OBS rcsb TBI to LT1 swap

[g9m3c]

Just bought the donor car 4 days ago. It's a 1997 Formula Firebird with the LT1/4L60E and 120,000 miles on it. :rocking: Keep in mind that this will also be an OBD1 to OBD2 swap as well. Right now the plans for the engine are just to rebuild it, gasket match the intake and heads, throw a nice cam in it (undecided on which one......need suggestions), a 52mm throttle body, and a pcm tune. It will also have all the proper bolt ons: LT's with a true dual exhaust, custom cold air intake, msd coil, nice plug wires, etc. etc. I also already have electric fans, so that's one project I won't have to worry about. I will probably opt for some other mods on down the road, but for now, I'm trying to keep the expenses as low as possible. The throttle body was damaged during the wreck, so I've already taken it off and got the stuff off of it that I need. I've started taking stuff loose and out of the engine compartment in preparation for taking the engine/trans out. I'm a little overwhelmed with the wiring at this point though. I'm just labeling everything I take off and hope to sort it out after I get it out and can take a good look at it all. I'll try to get some pics up in the next day or so because I only have the one I took with my cell phone the day I got it.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/DSC00030.jpg

Does anyone know what the computer under the passenger side frame rail at the front of the engine compartment would be for? It's about half the size of the pcm and is aluminum. It's right near all the smog stuff, so I'm hoping it has something to do with that and can be eliminated. I was just hoping someone knew what it was to solve my curiosity before I tear into the harnesses and figure it out.


I am planning to type a very in depth guide to the swap as I go along. I am positive it is going to teach me a lot, because it is very overwhelming at this point. I hope to pass that knowledge onto fellow FSC'ers. :cool:

[tatoodkelt]

I will definitely be following this. My dad has an LT1 from his 92 Vette sitting in the garage. I was thinking about finding it a new home.

[Black90Sport]

tatoodkelt you should sell it to me. looks awesome ill probably b following you in this move come next winter. ill b watching make sure you document it all really well so its easy for me hahaha.

[g9m3c]

tatoodkelt you should sell it to me. looks awesome ill probably b following you in this move come next winter. ill b watching make sure you document it all really well so its easy for me hahaha.

I always gotta spell it out for ya don't I??? :lol:







j/k

[IH8FORD]

this is awesome i cant wait to see more progress

[Black90Sport]

I always gotta spell it out for ya don't I??? :lol:







j/k

not always but most the time yes. :mushy:

[g9m3c]

:mushy:

:nono:

this is awesome i cant wait to see more progress

Me too! :lol:

[CemeteryRoad]

I'm in the process of swapping an LT1 into my Blazer right now. What are you doing about the wiring? I've got my harness laying on the floor right now, scratching my head trying to figure out what wires to cut

[CemeteryRoad]

On a side note, Why are using OBD2? You are switching the cam so you are going to have to tune the ecu anyways. Why not just switch to an OBD1 ecu and not worry about what the bcm controls

Just a thought...

[tatoodkelt]

tatoodkelt you should sell it to me. looks awesome ill probably b following you in this move come next winter. ill b watching make sure you document it all really well so its easy for me hahaha.

Nice try, lol. I meant find it a new home in one of my trucks!

It's just the motor though so I would need to find a wiring harness for it still.

[g9m3c]

On a side note, Why are using OBD2? You are switching the cam so you are going to have to tune the ecu anyways. Why not just switch to an OBD1 ecu and not worry about what the bcm controls

Just a thought...

Because the car that the engine and trans are in right now is OBD2. Plus, I haven't seen an OBD2 LT1 swap, so I plan on taking the challenge.

[91blkstpsd]

I'm in the process of swapping an LT1 into my Blazer right now. What are you doing about the wiring? I've got my harness laying on the floor right now, scratching my head trying to figure out what wires to cut

The wiring isnt as bad as it looks. I felt the same way starting out. One thing that should help is to label all connections then once you have you engine in the vehicle, start laying on the harness and plugging in everything you will use. Once this is done you can start pulling wires that you wont need. ie EGR, smog, etc. To tap into your vehicles harness you will need to locate a few main wires. Fuel pump prime, alt turn on, and a few powers. Also I took the factory distribution block on the firewall and cut it in half. Label one side as B+(constant 12v) and the other side as Switched. This is where you will run all your power wires to. Ill post some pics of what Im talking about. Anyways, Im getting carrried away. haha Here is you a start. Good luck

[g9m3c]

Just placed my first parts order for the beast. 52mm throttle body, spark plugs, and an LT1 overhaul spec book. :lol: Gotta start somewhere, right? I'm gunna be going over to the shop to work on it again tomorrow. I should be able to get some of the wiring figured out, and I'm cutting off the front section of the car to make it easier to pull the motor. :eek: :hack: The body's total trash anyway. :lol: I'll be sure to get some good pics of the progress. :bowtie:

[Black90Sport]

hey man seems i might b following sooner then later... but i probably wont even start buyin parts or makin plans til late summer.

[91blkstpsd]

Hey man, just a tip to help on the budget thing. Check ebay for good used parts. I got my 52mm TB ,LT4 HOTCAM,ac delete pulley, and some other various parts. Just make sure to check them out thoroughly first. Parts like these dont wear out easily.

And to answer your PM, I ditched all the EGR, smog, and emissions junk. I live in TN, who cares about HP robbing emissions! lol

[CemeteryRoad]

Plus, I haven't seen an OBD2 LT1 swap, so I plan on taking the challenge.



Good enough reason for me. Have fun with your swap.

[CemeteryRoad]

The wiring isnt as bad as it looks.

I can see that now. I labeled most of the wires and she doesn't look so bad now. Tomorrow I'm just going to lay out the wiring in teh truck and see where I get stuck.

[g9m3c]

Hey man, just a tip to help on the budget thing. Check ebay for good used parts. I got my 52mm TB ,LT4 HOTCAM,ac delete pulley, and some other various parts. Just make sure to check them out thoroughly first. Parts like these dont wear out easily.

