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Ouch, thats the price of that?! I'll just take a 502 FI for $8500 then 
But I have never heard of the motor, is it still in production?
But I have never heard of the motor, is it still in production?
12-18-2003, 12:37 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: P'cola
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 Camaro
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4 that will magically turn into a 6 speed one day.
and not worth 10 grand for the 405 hp the best tuned version got. LS6 for half the price and room for upgrades.....hm, I think yes
12-18-2003, 12:37 PM
#7
Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Midvale, UT
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: L03
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 4.11
hasnt been in production since 1996, they're difficult to work on, expensive as hell to fix, performance parts are hard to come by and VERY VERY pricey.
so I guess if you want to spend a lot of money on a really cool engine that is an insane money pit to upgrade and repair, but you want to be unique, its the engine for you!
I have seen pics of a car GM did as a concept that was a thirdgen with an LT-5 in it. however, as we all know, it never got past that.
if you want a lot of power for less cash, there are many different engine combos you can get that will be far better than getting an LT-5 for 10k
so I guess if you want to spend a lot of money on a really cool engine that is an insane money pit to upgrade and repair, but you want to be unique, its the engine for you!
I have seen pics of a car GM did as a concept that was a thirdgen with an LT-5 in it. however, as we all know, it never got past that.
if you want a lot of power for less cash, there are many different engine combos you can get that will be far better than getting an LT-5 for 10k
Trending Topics
12-18-2003, 03:22 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Annandale, VA
Posts: 954
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird
Engine: 2001 LS1 Modded
Transmission: 2001 4L60E Yank SS3600 TC
If I had the time and money I would love to swap on into my bird.
There is a post here somewhere with a LT5 in a IROC. Although they are expensive to fix they are bullet proof. They were designed to run WOT all day long. Guys are getting over 200k on some of them flogging them all the way.
GM had a variable valve timing prototype that was supposed to be introduced in 95-96. I read that it produced in excess of 450 hp and 400 tq. It was scrapped with the introduction of the LS1. They litterally threw the molds out. What a waste! GM never fails to ruin a good thing.
There is a post here somewhere with a LT5 in a IROC. Although they are expensive to fix they are bullet proof. They were designed to run WOT all day long. Guys are getting over 200k on some of them flogging them all the way.
GM had a variable valve timing prototype that was supposed to be introduced in 95-96. I read that it produced in excess of 450 hp and 400 tq. It was scrapped with the introduction of the LS1. They litterally threw the molds out. What a waste! GM never fails to ruin a good thing.
12-18-2003, 10:01 PM
#9
Supporter/Moderator
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 13,289
Likes: 0
Received 405 Likes
on
309 Posts
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
I have heard that with a few mods (new cams and a little porting) 600 hp is easily achivable with the 350 displacment. There is a lot of power made when 2 more valves are added. its still funny though how ford had to supercharge their 32 valve to get it to 400hp. But then again theirs is reliable and the LT5 wasn't.
12-18-2003, 10:23 PM
#10
Supreme Member
I have seen pics of a car GM did as a concept that was a thirdgen with an LT-5 in it. however, as we all know, it never got past that.
Mathius
12-19-2003, 02:31 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: P'cola
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 Camaro
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4 that will magically turn into a 6 speed one day.
Originally posted by Mathius
Badass engine, crappy car.
Mathius
Badass engine, crappy car.
Mathius
who the HELL would paint a car like tha!?!??!?!???!?!?! Ugh, just goes to show you some peoples' way of thinking.
Originally posted by ShiftyCapone
I have heard that with a few mods (new cams and a little porting) 600 hp is easily achivable with the 350 displacment. There is a lot of power made when 2 more valves are added. its still funny though how ford had to supercharge their 32 valve to get it to 400hp. But then again theirs is reliable and the LT5 wasn't.
I have heard that with a few mods (new cams and a little porting) 600 hp is easily achivable with the 350 displacment. There is a lot of power made when 2 more valves are added. its still funny though how ford had to supercharge their 32 valve to get it to 400hp. But then again theirs is reliable and the LT5 wasn't.
12-19-2003, 03:40 PM
#14
TGO Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Posts: 9,067
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: '83 Z28, '07 Charger SRT8
Engine: 454ci, 6.1 Hemi
Transmission: TH350, A5
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi, 3.06 posi
That guy must have no pride at all to paint a car like that.... or he likes picking on Hondas
12-19-2003, 04:58 PM
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey--at least it's not $30 grand like the viper motor.
Isn't there a 900 horsepower, tube frame chassis IROC LT5 around somewhere? I think I remember it being for sale for about $175000, but it was supposed to be faster than the vaunted Mclaren F1.
Maybe the point of that ridiculous paint scheme is to mess with other cars on the street, and then blow them away.
Isn't there a 900 horsepower, tube frame chassis IROC LT5 around somewhere? I think I remember it being for sale for about $175000, but it was supposed to be faster than the vaunted Mclaren F1.
