itsMikey

but lack the resources

i need someone with a welder and a couple hands to help out when i get around to getting this done. ill pay for any gas the welder needs. (for exhaust etc)

wont be keeping the a/c, so no need to notch the stock Kmember..

but what else do i need? the LS1 im getting is out of a 98 TA and ill be getting everything i need, including the accessory's and injectors, manifolds and such.

things i can think of off hand i think ill need/want
LSX Swap Motor Mounts
LSX Swap Harness

dont need em but i want the corvette covers

what else do i need for a bare bones stock LS1 swap?

Mikey

Grey Goose

PM TPITERR, he's the resident specialist on LSX swaps

itsMikey

i THINK, not sure..but i think hes doing a swap right now on a white camaro...ill PM him right now tho
thanks Mike

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

Why would you want to hack up a nice car like that with a cobble job ugly motor?

There are other ways you know.

Sorry if that steps on anyones toes, but that's the way I feel.

There are major issues you will have to deal with including the instrument cluster.

When you get all done, what can you say "WOW! I have an LSX"..... big deal.

itsMikey

fixed lol

but in all seriousness, i want to do it for experiance as this will be my first swap AND im getting the LS for free...so i really cant beat that.

Grey Goose

itsMikey

lol -_-

and the whole emmisions thing doesent bother me. . .

BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

Hey Mike
Don't be mean pass over some popcorn lol

Also Mikey
If u do plan on doing a LSX, I won't mind giving u a hand... in fact I think I would benifit from it... who knows I mite go LSX someday but for now going to stay SBC
And on the motor not a bad deal u got even for free lol


Valentin

itsMikey

yeah lol..thats what im sayin
and that'd be awsome if i could get everyone i could out once i start this..

TPI TERR

iTrader: (9)

Nice..I just got ur pm. Ill have to say it can be time consuming but having the parts together it can be done... the engine on the white iroc has been waiting to be mated to a t56.. its best to get it done right..

I can guide you with this swap... its not as hard as the tpi guys think it is.. I think I might of left a biased impression since I did more than just a engine swap. The pictures on my thread demonstrate that It involved a lot of wiring mainly for the dash swap. Ac heater lighting evap and new wiring etc... the swap can be simple and only those who have experienced with lsx will be able to support that... as u can see both of the grey third gens from caligenenarals accomplished their swap with adding the 4th gen cluster.. same as ramair21 the first one I saw with a 3rd gen dash

It can be done at a budget price. Ls1tech classifieds are full of deals for parts
Anyways ull love the weight reduction, gas mileage, performance, and reliability...
The lsx platform is far more advanced than the tpi/lt1and awalys be more superior from my perspective and experience..everyone has different opinions

Grey Goose

Mikey do your research, get all of your parts/wiring together, and when you’re ready to R & R both motors let me know. We can have a club mod day & BBQ wherever you are going to be doing the swap. A couple cases of soda, 10-15lbs of carne asada, and some tortillas is more than enough to get a group of gear heads over to the pad to take part in an LSX swap and turn wrenches

itsMikey

thank you sir gonna check out ur thread now..
so it IS possible to make the 3rd gen cluster work with the LS? or should i just get a 4th gen dash?

itsMikey

that'd be awsome Mike..my house or my grandmas house would be perfect for bbq'ing..my grandparents love having people over...just dont know if they'd wanna give up the garage space cuz they have a C4 and a Z4 -_- lol...
and ill provide all the carne and soda...my dad loves bbq'ing and im sure he could wip up some awsome carne asada

ringo234

maybe you should change your screen name LS1 TERR. Just saying.

Grey Goose

ByByTPI, TPI EATR, WHTS TPI, etc… Yup there plenty of personalized plates / screen names that would work well for an LSX swap

itsMikey

lol...

so...spohn mounts are good?

TPI TERR

iTrader: (9)

Who ever is able to take care of that .. that would be okay. Never looked in to it



My old cammed modded tpi once terrorized the streets at my hometown until a bone stock ls1 ws6 came around..

Z28FAST1

^^^Lol, RIP TPI was already taken.

Mike, a parts list of what you have already would be helpful.

Me and TPI TERR built our cars in our driveways except for the y-pipe because we dont have a welder other than that its not too difficult.