And to answer your PM, I ditched all the EGR, smog, and emissions junk. I live in TN, who cares about HP robbing emissions! lol

:word: Alabama's the same way......screw it.

[91blkstpsd]

I can see that now. I labeled most of the wires and she doesn't look so bad now. Tomorrow I'm just going to lay out the wiring in the truck and see where I get stuck..
Like I was tellin g9m3c that you should check out www.shbox.com for all the wiring schematics and pin outs. They are an excellent source of help on there. Also shows tech, how-tos, and locations of all components and wiring.

[g9m3c]

I'm going to take some pics of all the various sensors, switches, (whatever the heck they are), that connect to the bagillion vacuum hoses all over the engine. Hopefully some of you can help me figure out what they all are and if I need to keep or get rid of them. If I can get all that crap out of the way, then everything will be SO much simpler, cleaner, and overall better in the end. :bowtie: In the tune, so far I'm definitely going to be deleting the VATS, rear o2's, EGR, AIR, EVAP(I think?), and whatever it needs to delete the cats too. Plus the changes for all my mods. Anything else you think I might need to do with it? I'm going to use the Trifecta Performance GT tuner deal; they're sponsors of this site as well as ls1lt1. :cool:

[Black90Sport]

sounds like ur doin some good work.. keep it up.

[g9m3c]

Here are some pics of the progress. I think this smilie fits best: :hack:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0127.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0130.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0129.jpg

I don't think I'll have a problem getting to and around the motor now do you? :lol:

Here's a few showing around the motor.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0143.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0140.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0141.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0142.jpg

[Black90Sport]

looks good! get that sucker pulled out!

[g9m3c]

And here's where I need some help from you. I need to know what these little buggers are, what they do, and if I can ditch them or not.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0134.jpg
^Pretty sure that's egr related

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0136.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0137.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0138.jpg

And here are some vacuum (I'm guessing they're vacuum) hoses that were either broke or loose and not connected. I need to know where they go or if I can rip em off.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0131.jpg
^2 open ports?
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0133.jpg
^Broke off of somewhere
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0132.jpg

^That one is coming from the little sensor or whatever it is in the 2nd picture in this post.

[g9m3c]

I can probably figure out where all these things go by looking at the sticker on the stock radiator shroud. I guess I should take a good picture of it where I can look at it when I need to. But I still need to know if I can do away with all of that crap or not.

[jimmy_dong]

dont forget to delete v.a.t.s or it will never start. step up to a cc306 or gm847 cam. cc503 is good to. major gains there. if you want to run the stock converter then just stick with a hotcam setup. idle it low and with cutouts, lt's sound good with open cutouts btw. port the heads and intake to take advantage of the TB and you will have a hand full of steering wheel and a smile 2 lanes wide. i am still trying to figure out the wiring also but i am doing an obd1 so mad props to you for tackling a obd2.

[g9m3c]

dont forget to delete v.a.t.s or it will never start. step up to a cc306 or gm847 cam. cc503 is good to. major gains there. if you want to run the stock converter then just stick with a hotcam setup. idle it low and with cutouts, lt's sound good with open cutouts btw. port the heads and intake to take advantage of the TB and you will have a hand full of steering wheel and a smile 2 lanes wide. i am still trying to figure out the wiring also but i am doing an obd1 so mad props to you for tackling a obd2.

We'll see if I can do it before we dish out the mad props. :lol: Yea, I knew the VATS had to go. I am thinking about the Crane 227 cam right now, by the responses on ls1lt1.com. The specs are: 210 / 224, .479 / .518 on a 112 LSA. If I go with 1.6 rockers, it'll be .511 and .553 lift. "Known to be a torque monster with great drivability. Held a cam-only record for quite some time."

Here's an idle vid of that cam. http://www.margemason.com/mek/hostfiles/TA_Idle030808.wmv

[Black90Sport]

sounds like a pretty weak idle to me.... hahaha. just kidding

[91blkstpsd]

dont forget to delete v.a.t.s or it will never start. step up to a cc306 or gm847 cam. cc503 is good to. major gains there. if you want to run the stock converter then just stick with a hotcam setup. idle it low and with cutouts, lt's sound good with open cutouts btw. port the heads and intake to take advantage of the TB and you will have a hand full of steering wheel and a smile 2 lanes wide. i am still trying to figure out the wiring also but i am doing an obd1 so mad props to you for tackling a obd2.

I know, wish I would have ported mine while it was off. And the 503 is about the biggest badest cam for the stock heads. Im getting it for my RX7 project. And keep the O2, you will need them.IMO Mine wouldnt run worth crap until I had them properly mounted in the exhaust pipe.

[g9m3c]

I know, wish I would have ported mine while it was off. And the 503 is about the biggest badest cam for the stock heads. Im getting it for my RX7 project. And keep the O2, you will need them.IMO Mine wouldnt run worth crap until I had them properly mounted in the exhaust pipe.

That's what I was thinking. Did you delete the rears and just keep the front 2?

EDIT: Nevermind, I keep forgetting yours is OBD1.

[g9m3c]

I got it sorta figured out thanks to a member over at ls1lt1. In the post above with the pictures,


Pic 1: Air Diverter Valve for air pump.
Pic 2: Vacuum Solenoid
Pic 3: Evap Canister
Pic 4: Evap Purge Solenoid Valve
Pic 5: Opti vent hose...Keep!
Pic 6: EDIT: If that hose was bundled with the fuel lines, then its a vacuum hose for the Evap Canister, otherwise, idk???
Pic 7: Vacuum hose to vacuum solenoid.

Keep #5 for sure. I "think" you can cap off and remove #1, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7 but you will need them tuned out.

:cool:

[Black90Sport]

looks like youve made the right friends.... sadly i had to give up on my idea of the lt1 for now because i got no response from my only lead.