Maybe the point of that ridiculous paint scheme is to mess with other cars on the street, and then blow them away.
Last edited by windowlicker; 12-19-2003 at 05:01 PM.
12-22-2003, 12:00 AM
#16
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Antelope, CA
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 89 IrocZ/17 LS 1LE
Engine: 383/LGX
Transmission: 400/TR-3160
Axle/Gears: 3.08/3.27
I dont think it would be worth the $$$$ plus isn't the ZF the only trans that can be bolted to the LT5
12-22-2003, 07:17 AM
#17
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 4,541
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1991 Corvette Coupe
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4/4L60 same trans different name
no, i've seen ZR1's converted to 700R4's
the ZF6 is the only tranny they came with from the factory
oh yeah, the starter is under intake manifold:lala:
i have mixed feelings about this engine
sure i've seen mega HP versions built
but i 've also seen plenty of mega HP SBC and BBC built for cheaper
i guess its just to be unique, which doesnt nessacerily apeal to me when trying to go fast
the ZF6 is the only tranny they came with from the factory
oh yeah, the starter is under intake manifold:lala:
i have mixed feelings about this engine
sure i've seen mega HP versions built
but i 've also seen plenty of mega HP SBC and BBC built for cheaper
i guess its just to be unique, which doesnt nessacerily apeal to me when trying to go fast
12-22-2003, 09:38 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: P'cola
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 Camaro
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4 that will magically turn into a 6 speed one day.
Originally posted by windowlicker
Hey--at least it's not $30 grand like the viper motor.
Isn't there a 900 horsepower, tube frame chassis IROC LT5 around somewhere? I think I remember it being for sale for about $175000, but it was supposed to be faster than the vaunted Mclaren F1.
Maybe the point of that ridiculous paint scheme is to mess with other cars on the street, and then blow them away.
Hey--at least it's not $30 grand like the viper motor.
Isn't there a 900 horsepower, tube frame chassis IROC LT5 around somewhere? I think I remember it being for sale for about $175000, but it was supposed to be faster than the vaunted Mclaren F1.
Maybe the point of that ridiculous paint scheme is to mess with other cars on the street, and then blow them away.
12-22-2003, 05:19 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Annandale, VA
Posts: 954
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird
Engine: 2001 LS1 Modded
Transmission: 2001 4L60E Yank SS3600 TC
I am not sure about the F1 comparison. LT5 engines were designed to run 180 out of the box. The LT5 set the world record for speed endurance back in the early 90's. The engine was ahead of it's time and is still formidable by today’s standards.
If you have time check out www.zr1.net for more details.
If you have time check out www.zr1.net for more details.
12-27-2003, 07:50 PM
#20
Okay, as cool as that engine was (and still is) Chevy is now pulling more horsepower out of a push rod engine. And, that ZR1 required special tools. And, if that isn't enough, the dealer couldn't even perform some of the repairs on the engine. The car had to be shipped back to Detroit. As long as the car is still under warranty, that isn't a big problem (as long as you don't mind the wait). 
12-28-2003, 09:09 PM
#21
Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wisconcin dells
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
$10,000 FoR and LT-5??where you shop at?
As crazy as it sound's i was thinking of Doing that same swap in my 87 GTA.
But $3,500 for a used LT-5 with 85,000miles seems a bit high priced don't it??
More Then I can Spent at the moment i got Like 3 prject's going at the same time ..........
But $3,500 for a used LT-5 with 85,000miles seems a bit high priced don't it??
More Then I can Spent at the moment i got Like 3 prject's going at the same time ..........
12-29-2003, 12:27 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ogden, UT
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 95 Z28
Engine: LT1
Transmission: Built 4L60E with 3000 Stall
Axle/Gears: 3.23? I'm not sure
Originally posted by windowlicker
Hey--at least it's not $30 grand like the viper motor.
Isn't there a 900 horsepower, tube frame chassis IROC LT5 around somewhere? I think I remember it being for sale for about $175000, but it was supposed to be faster than the vaunted Mclaren F1.
Maybe the point of that ridiculous paint scheme is to mess with other cars on the street, and then blow them away.
Hey--at least it's not $30 grand like the viper motor.
Isn't there a 900 horsepower, tube frame chassis IROC LT5 around somewhere? I think I remember it being for sale for about $175000, but it was supposed to be faster than the vaunted Mclaren F1.
Maybe the point of that ridiculous paint scheme is to mess with other cars on the street, and then blow them away.
12-29-2003, 01:02 PM
#23
Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wisconcin dells
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think the LT-5,700R4,3.73gear's............
some nice 255/55r16's
I bet it would move just fine don'T you Well it beats the hell out a 16 second L-98 i mean with how mich i'l spend getting that engine back up and ramping in low 14's high 13's .
or spend $3,500 for a good used LT-5??
well **** i don't know.......
LT-5- - $3500.
L-98- - $4500.
