Hey guys. I have a 1994 Z28 with an auto. I really want to build the car but would like to get the biggest bang for the buck possible. I'm having a hell of a time finding anything on swapping from an LT1 engine to an LS based engine. Assuming I had the 5.3/6.0 for a turbo build, what else would I need? Does anyone have any experience with these swaps? I see lots of k members to swap to a gen 1 small block but having a hard time finding anything to swap to an LS. I read that I could use the k member out of a 98-02 V8 car, but those are hard to find where I live. What are my options? Thanks

 

someone on here has done it,,, last brain cell is failing me... you will need k member, there are aftermarket ones available. spohn's has them, 1000 bucks, strano also has the umi setup 1100 bucks. will also need to rewire and tune eco/pcm or switch to aftermarket. I know the 97 is easiest to switch to 98 pcm.

 

Why not just build on the LT1? They can be plenty fast and you won't have all that swap over hassle.
Have you seen the Tick Performance "Grub Worm" Camaro?
This beast is still sporting an LT1.

 

Into the 7's with the LT1

 

lol, it was the clutch man that made the difference... I'm happy with the power from my lt1,,, well I may go with a 383 upgrade soon.

 

LT1 six speeds so simple a caveman can tune it with a rock.

 

Is the LT1 functional ? Cross memeber is only one thing your going to need, You will need a trans and custom wiring harness. The problem is the 94 runs off a an OBD1 PCM the PCM runs some of gages a few other things while you LS1 will is OBD2 and was not designed to run that stuff. the OBD2 system has a body control module to run that stuff. Your best bet is to find a Ls1 car that has a damaged engine and put up turbo 6.0 in that.

 

Or just build an LT1 especially if he already has one.

 

If he is looking at an LS turbo. A stock used 6.0 can be bought for about $1000 add a turbo kit and a good tuner and you have 600-700 HP (The are examples of people doing over 1000hp on turbo LS even on a crappy junkyard 4.8. You would have build a fully forged bottom end on the LT1. On a budget it is almost impossible for a Gen 1 or 2 to keep up with an LS the six bolt mains Y block has very little flex up to 1500 HP.

If you can find a 6.0 out of old Escalade your getting a forged piston and crank. I believe it is a LQ9.

 

Well he's on a budget and wanting the most bang for the buck,gonna cost a lot just to swap to an LS.
This is still probably the best bang for the buck,especially if his LT1 car is running and can be sold or traded for an LS car not running and or less motor.
Originally Posted by Gorn View Post
"Your best bet is to find a Ls1 car that has a damaged engine and put up turbo 6.0 in that."
I've been seeing quite a few 4th gen LS rollers out there that have been pillaged for the motor and trans to swap into whatever,some are pretty clean cars too.