[91blkstpsd]

That's what I was thinking. Did you delete the rears and just keep the front 2?

EDIT: Nevermind, I keep forgetting yours is OBD1.
:cool:

I got it sorta figured out thanks to a member over at ls1lt1. In the post above with the pictures,


Pic 1: Air Diverter Valve for air pump.
Pic 2: Vacuum Solenoid
Pic 3: Evap Canister
Pic 4: Evap Purge Solenoid Valve
Pic 5: Opti vent hose...Keep!
Pic 6: EDIT: If that hose was bundled with the fuel lines, then its a vacuum hose for the Evap Canister, otherwise, idk???
Pic 7: Vacuum hose to vacuum solenoid.

Keep #5 for sure. I "think" you can cap off and remove #1, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7 but you will need them tuned out.



Sounds good to me. And yes, def keep the opti vent. Use good vaccum caps on those others where they connect to the intake, need to keep the correct amount of vaccum for that engine.

Im sure glad Im past that point! lol And those engine look like @#$% in an F-body. Too crowded and too much garbage on them. Make yours nice and clean when you tear it down. It will be frustrating, dicouraging, and the like but just keep on it and it will be worth it.

[91blkstpsd]

Oh and when you get ready, the power steering lines from a caprice or impala LT1 will work and fit into your gearbox. Keep the power steering reservoir and hoses attached to the pump, you will probably reuse them later.

Start pulling off extra junk and listing on ebay! I sold the front harness for like $40, manifolds $30, stock TB $25, stock plug wires and coil, I even sold the dang smog pump and EGR on ebay! Every dollar you can make back will help you out. IMO

[g9m3c]

Oh and when you get ready, the power steering lines from a caprice or impala LT1 will work and fit into your gearbox. Keep the power steering reservoir and hoses attached to the pump, you will probably reuse them later.

Start pulling off extra junk and listing on ebay! I sold the front harness for like $40, manifolds $30, stock TB $25, stock plug wires and coil, I even sold the dang smog pump and EGR on ebay! Every dollar you can make back will help you out. IMO

Yea I heard about the Caprice and Impala hoses. What did you do with the reservoir? Did you mount one out of an F-body like the one I have or what?

[91blkstpsd]

Yeah, but its just temporary until I can locate a nice fabbed alum one. I took the stock bracket that hold the intake tube on the inner fender and welded a bracket to it to hold the reservoir. Ill try and get you a pic soon. It was quick and didnt cost me anything.

[g9m3c]

Yeah, but its just temporary until I can locate a nice fabbed alum one. I took the stock bracket that hold the intake tube on the inner fender and welded a bracket to it to hold the reservoir. Ill try and get you a pic soon. It was quick and didnt cost me anything.

Alright, thanks a lot. And I'm guessing these power steering lines will be extremely long huh?

[91blkstpsd]

Alright, thanks a lot. And I'm guessing these power steering lines will be extremely long huh?

The F-body ones? They are actually shorter than the trucks because of the location of the gearbox. And I think the reservior im using is off a v6 car because it didnt come with one so I dug it out of the junk yard. Either way you can still make a bracket to use it.
Here is a pic of how I just used what I had for the steering tank. Excuse the filthiness. lol
And remember its just temporary!
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q153/91blkstpsd/MY%20TRUCK/DSC02107.jpg

[DjLunchbox]

i'm ending up having to have some new PS lines made for mine. the ones that are on it just don't look that good

[91blkstpsd]

i'm ending up having to have some new PS lines made for mine. the ones that are on it just don't look that good
You have any pics of your engine bay and stuff?

[lt1rx798]

i have an lt1 in my '86 sierra and my rx7, and im pretty sure they are both obd2. they both have the trapazoid data port wired in.

i also have all accessories/ harness/ computer from a ss impala.
i also have a complete lt1 from a camaro that needs a head gasket. the motor was running fine, just getting a little water in one of the cylinders if anyone needs any of it.

-oh, and a 4l60e w 48k miles too.

i will be listing the stuff after i get the truck running again.

[DjLunchbox]

You have any pics of your engine bay and stuff?

only a few on this computer. old ones

this is during the build (bagging it)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v176/djlunchbox/DSCN0583.jpg

sloppy and sub par IMO. this is my spring project. sorry bout the thread jack.

[91blkstpsd]

Good deal. I just made myself learn patience when doing teh swap so I could keep things clean and hidden best I could. I still need to tidy up some of mine too. I had to lenghten a few wires and get longer hoses for some stuff but its worth it to me. Post up some pics when you start working on it.

[g9m3c]

I was talking about the Caprice hoses you said would work. Being that the pump is on the right side of the motor, and the box is on the left framerail I'm guessing they're really long? Do they run under the front accesories or how do they get over to the box?

[91blkstpsd]

I was talking about the Caprice hoses you said would work. Being that the pump is on the right side of the motor, and the box is on the left framerail I'm guessing they're really long? Do they run under the front accesories or how do they get over to the box?
Oh ok. Yeah, they go low under or in front of the engine and accessories. Ill get ya a pic of those too if you want.

[g9m3c]

Oh ok. Yeah, they go low under or in front of the engine and accessories. Ill get ya a pic of those too if you want.

Nah that's alright, I just wanted to know where they ran. I guess I might as well go ahead and pick those up too. I'm just gunna start buying stuff here and there for the swap. I'm hoping for a mid to late summer install. :cool:

I got my 52mm throttle body in today. I painted the linkages and stuff on it and I'm gunna do a little porting on it before I'm done. I also sanded smooth the top plate on it and gave it a brushed finish. I may get a decal made for it later on, but it looks pretty good the way it is now. I'll try and get a pic or two of it in a day or so.

[91blkstpsd]

Nah that's alright, I just wanted to know where they ran. I guess I might as well go ahead and pick those up too. I'm just gunna start buying stuff here and there for the swap. I'm hoping for a mid to late summer install.