What to do what to do....... Well i could modded the pissed out of the L-98 for like $1200 and get to run fast For a while,be and intake and runner's and throttle body some exhaust and 3,73 gears would speed it right back up buy it would still be a tired eninge ready to pop................
L-98 coubled and modded up $1200.
L-98 redone all nice prper then modded $4,500.
LT-5 medium miles used $3,500.
what to do???????
some nice 255/55r16's
I bet it would move just fine don'T you Well it beats the hell out a 16 second L-98 i mean with how mich i'l spend getting that engine back up and ramping in low 14's high 13's .
or spend $3,500 for a good used LT-5??
well **** i don't know.......
LT-5- - $3500.
L-98- - $4500.
What to do what to do....... Well i could modded the pissed out of the L-98 for like $1200 and get to run fast For a while,be and intake and runner's and throttle body some exhaust and 3,73 gears would speed it right back up buy it would still be a tired eninge ready to pop................
L-98 coubled and modded up $1200.
L-98 redone all nice prper then modded $4,500.
LT-5 medium miles used $3,500.
what to do???????
12-29-2003, 04:16 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: P'cola
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 Camaro
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4 that will magically turn into a 6 speed one day.
91 GTA Ramair2, just stay L98. It may cost you more to mod and get it running at first, but in the long run it will be so much easier to upgrade and work on than the LT5. Ditch the TPI and go HSR or Miniram and you could start running circles around LT1, LS1, and LT5 easy.
12-29-2003, 04:53 PM
#26
Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wisconcin dells
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
J&R savage..............
LT-5 $4,500 .
it's a little Hick town Junkyard out by montello just past thw water fall's on the Left side like 12-15miles about...
they have 2 of them one is $4,500 other is $8,500...
THE SECOND ONE IS $4,500 CAUSE IT WAS DROPED.
ENGINE IS STILL INTACK LOOK'S TO BE IN RUNNING ORDER.
it's ran by 2 hillbilly lookin Dude's.
the nice $8,500 LT-5 is in a crate in side the office.
the $4,500 dropped one is sitting out back Next to an LT-1,and 3 L-98's 1- LB-9....all lined up along the fence kinda half in the grass...
but i'm just good enough of a wheeler dealer he siad for me $3,500 But it won't be any warrenty..........as where the $8,500 one has a 3month 4,000 warrenty.....
I myself would rather Drop a 400 in it.......but If that LT-5 run's it might be worth it, it visually look's fine......
LT-5 $4,500 .
it's a little Hick town Junkyard out by montello just past thw water fall's on the Left side like 12-15miles about...
they have 2 of them one is $4,500 other is $8,500...
THE SECOND ONE IS $4,500 CAUSE IT WAS DROPED.
ENGINE IS STILL INTACK LOOK'S TO BE IN RUNNING ORDER.
it's ran by 2 hillbilly lookin Dude's.
the nice $8,500 LT-5 is in a crate in side the office.
the $4,500 dropped one is sitting out back Next to an LT-1,and 3 L-98's 1- LB-9....all lined up along the fence kinda half in the grass...
but i'm just good enough of a wheeler dealer he siad for me $3,500 But it won't be any warrenty..........as where the $8,500 one has a 3month 4,000 warrenty.....
I myself would rather Drop a 400 in it.......but If that LT-5 run's it might be worth it, it visually look's fine......
Last edited by 91 GTA Ramair2; 12-29-2003 at 04:58 PM.
01-01-2004, 02:53 PM
#28
Member
Parts for the LT-5 are getting near impossible to find. Took 3 months to find a starter last time I had a ZR-1 in the shop. Then in the back of your mind you are thinking like a surgeon to try not to damage anything while digging all the way down under the intake to replace it.
When they where being produced the factory vette techs wheren't even allowed to lift a valvecover on them.
When they where being produced the factory vette techs wheren't even allowed to lift a valvecover on them.
01-01-2004, 06:10 PM
#29
Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wisconcin dells
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
IT Wouldnt be anything new wiating on parts for me man .....
JSM/M&R all the NiceTruck's are 52-78 1 ton's up to semi's.....
But then old Truck's are in mint shape.............
But the winter fleet is Bunch of 80's beater's.......
JSM/M&R all the NiceTruck's are 52-78 1 ton's up to semi's.....
But then old Truck's are in mint shape.............
But the winter fleet is Bunch of 80's beater's.......
01-02-2004, 03:34 PM
#30
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
check out this auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ory=33615&rd=1
I wouldn't mind this motor, how about you?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ory=33615&rd=1
I wouldn't mind this motor, how about you?
01-04-2004, 07:31 PM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Annandale, VA
Posts: 954
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird
Engine: 2001 LS1 Modded
Transmission: 2001 4L60E Yank SS3600 TC
01-17-2004, 07:44 AM
#34
Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Newfoundland
Posts: 224
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 Camaro SC
Engine: 2.8 ->305->350
Transmission: 700R4
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
