91_5.7_TPI

iTrader: (2)

I want to swap out my L03 for a LT1. However, I don't want to cut my frame, nor do I want to go without A/C. Other than a Corvette setup, what is the best option for that? Thanks in advance. The donor is a 94-95 Camaro. I can't remember the year.

Klortho

You don't have to cut the frame for the A/C using F-body accessories, all you need is a big hammer to make an indention in the framerail where the A/C compressor fits.

91_5.7_TPI

iTrader: (2)

Any other options than the big hammer? Aren't there any relocation brackets I could get? I think I like that more than messing with the framerail. Wouldn't that weaken it?

Klortho

As long as you don't heat it up it doesn't hurt anything, I drove mine for a while before it spun a rod bearing without any problems and I didn't drive it easy, it frequently saw 6100 RPM and saw 130+ MPH a couple of times. You don't have to move it much, enough to clear the back of the compressor and to put the new A/C hoseblock on the back so the lines are coming straight up. TexasLT1 has the procedure on his website about this and also how to modify the passenger motor mount clamshell as well. The relocation brackets cost over $350 and IMHO isn't worth it when all you need is a big ballpin hammer.

I did it to the V6 k-member in the Firebird, and will do it again to the one in my GTA when I put the LT1 in it as well.

91_5.7_TPI

iTrader: (2)

So, just beat the area that it won't clear with a hammer till it fits? Sounds easy enough.

How about a Vette setup? If I can find one of those, will it go it without any of the mods we talked about? I say some pics of the F-Body and the Corvette. Can you buy a used Vette setup to fit it.

loki993

yes the vette setup will work without the mods, but its not cheap. whether you go used or new. if you got the money go for it i guess, but im with the other guys, but then again i like hitting things with hammers.

91_5.7_TPI

iTrader: (2)

Maybe if I find one cheap, I'll get it. If not, big hammer.

Klortho

I've heard of the vette accessory brackets going for 200 or more because there aren't that many out there.

91_5.7_TPI

iTrader: (2)

That's not cheap. I think the big hammer theory is looking good. Well, unless I find one cheap. Or steal a Vette and bring it back with out the brackets....

Klortho

I just looked on ebay and TAcreations has the accessory bracket for $65 bucks, then you have to get a vette PS pump for $275 and the reservoir for $35 and the tensioner for $50 and the PS pully for $34 and the idler pully for $42 bucks.

91_5.7_TPI

iTrader: (2)

That is crazy. I think that unless I find a wrecked LT1 Vette somewhere with the T56, I will get he wrecked Camaro and hammer my frame. Finding a whole wrecked Corvette would be hard, but putting it in the Camaro would be easier if I found it.

I wonder why GM did that. Just trying to make it harder on the everday, low budget hot rodder.

Klortho

It had to do with the way the rack in the 4th gens were, the steering shaft goes right where the PS pump is on the vette setup.

91_5.7_TPI

iTrader: (2)

Oh, ok. That makes sense. I wan't the LT1, but this will be aggravating.

Klortho

It's not bad, I have to go put some weatherstripping on the GTA tomorrow, I'll snap some pics of the Firebird and show you how it looks afterwards.

TexasLT1

I cut out and notched my crossmember, but hammering it works too. other than the vette accessory bracket, you really don't have any options. I know someone a while back was trying to adapt the 3rd gen serpentine setup to his LT1 but I never heard if he was successful or not.

LT1powered89

www.bowersrodshop.com

I am using this for my swap. The piece is very good quality and only took about five minutes to bolt up. I started setting my LT1 in today but am having some alignment issues. When I get the swap done I'll put some pics up with the bracket.

Klortho

Yeah, that's the $300 kit I was referring to. Way too much when all it takes is a big ballpin hammer to clear the frame. The way I look at it, if you have the money go for it, IMHO that's $300 that can be spent on gofast goodies

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

I'm using bowers' brackets too but i wasn't aware of the hammer at the time. It goes right where the smog stuff was on the f-body lt1. I'm using A/C hoses from a V6. I think 1989-92 V6 hoses work. My 86 LG4 hoses hit the belt and weren't as nice.

I've had one issue with the bracket because i'm running a 700R4 tranny. The kickdown cable on the throttle body hits the coil. To fix this, i extended out the coil from the bracket like an inch. I used spacers and longer bolts. You'll only have this problem with the bracket if you use a 93 Throttle body with the 93 kickdown (TV) cable.

If i were to look into brackets again, i would try to get corvette ones really cheap, well actually i'd probably just get a corvette LT1.

J's T/A

iTrader: (2)

You can always buy my complete vette setup from me with new custom hoses and ATI superdamper, but I am pretty sure that is out of the range.. with all accessories it cost me $800+

No matter which way you go don't forget small things that will affect alignment. For instance with a vette setup you need a vette damper or a spacer from street & performance to adapt a camaro/bird damper..

1st3rdgen23

91_5.7_tpi

I'm assuming that the reason for the frame mods are because of the location of the a/c comp (lower pass. side) if you can find a Buick Roadmaster w/ an LT-1, a/c comp is located in the same place as your 350 (upper pass. side above smog pump). Also the heads on these cars are iron which flow better than the aluminum heads on your donor motor.

TexasLT1

You want to show me some photos of that? Every LT1 I've seen either has the Vette style accessories or the F-Body style with the A/C compressor on the lower passenger side. Not to mention the cylinder head argument is dumb since they had a smaller cam, put out 260 hp, and the aluminum heads flow far more than the iron ones ever could when ported.

Klortho

Every Roadmaster, Caprice, or Caddy I have seen with an LT1 had the same accessories that the F-body ones did.

1st3rdgen23

I don't have any pics as of yet but i do have an LT-1 out of a '95 Roadmaster and the A/C comp. looks like it goes on the upper pass. side of the belt system (A/C comp is missing). what were the HP raings on the 92-97 Z-28's?... 300 HP. correct me if I'm wrong but can't you gain 40 HP with a computer upgrade and exhaust? if not there than definitely with a cam swap! so realistically with those 3 upgrades you're looking at a potential of 75-100 HP. can somone check my math... 260+75=335-360 HP. Hmmm interesting.[QUOTE]You want to show me some photos of that? Every LT1 I've seen either has the Vette style accessories or the F-Body style with the A/C compressor on the lower passenger side. Not to mention the cylinder head argument is dumb since they had a smaller cam, put out 260 hp, and the aluminum heads flow far more than the iron ones ever could when ported.

TexasLT1

thats where the alternator goes. A/C compressor goes on the bottom of the accessory bracket. check some of the photos on the swap guide in my signature if you want to see what I'm talking about.

F-Body's were "rated" at 275 hp, but there are plenty of dyno graphs posted across the internet with people getting that at the wheels in bone stock form. I've never seen 40 hp from a tune and full exhaust on an otherwise stock LT1. 30 hp MAYBE with headers/y-pipe and a catback. also, you're falling into the ***** mentality by adding up all the of single mods. With exhaust, a tune, and a decent cam, you might pick up 50-60hp over stock, but definitely not 100 hp from only a cam and exhaust.

Furthermore, the Caprice/Buick/Cadillac LT1's were "rated" at 260 HP and dyno charts from the reflect they were pretty accurate. They came with a smaller cam and while the heads do flow slighty better than the stock F-body variety, it doesn't matter when its at flow numbers above that of the stock cam. Also, the iron heads can't be ported as much as the aluminum ones can so its a moot point.

Look, I never intended to start a pissing match. I'm just pointing out that you got bad information and attempting to keep it from spreading.


*Edit* Here's the photo was I was talking about.