I got my 52mm throttle body in today. I painted the linkages and stuff on it and I'm gunna do a little porting on it before I'm done. I also sanded smooth the top plate on it and gave it a brushed finish. I may get a decal made for it later on, but it looks pretty good the way it is now. I'll try and get a pic or two of it in a day or so.


No need to port that TB. The stock ones are good for close to 400 HP and its only a 48mm. What brand did you go with?

[91blkstpsd]

Here is a pic showing how I did the distribution block.
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q153/91blkstpsd/MY%20TRUCK/DSC02144.jpg

[g9m3c]

No need to port that TB. The stock ones are good for close to 400 HP and its only a 48mm. What brand did you go with?

It's the Summit brand 52mm. It isn't nearly as smooth as the BBK. The air foil and bores share a sharp corner. I'm just gunna radius it a little bit. I'll get some pics up tonight hopefully.

[91blkstpsd]

It's the Summit brand 52mm. It isn't nearly as smooth as the BBK. The air foil and bores share a sharp corner. I'm just gunna radius it a little bit. I'll get some pics up tonight hopefully.

Oh ok, I thought you were actually porting it out bigger but youre just smoothing it out for better flow. Gotcha.

[g9m3c]

Here's why I'm porting it.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0144.jpg

And here's why I had to buy a new one. :lol:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0151.jpg

[g9m3c]

I was thinking about putting the Corvette fuel rail covers on it and painting them the color of my truck with silver letters. I thought it would look good, and it turns out I was right. I'm definitely gunna do this!

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/photopost/direct_data/1050/medium/All_American_001.jpg

:bowtie:

And for the throttle body plate, I just so happen to have a friend with a vinyl cutter, and he's making me a decal like this.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/decal3.jpg

Should match the fuel rail covers pretty good. :cool:

[Black90Sport]

its gonna look great.

[91blkstpsd]

Here's why I'm porting it.
:word: Yeah thats not a bad idea. Dunno why they didnt radius that more. I like the design of the Holley one best but I got my BBK cheap. Also those fuel rail covers will look tight painted the body color. Are you going to powdercoat your intake or leave it plain? If anything i would at least go with an aluminum finish, I hate trying to clean old cast material when it gets dirty. IMO Maybe do it like that and paint the fins body color too?
Are you going for a nice clean, show engine or more of a race look? I think a set of billet ball milled valve covers would look great on it.

[g9m3c]

:word: Yeah thats not a bad idea. Dunno why they didnt radius that more. I like the design of the Holley one best but I got my BBK cheap. Also those fuel rail covers will look tight painted the body color. Are you going to powdercoat your intake or leave it plain? If anything i would at least go with an aluminum finish, I hate trying to clean old cast material when it gets dirty. IMO Maybe do it like that and paint the fins body color too?
Are you going for a nice clean, show engine or more of a race look? I think a set of billet ball milled valve covers would look great on it.

Yea I have a set of ball milled valve covers on my truck now that I'm hoping will fit. I haven't really decided on the intake. I was going to paint it maroon too and polish the fins, but I'm thinking maybe that will be too much maroon. I guess we'll see.

[g9m3c]

My buddy just brought my decals over so I finished smoothing and polishing the tb plate and put one of em on. Sorry for the crappy pic, it really looks awesome in person. :cool:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0157.jpg

[Black90Sport]

wheres the other pics? that looks awesome!

[lt1rx798]

do they look like these? they were polished when i got em, but they started to discolor and i hate polishing.
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h173/lt1rx798/IMG_0577.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h173/lt1rx798/IMG_0578.jpg

[stock4now90]

this is all helpful for me and keep up on the sweet post. i just picked up a obd1 lt1 out of a corvette for 500 bucks. it was i a friends s-10 and he already did away with the uneccesary stuff on it so im hoping it will be easy

[g9m3c]

do they look like these? they were polished when i got em, but they started to discolor and i hate polishing.


What you talkin bout? The valve covers?

[g9m3c]

Getting closer to tearing this thing out! :hack: I didn't get to work on it much yesterday but I got a few things done. Here are some progress pics.


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0168.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0170.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/101_0169.jpg

The next things to do are cut the exhaust off, take the wiring harness apart and get it to where it can be taken out with the engine (easier said than done), and then actually take it out. Not a whole lot left to do guys, then the buildup starts! :rocking:

[kenman1717]

The F-body ones? They are actually shorter than the trucks because of the location of the gearbox. And I think the reservior im using is off a v6 car because it didnt come with one so I dug it out of the junk yard. Either way you can still make a bracket to use it.
Here is a pic of how I just used what I had for the steering tank. Excuse the filthiness. lol
And remember its just temporary!
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q153/91blkstpsd/MY%20TRUCK/DSC02107.jpg

isn't that bracket, what held the factory breather tube from the airfilter, when it would of had the original engine.

[g9m3c]

isn't that bracket, what held the factory breather tube from the airfilter, when it would of had the original engine.

Yep, he modified the factory silencer box mount.

[Black90Sport]

good stuff man! im sure ur excited to get it pulled all the way out

[91blkstpsd]

isn't that bracket, what held the factory breather tube from the airfilter, when it would of had the original engine.

Yep, he modified the factory silencer box mount.
Yeah but its just temporary. Will make something better later on but it works for now.