Not to step on anyone's toes but once you're done you'll be happy and that's all that matters. I'm pretty satisfied with my build and don't just say "Wow I have an LSX" I say wow
I'm not a mechanic nor do I own m own shop but my daily driver smoked 98% of the so cal TPI builds @ LA Invasion. First time at the 1/4 mile with a lot left on the table as evidenced by my trap speed and weak 60ft times. (Flame suit on)

Grey Goose

Ladies and gentlemen please make sure your seat belts are buckled, seats and tray tables are in the upright position, and keep your arms and legs inside... HERE WE GO!

Z28FAST1

Haha, it's my duty to defend my money pit!!!

Don't get me wrong TPI’s are impressive for what they are, 1980’s technology. The fact that some people use ingenuity to make almost 400rwhp N/A with TPI’s is borderline unbelievable.

I give the TPI credit but the "TPI Cult" members are in denial of technological advances. A bit ironic, its ok to swap in better 4th gen rear ends, better 4th gen transmissions(T56/4L60), better 4th gen brakes(and vette brakes), better 4th gen seats, better 4th gen wheels(and vette wheels) but god forbid you swap in an LSX for your tired, leaky, and outdated TPI??

KNBlazer

I'll be the supervisor... HEY DROP THAT TACO, GET BACK UNDER THE CAR...

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

"my daily driver smoked 98% of the so cal TPI builds @ LA Invasion."

Vincent is going to whip on you like the Ace of Spades and the Jack of Clubs.

morganrush1974

Man this sucks mikey is putting in a LS1 im BARELY putting in a TPI with a T-5 I did get it for free though! But hey make the date ill bring my fluke and my laptop with ALLDATA on it if it would help.......... hey mike were is my popcorn????......... and dancing banannas?

Pablo

iTrader: (1)

Put me in line to buy up all the LS1 swap parts when you lose interest/motivation/ or realize you are in over your head

I wouldn't say a full on engine swap to a different type of engine is the best place to start learning how to turn wrenches and chase wires.

vtwinsroc

iTrader: (1)

I love the look of the off the line power of an tpi but the the hp, gas mileage,parts that are out there for an ls1 . I always bang the tpi drum , to all my ls1 peeps I know they make lots of power when you know what your doing ,Vincent's car is great seen it when it was the stock motor . then drove by it when he put his modded motor and it sounded bad@$$. I have an 98 ls1 that's fun to drive and will one day put an ls1 or lq9 in my 86 iroc not an diss on the tpi just can't have two money pits. for the cash ls1 it would be cheaper for me have two on my stands and my tpi is an 5.0 so get the eng then mod it. Mikey got his for ffrrreee you can't beat that I'm down to help out mikey.

TPI TERR

iTrader: (9)

agreed..

i personally think its unique to find a ls1 in different types of cars such as the imports ex s200s 350z and now even german cars.. well i find it interesting that people use gm parts on other cars.

what do u guys think about ls powered c4s? and 80's cars, trucks, el caminos etc?

what do you guys think about gmpp big blocks?

its a bit different here with the 3rd gens..
seems like people are getting offended..

godreject

iTrader: (1)

I agree it is unique to see ls1's in imports, European cars, just like it was unique to see ls1 swap in GM cars a few years ago. With more and more people going ls1 route it is no longer unique and the wow factor is no longer there. In the end it all depends on how deep your wallet is and how much of the work you can do yourself.

thegooseman

Where are you getting the motor from? What condition is it in? How many miles are on it? It’s cool that you’re getting the motor and transmission for free but I still wouldn’t want to put in a 98 LS1 in my car. 98's have a few things going against them.

Even though the heads outflow any stock sbc head they are one of the worst flowing heads for LS motors, plus they are perimeter bolt and not center bolt heads. It has individual coil packs rather than the single rack. (I worded that weird but lsx people will know what I’m talking about with that)The computer is harder to tune than the later models. The block also has smaller oil passages compared to later ls1 blocks and can’t handle as much hp. (that’s if you get that high) And the plain Jane ls1 intake. A stock 98 motor realistically has about 270 rwhp. It’s the 01-02's are the motors that put down 320 rwhp stock. Those are the ls1’s you want to swap in your car.

Now the flaws with the 98 can be easily fixed. The heads can be fixed by getting 241 heads or even getting 5.3 heads. With those you get to raise the compression. Get newer coil packs or do a cheap upgrade by getting the truck coil packs. You can find a used LS6 intake, and for the computer you can find a 99 or later computer and harness.