[g9m3c]

I bet you guys thought I had given up. :lol: Haven't really been doing anything exciting here lately. I'm getting into the wiring right now, trying to scrap what I can now to make it less of a mess when I bring the engine and tranny out. There are 4 connectors of wires going to the PCM, each with about 20 wires. I've got 2 of them done so far, and I hope I can tackle the other two tomorrow. Once I get that straightened out, I'll go around the motor one more time and make sure there's nothing else to take loose or get out of the way. Then tie up the computer on top of the motor somehow, chop the exhuast off, and take the drive shaft out. After that I should be ready to unbolt her and drag her out. I won't get that far tomorrow though. I'm hoping between the wiring diagram I got off the net, and the one I'm scribbling as I go, that I can get all the wires figured out and do away with the unneccesary ones. I'm getting all of the emissions stuff deleted through the computer, so all of that mess will be taken out. I'll take some pics tomorrow to post so you can all see the 10 billion wires I'm having to follow all over the engine and tranny and inside the car. :lol:

Oh boy, what fun. :rocking:

[91blkstpsd]

Um youre not cutting any wires yet are you? You should be able to unbolt the computer and lay it and wiring harness on the engine and then unplug whats not going to the engine/trans. There should only be a few wires like that. This setup is almost like a stand alone cause it uses the PCM(powertrain Control Module) to control just the engine and trans. Those wiring diagrams you got from shbox.com will help you out ALOT! Good luck with it man.

[g9m3c]

Um youre not cutting any wires yet are you? You should be able to unbolt the computer and lay it and wiring harness on the engine and then unplug whats not going to the engine/trans. There should only be a few wires like that. This setup is almost like a stand alone cause it uses the PCM(powertrain Control Module) to control just the engine and trans. Those wiring diagrams you got from shbox.com will help you out ALOT! Good luck with it man.

Nah, no cutting as of yet. I'm just basically labeling everything and double checking with the wiring diagram. I'm gunna do away with the rear 02 wires and some of the emissions stuff today. Just wanna make sure I don't get the wrong wires. :hack: And yea, those diagrams on shbox rock! :rocking:

[g9m3c]

Here's a few pics from today. I got the front accessory bracket and a/c compressor off. Then I finished up figuring out what all the wires were and which ones I could for sure get rid of.


It's gunna be easy to get to those motor mounts and the exhaust now.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/wire1.jpg


Tangled up mess of wires
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/wire2.jpg

It's getting serious when you start cutting pcm wires. :lol:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/wire3.jpg



For those interested in this swap, I'm about to start on a complete and detailed diagram from the LT1 computer to the wires you need to splice into in a tbi truck, what wires are optional or un-needed, etc. Basically a step by step how to on pcm wiring for this swap. It will help me out a ton, and I'm sure it will be helpful to others as well. :cool:

[americanmetal07]

:drool:

I need a lt1

Are you going to upgrade the distributor?

I've herd those optisparks are crap.



For those interested in this swap, I'm about to start on a complete and detailed diagram from the LT1 computer to the wires you need to splice into in a tbi truck, what wires are optional or un-needed, etc. Basically a step by step how to on pcm wiring for this swap. It will help me out a ton, and I'm sure it will be helpful to others as well. :cool:

I will deff. be interested.

[91blkstpsd]

I need a lt1

Are you going to upgrade the distributor?

I've herd those optisparks are crap.

Unfortunately yes, they are not the best but sometimes you have to sacrifice a little to gain alot. :dunno:

If the car has over 100K or about then I would recommend changing the Opti out but the whole unit gets pretty $$ so just the cap and button would be ok.

[g9m3c]

People run 400 rwhp with he OptiSpark all day long with no problems. The main fault with the OptiSpark is its earliest design: the non-vented Opti. When moisture found its way inside the unit, it couldn't get back out and corrosion begun. GM updated this design in '94 (I think) with a vented Opti, and it was much better. But if your water pump goes out, its located directly above the Opti, so there's the other problem. It's also non adjustable, which really doesn't metter if you're going with a PCM tune anyways. An MSD or other aftermarket replacement is about $500. :eek:

[tatoodkelt]

People run 400 rwhp with he OptiSpark all day long with no problems. The main fault with the OptiSpark is its earliest design: the non-vented Opti. When moisture found its way inside the unit, it couldn't get back out and corrosion begun. GM updated this design in '94 (I think) with a vented Opti, and it was much better. But if your water pump goes out, its located directly above the Opti, so there's the other problem. It's also non adjustable, which really doesn't metter if you're going with a PCM tune anyways. An MSD or other aftermarket replacement is about $500. :eek:

We had to replace the Opti on my dad's 92 Vette when his water pump went out. PITA. He fabbed a vent for the replacement one though that is similar to the updated version. I'll have to see if he has any pics.

[91blkstpsd]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/wire3.jpg
Just wondering what these wires you cut are?

[91blkstpsd]

People run 400 rwhp with he OptiSpark all day long with no problems. The main fault with the OptiSpark is its earliest design: the non-vented Opti. When moisture found its way inside the unit, it couldn't get back out and corrosion begun. GM updated this design in '94 (I think) with a vented Opti, and it was much better. But if your water pump goes out, its located directly above the Opti, so there's the other problem. It's also non adjustable, which really doesn't metter if you're going with a PCM tune anyways. An MSD or other aftermarket replacement is about $500.
Yeah thats true. Its a little better than a standard distributor but not as good as individual coils so take your pick. haha But like said above, you just need to be careful with it cause it is more delicate than the others. And yes, if you replace, GET THE VENTED ONE!

[DjLunchbox]

what he said

[91blkstpsd]

what he said
:lol:

[g9m3c]

Just wondering what these wires you cut are?

Rear o2 wires, and all wires that go to the inside that will have to be connected up in the truck (ignition power, mil control, a/c request, vss output, battery power, fp relay control, tach output) all wires for the non-existent ebtcm, and cooling fans. Everything is labeled and ready to connect up.

[dalejrfan8]

Lunchbox how much power are you putting down at the wheels? Do you have any 1/4 mile times?

[Tbi88truckpull]

can I ask what your going to do with the rest of the camaro or trans am??

[DjLunchbox]

not sure on my power. when i first installed it, it was crazy fast, and scared me, now after numerious repairs, fixing things the builder did wrong,(wrong springs/bad rockers etc) she doesn;t seem as healthy. i have no times, the truck is heavy. the best i could hope for is high 12's at this point, and thats if i could hook up wiht a full power launch. i never tried, or had a dyno on it. :( all it does is spin if i get on it in 1st to 3rd, and i have no power over 4k. not sure whats wrong, but i am working on getting it fixed atm.

[Bens95cobra8594]

I just noticed something in the pics... is that an electric waterpump from the factory? Or aftermarket?

I've heard mixed things about reliability on the street with electric waterpumps. Any ideas?

[DjLunchbox]

no, it looks like it, but it isn't. the lt1's have waterpumps that are driven by the cam, instead of a belt driven pump. you can modify the housing and install a electric pump into it tho. i have that mod done on mine.

[91blkstpsd]

not sure on my power. when i first installed it, it was crazy fast, and scared me, now after numerious repairs, fixing things the builder did wrong,(wrong springs/bad rockers etc) she doesn;t seem as healthy. i have no times, the truck is heavy. the best i could hope for is high 12's at this point, and thats if i could hook up wiht a full power launch. i never tried, or had a dyno on it. all it does is spin if i get on it in 1st to 3rd, and i have no power over 4k. not sure whats wrong, but i am working on getting it fixed atm.
Yes sir I agree spinning is a problem we share. Thats why Im sticking to 3.42 gears for now.
Oh and I find it amusing that you are in Manchester, CT and have an LT1 stepside and Im in Manchester, TN and have similar.:lol: :dunno:

[Marcos]

Looking good so far!

[g9m3c]

can I ask what your going to do with the rest of the camaro or trans am??

There's not a whole lot that's still usable, but I'll be parting out what I can.

[cchalo]

Oh I am defiantly calling the local guy selling a wrecked Z28 tomorrow...If i can talk him down into "I can afford" range I've got a '94 1500 in need of some TLC. It's a '95 so that should help me out but man this looks to be a lot more doable after seeing people get it done. :)

On a side note, anyone have any rough figures of "extra" parts cost on swapping one of these? You know just the bare things you must buy to get it working. I'm really just wondering what kind of money I would be looking to need on top of buying the parts car so i don't end up massively under estimating.

[g9m3c]

Oh I am defiantly calling the local guy selling a wrecked Z28 tomorrow...If i can talk him down into "I can afford" range I've got a '94 1500 in need of some TLC. It's a '95 so that should help me out but man this looks to be a lot more doable after seeing people get it done. :)

On a side note, anyone have any rough figures of "extra" parts cost on swapping one of these? You know just the bare things you must buy to get it working. I'm really just wondering what kind of money I would be looking to need on top of buying the parts car so i don't end up massively under estimating.

91blkstpsd would probably be more help on that than I would, but I would say the essentials you could get for about a grand, and that's including a tune to disabe vats and that kinda stuff. Then again, I may be under estimating too. I'll be doing a lot more to mine than just the basic swap though, so I haven't really figured it up.

[cchalo]

Then again, I may be under estimating too. I'll be doing a lot more to mine than just the basic swap though, so I haven't really figured it up.
That's my fear, getting into the swap and having my wants out weigh my budget more so than I plan for. I mean I'm sure I'll spend a little extra here and there, I just don't want to end up $1000 over budget looking at the truck no where near being able to run just because I didn't think before acting. :whatever:

[GLICKGLOCKMEX]

g9m3c keep the good work up.you got me thinkin about geting started on mine.more pics & details please and good luck.

[g9m3c]

g9m3c keep the good work up.you got me thinkin about geting started on mine.more pics & details please and good luck.

Thanks. :cool: I should be able to pull the motor out of the bird this week, or at least by next weekend. I've been busy with my gauge swap and my dad's '63 project the past few days, so not much progress on it.

[DjLunchbox]

cchalo, if u haven't seen my thread, here it is. this should answer most issues on what you need. feel free to add to it as well

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/general-discussion/tech-articles2/256107-how-swap-lt1-motor-into-your-obs.html

[g9m3c]

if u haven't seen my thread, here it is. this should answer most issues on what you need. feel free to add to it as well

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/general-discussion/tech-articles2/256107-how-swap-lt1-motor-into-your-obs.html

:cool:

[g9m3c]

Anyone know if the Corvette accessories- altenator, p/s pump, a/c compressor and stuff is the same as the f-bodies? If I got the Corvette bracket, would all my Firebird accessories bolt up to it? I've heard conflicting stories on this.

[g9m3c]

Bump for my question above ^^^



Also, just wanted to tell ya that the engine and trans are coming out tomorrow or Thursday. All the wiring is loose, exhaust, trans mounts, engine mounts. All we need is a couple hours and a cherry picker now. The car is parked beside our shop in the grass, so we're gunna put the cherry picker on a couple sheets of plywood to get it out. Then set the motor and trnas in the back of a truck and go over to the shop. Take the engine and trans apart, and put the engine on the engine stand. I'll have some more exciting pics then, but here are a few of it with everything ready to come out.




http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/ready5.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/ready4.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/ready3.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/ready2.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/ready1.jpg

[91blkstpsd]

Just curious. Are you wanting to run ac still? If you use the f-body acc mounts then you will have to notch the frame slightly(no big deal if you box it) and relocate the ac to the pass side. The Corvette acc would be great to use but they are usually hard to some by and expensive.

[chevysnbuicks]

The car is parked beside our shop in the grass, so we're gunna put the cherry picker on a couple sheets of plywood to get it out.

Be very, very careful. Cherry Pickers were designed to roll on a smooth perfectly level surface. Make sure you don't let it get off balance, otherwise you might have a broken cherry picker and some broken bones.

We had a cherry picker and we tried to roll the engine out from the truck, it got off balance, and the whole support started to collapse. Fortunately we were able to gently lower it down onto the grass and have a friend come over with his tractor to put it in the truck.

[g9m3c]

Just curious. Are you wanting to run ac still? If you use the f-body acc mounts then you will have to notch the frame slightly(no big deal if you box it) and relocate the ac to the pass side. The Corvette acc would be great to use but they are usually hard to some by and expensive.