Even though you’re getting the motor for free, to make it perform the way you want you will have to fix those early drawbacks, and the money adds up.

I’m looking at it this way. From what I have seen you have a clean low millage GTA. It already came with a 350 and the Tuned Port Injection setup. You already have a good foundation to start with. If your car was a 305 TBI or worse a v6 the ls swap would be the definite way to go. Bill with literally heads, cam, and intake (with supporting mods) put down 397 rwhp on his stock bottom end. And he just passed smog with his setup. As I listed above, in order to get the power you want you will needs a heads, cam, and intake for that 98. For the money you would spend on the whole swap you can just mod what you already have. Keep in mind I know the motor is free.

Moving on to the interior, I love the thirdgen interior. Not saying it’s the highest of quality or luxurious but it in itself is unique. To swap out a good thirdgen interior for a fourthgen interior I don’t think is worth it. Unless your current interior messed up. I like the fourthgen interior but I wouldn’t swap it in unless I really had to.

All my buddies I hang out with all drive ls1’s. They are fast and awesome cars that put down anywhere between 360-400 rwhp, but all of them have longtubes and have to pay somebody under the table to get smoged. Lee doesn’t but his is stock motor that puts down 320 with supporting mods. (A very fast car by the way)
If you believe you can do an ls swap the right way and not half assed for cheap and you don’t care about smog then go for it. But look at all your options first before you do it.
-Tony
p.s.
If you’re getting the motor and trans for free sell it and make some money! Use the money towards a 01-02 ls1 instead.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

itsMikey

getting the motor from my dad with 100,xxx miles on it. Took really good care with the maintainance ever since we got it. not getting the tranny..just gonna build my 700R4 up..

the 98 LS1 problems dont really scare me TOO much. im not looking for gobs of power out of this thing. my dad had a 98 white trans am a while back that ran 11.2 NA with just bolt ons, heads and cam with straight headers..thats good enough for me

but i could MAYBE, sell the LS1 and my L98 and get a C5 ls1 or any LSX from 2001-current if the price is right...better choice?

my interior is great besides the front seats, everything else looks awsome tho...my dash isnt cracked at all

the 241 heads are what my dad had on the old 98 IIRC...

so...what do you guys think i should do? its just gonna be a fun street car...im not trying to make it fly or anything..just looking for low 12's

thegooseman

That’s cool your getting your dads old motor. Will it come with all the accessories, or is your dad going to use it for his new motor?

For the transmission I would look for a 4l60e and not waste your time with the 700r4. Yes they are damn near the same thing but having the electronic tranny will accommodate the ls1 a lot more. Plus for the price to build up that transmission you can just buy a new one. Check out Xtreme Performance Transmissions and ask for Johnny (310)539-1239. He is located on 1911 Pacific Coast Hwy. Lomita, CA 90717

I've read that c5 ls1's are harder to swap in. They are drive by wire and the accessories are different. To your question earlier about your gauges, you can make them work. You just need to get a converter box. A couple months ago GMHTP had a lsx swap guide into a thirdgen. I think my buddy still has his.

It sounds like you have a good thing going for you. For what you said you want, you can swap it in with a small cam and just call it a day.

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

Just food for thought.....

JerryWho has (for sale)
A SuperRam ported
Edelbrock base and runners, add a set of AFR 195 eliminators, a Comp cam and cold air intake using your stock L98 block "bingo" you will have a 360+RWHP daily driver that will pass smog, get 20+ MPG on the Hwy run 12's in the 1/4 mile.

itsMikey

yeah, all the accesories are coming with it. If i were to build the 700R4, id get the parts and labor for free.

and yeah, heads cam, water pump, CAI etc...little things

we'll see tho...but i think the the 98 LS1 would be enough power for me once i get the already said mods.

thanks for the tranny recomendation tho appreciate all the insight/advice

itsMikey

already have a CAI and doesent the LS get 30+ mpg if u rub it the right way?

again, wouldent get the experience and im getting the LS for free...

thegooseman

He does? What does he want for the AFR's?

thegooseman

The manuals get the 30+ mpg's. Auto's get 25 to 28 depending on the mods you have. Which is still really good.

itsMikey

ah i see...
well...the motor is still free and i want to do it.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

From what I have seen just a straight LS1 swap is good for 13.5's in a car such as yours. You will need a couple of mods to get into the 12's which can be done easily enough. It's only money.

itsMikey

13.5's is better than 14.9's haha

and yeah...money
lol

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

Well ok, then do this:

Write on a piece of paper, I got an LS1 for free and everybody says it's a piece of cake to install in my car in my driveway. Put it away in a drawer somewhere.