Yea I'm gunna be running a/c. I'm either gunna box the frame or buy the relocator brackets ($300) if it fits in my budget. What do you mean about relocating the a/c to the passenger side? It's already there on the tbi and LT1. Are the Corvette and f-body accessories the same? Just different brackets to move them to the driver's side, or what?

[g9m3c]

Be very, very careful. Cherry Pickers were designed to roll on a smooth perfectly level surface. Make sure you don't let it get off balance, otherwise you might have a broken cherry picker and some broken bones.

We had a cherry picker and we tried to roll the engine out from the truck, it got off balance, and the whole support started to collapse. Fortunately we were able to gently lower it down onto the grass and have a friend come over with his tractor to put it in the truck.

Yea, we'll have to be careful. The area where it's at is really level, so as long as we can move it around on the plywood, we'll be alright. We have a tractor for backup, but it's not heavy enough to lift the motor and trans out by itself. The only thing I'm worried about is rolling it across the joint between the sheets. I'll probably screw some one-by's on each side to hold them together well.

[91blkstpsd]

Yea I'm gunna be running a/c. I'm either gunna box the frame or buy the relocator brackets ($300) if it fits in my budget. What do you mean about relocating the a/c to the passenger side? It's already there on the tbi and LT1. Are the Corvette and f-body accessories the same? Just different brackets to move them to the driver's side, or what?
LOL sorry, I meant to say drivers side.
There is a kit or two to move it to the drivers side but like you said its $$$! I am going to work on a design to move it next to the alt like in this pic.
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q153/91blkstpsd/8c_12.jpg

[g9m3c]

I know you said you had access to a machine shop, so if you come up with something, let me know and I'll probably pay you to make me one too. :lol:

[g9m3c]

What did that bracket in that picture come off of?

[91blkstpsd]

I know you said you had access to a machine shop, so if you come up with something, let me know and I'll probably pay you to make me one too.

What did that bracket in that picture come off of?
Yeah I could make one no problem, just need to get the design and measurements soon.
That truck was on ebay a long time ago and thats the only picture of it I have. I emailed the guy but he said thats the way it was when he bought it. :( cant find anymore info anywhere on that!

[g9m3c]

Yeah I could make one no problem, just need to get the design and measurements soon.
That truck was on ebay a long time ago and thats the only picture of it I have. I emailed the guy but he said thats the way it was when he bought it. :( cant find anymore info anywhere on that!


I'm about to do some research on it. :cool:

[91blkstpsd]

It would make our lives alot easier!

[g9m3c]

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/out3.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/out4.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/out5.jpg

I guess I owe my dad a couple sheets of plywood. :lol:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/out2.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/out6.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/out7.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/out1.jpg

Ye ole 4-speed.

Now the real fun...........erm, work, begins. :cool:

[chevysnbuicks]

Nice dude, good to see you got that sucker out alright, with no broken tools!!! lol.

[Black90Sport]

big step there. look forward to seein the transplant

[MSlewis]

Please post some pics of the bracketry and relocation/clearance issues with the opti spark setup. Contemplating this swap as well but converting the opti spark setup to run with the 96' pcm in the truck now. That way I won't have to worry about the wiring swap.

[91blkstpsd]

Good deal. Now strip it down of those restrictive manifolds and other unwanted junk and sell them!
Did you say youre having this rebuilt?

[daved931]

This is a really cool swap. Keep the details coming.

Corvettes have an entirely different accessory drive because, at Bowling Green, the engine is actually installed from underneath the car and it has to fit between the frame rails. It made LT5s a real packaging nightmare.

Speaking of which, how cool would an OBS be with an LT5?

[91blkstpsd]

Speaking of which, how cool would an OBS be with an LT5?
Not worth wasting the LT5 on an OBS instead of a streetrod or restomod.IMO

[daved931]

Not worth wasting the LT5 on an OBS instead of a streetrod or restomod.IMO

lol

[Tbi-MAX]

looking good cuz. finally! who has a thing for red vehicles? :tongue:

[g9m3c]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm not rebuilding it right now. The cylinders still have cross-hatching in them from when thy were honed from the factory, plus, I've heard these are easily 250K mile + engines. I only drive the thing about 8K a year anyway, so it should be fine for another year or two. I'm gunna clean it out really well, and put a new oil pump in it, and that's all for the bottom end. I'm going with the Crane 227 cam and Comp Pro-Magnum 1.6 RR's. Other than that, just bolt-ons and some good tuning. I'm hoping for about 360 fwhp after the swap. When I go through the motor in a couple years, I'll be shooting for the 450+ hp range. :cool:

[g9m3c]

looking good cuz. finally! who has a thing for red vehicles? :tongue:

:lol: The Blazer is what my brother bought for parts to fix his s-10 in the pics above up. The Mazda is my uncle's. :whatever: He's in the process of putting a Chevy 4.3 in it. My cousin started tearing down his '99 Tahoe today. He's putting a GM crate motor in it cause he overheated the old one one time too many. :lol: Plus, my dad's working on his '63 stepside in there right now, and about to start on a suspension job for a '56 Ford f-100 for a friend. We're gunna have a busy shop this summer. :rocking:

[kenman1717]

all i can say is wow, that is gonna be an awesome truck when its done.

[g9m3c]

Thanks for the compliment kenman. :cool:

Here's some pictures after I tore the motor down. They're actually from last Saturday, I'm just slow gettin em up here seeing as how this is finals week. :eek:


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/apart1.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/apart6.jpg

Factory flat top pistons.....oh yea.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/apart5.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/apart2.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/apart4.jpg



That's in the bed of my dad's '63 stepside project......keep an eye out for a build thread on it as well. :cool:


The motor really is in great shape, better than I thought. After a better cleanup, I'll be able to inspect it a little closer. Right now though, it's looking great. After I get my exhaust stuff ordered and installed, the first thing I'm buying is the cam, GMPP timing set, oil pump, and gasket set. That way, I can go ahead and get the bottom end put together. I'll try and keep this updated a little more often than I have been. :bowtie:

[Black90Sport]

:rocking: :rocking:

[91blkstpsd]

Whats more important, finals or getting this swap done! haha jk but its looking good. What cam did you decide to go with?

[g9m3c]

Whats more important, finals or getting this swap done! haha jk but its looking good. What cam did you decide to go with?

Crane 227. :cool:

Here are the specs with 1.6 rockers: (210/224 .511/.553 112lsa)

[91blkstpsd]

Alright, sounds good. What RR you planning on? and any other valvetrain upgrades to go with this?

[g9m3c]

Probably Comp Pro-Mags. I have to get different springs and chromemoly pushrods, but I haven't looked into those yet.

[g9m3c]

Thought I'd share the news.....a guy on ls1lt1.com ran my setup on his DD Advanced program and came up with 400 fwhp @ 5000, and 440 fwtq @ 3500; and at least 400 fwtq from 2000-5000. :cool:

With a 24% drivetrain loss, that's 304 rwhp and 334 rwtq. I'm pretty satisfied with that. :lol:

[g9m3c]

I thought I'd post an update on a few of the projects we have going on right now. Here's my cousin's truck.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/cam9.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/cam7.jpg
Brand new Vortec 350 long block for $2200, not too bad. :cool:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/cam3.jpg

And here's my dad's '63 stepside. The cab has some rust issues and the frame is butchered up pretty bad from when the rear suspension (ladder bars) was installed years ago. He bought a cab from Iowa and got a stock frame here locally.

Here's the original truck, definitely showing its age.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/cam1.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/cam6.jpg

And here's the new cab and frame.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/cam5.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/cam4.jpg
Are those Firebird seats? I wonder where those came from. :lol:

He's going to use a modified stock suspension on it this time, because the old suspension rode horrible, and pretty much sucked all the way around. It'll still be trailing arms, but with flipped brackets and adjustable coilovers. The rear tires for this thing are 15.5" wide. :burn:




And here's my update. Not very much. Got the cam and lifters out and cleaned up most of the sheetmetal for it. Didn't get a pic of the cleaned parts though.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/g9m3c/cam2.jpg

[erikclaw]

Get a painless kit just for swaps like this. All the unecessary wiring is left out. That is how I did mine. 1995 xcab with a 1996 LT4 wirh heads, cam, tbody and cu upgrades

[g9m3c]

Get a painless kit just for swaps like this. All the unecessary wiring is left out. That is how I did mine. 1995 xcab with a 1996 LT4 wirh heads, cam, tbody and cu upgrades

I would if I had $600 to spare.

[kenman1717]

i'll say it again, wow.

[kenman1717]

i'll say it again, wow.

[fiream400]

All this really makes me want to put an lt1 in my truck, but then I think, "well its a heavy a$$ extended cab and I have a TA that needs bodywork and paint". Well....after the TA is done, I'll have to have more motor in my truck to haul it with :aniteef:

[GLICKGLOCKMEX]

so whats up with swap?makeing progress or is it on hold?

[Black90Sport]

i talked to him about it yesterday and sounds like its on hold so he can do some other stuff to the truck thats a bit cheaper so that he can save up for the motor and do it about this time next year...

[g9m3c]

i talked to him about it yesterday and sounds like its on hold so he can do some other stuff to the truck thats a bit cheaper so that he can save up for the motor and do it about this time next year...


Correct. I'm about to be moving into a house and paying for a lot of stuff for housing/school next year, so it's on hold for now. I'll still be gathering up parts and working on it over the next year, so I'll continue to keep this thread updated. I'm about to do new exhaust from the heads back, different size front wheels and new tires all around, and lower it 2" more. Keep a look out for those changes this summer. :cool:

[GLICKGLOCKMEX]

THATS WHATS UP THATS WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR SLOWLY BUT SURELY.IM KINDA BROKE RIGHT NOW SO ALL PROJECTS are ON HOLD.(opps sorry about caps)did you have your short block rebuilt or is it stock?and if you rebuilt how much did it cost?i have an lt1 on the engine stand but im afriad to get started cuz of my budget and i think id rather wait till i can get it all done at once.

[GLICKGLOCKMEX]

Edit:are You Going To Get Your Bottom End Rebuilt Or Leave Stock

[g9m3c]

I was just going to put it in as is, but now it will be a full rebuild.

[92SierraTBI]

subscribed

[92SierraTBI]

subscribed

[Chevlowrider]

subscribed. ive been wanting to do this to my truck for years and just havent had the money but now i might be able to do it this winter. keep us updated man and the project looks great and your truck looks awesome.

[g9m3c]

subscribed. ive been wanting to do this to my truck for years and just havent had the money but now i might be able to do it this winter. keep us updated man and the project looks great and your truck looks awesome.


Thanks man, I really appreciate that. :cool:

[jimmy_dong]

there is a company in san antonio that makes stand alone a wiring harness for the LT1 and it has a decent price too. i cant remember the name of the company at the moment. when i do i will let you know. damn that is starting to bug me know.

[jimmy_dong]

techrods! that is the name...whew.

[kenman1717]

lol

[kenman1717]

your truck is going to be awesome.

[Chevlowrider]

Hey I odnt know if anyone answered this for you but i found an answer for your A/C compressor situation check it out http://www.bowersrodshop.com/info_pulley.htm
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/JMinor00/My%20truck/pulley_onblock.gif

[g9m3c]

Hey I odnt know if anyone answered this for you but i found an answer for your A/C compressor situation check it out http://www.bowersrodshop.com/info_pulley.htm
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/JMinor00/My%20truck/pulley_onblock.gif

Yea that's the kit I am going to buy for it if I decide to keep the a/c. I hardly ever use the a/c in it now and it won't be my daily driver after about another year and a half anyways.

[Chevlowrider]

Yeah if it was me id just say screw the A/C i just have the windows down.

[g9m3c]

Same here.