Then someday when you need a good laugh dig it out and read it.

morganrush1974

VincentZ28

iTrader: (2)

See right there you're screwing up. Your 700r4 will not bolt up to the LSx engine. Different bolt pattern and the mounting case is different. You have to use the 4L60 trans.

One day I will race those guys with the LSx engines in their 3gens and put a good spanking on them with my old a$$ TPI.

Guest

Yes it will bolt up.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

"One day I will race those guys with the LSx engines in their 3gens and put a good spanking on them with my old a$$ TPI."

Hehehehe. Go Vincent Go. Show them how its done.

JMR

why try to discourage every lsx project that so-cal members plan
is his money, his time and his sweat
just saying!!!

and keep this in mind, tpi terr is in his early twenties and HAS done every swap at home, so it is possible just like a 400hp tpi engine.

vtwinsroc

iTrader: (1)

[QUOTE=thegooseman;4723181]Where are you getting the motor from? What condition is it in? How many miles are on it? It’s cool that you’re getting the motor and transmission for free but I still wouldn’t want to put in a 98 LS1 in my car. 98's have a few things going against them.

Even though the heads outflow any stock sbc head they are one of the worst flowing heads for LS motors, plus they are perimeter bolt and not center bolt heads. It has individual coil packs rather than the single rack. (I worded that weird but lsx people will know what I’m talking about with that)The computer is harder to tune than the later models. The block also has smaller oil passages compared to later ls1 blocks and can’t handle as much hp. (that’s if you get that high) And the plain Jane ls1 intake. A stock 98 motor realistically has about 270 rwhp. It’s the 01-02's are the motors that put down 320 rwhp stock. Those are the ls1’s you want to swap in your car.

Now the flaws with the 98 can be easily fixed. The heads can be fixed by getting 241 heads or even getting 5.3 heads. With those you get to raise the compression. Get newer coil packs or do a cheap upgrade by getting the truck coil packs. You can find a used LS6 intake, and for the computer you can find a 99 or later computer and harness.

Even though you’re getting the motor for free, to make it perform the way you want you will have to fix those early drawbacks, and the money adds up.
Keep in mind I know the motor is free.

I changed alot of the stuff that's wrong with the 98 I got the oil passages bored out. went to 241s ,ls6 intake and got a 00 pcm and harness got truckcoil packs and spent around 1000 now car the feels great . you can do these mods one at a time, they have an spacer that they sell on ebay for an stock ls1 flywheel to 700r4. if my car was an stock 350 I would just mod it one step at a time . sell the ls1 then get an intake.

Z28FAST1

It’s understandable, TPI’s are his bread and butter. Given the current and growing popularity of LSX swaps I don’t understand why a reputable shop like his hasn’t tapped into the market?

BTW I also think its funny how the this thread was about advice on on LS1 swap and automatically every member of the TPI Cult jumped in to intervene

Love the competition buddy, see you at LA Invasion?

Oh snap, LSX swap in a driveway:

captain_camaro

Dont worry pal i actually did a tpi conversion as well a t5 from auto...im excited n u should too...i mean havin an ls1 would be pretty sick...buuuut me, i just want a car with power..not like exagerated hp for what? The streets aren't race tracks, there's pigs everywhere (no offence to any law enforcement ) and theyre hiding in every corner..i mean psh! If i could...screw the ls1 i would get a 454 or a 502off a 93 chevy 3500...but hey!! evryone has their own likes for their personal comfort...im cool with my 305 tpi conversion as well a manual conversion...had fun doing it n ill enjoy the ride

captain_camaro

Good luck Mikey keep me updated

itsMikey

will do bro haha..

so many haters
how bout this, you do you, and ill do me i asked for advice and i appreciate all the input but i have my heart set on an LS1 swap...

and im pretty sure the 700R4 will bolt right up...

and yeah ill be sad when i get this in and vince spanks me lol...that'll be a sad day for mikey