Thread: Hidden cost in a motor swap

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Hey everyone,

I have the oppurtunity to pick up a LT1 and a 4L60E out of a 95 corvette for a decent price. I have done a little research on some cost to make this work in the coupe, but was wondering if anyone else has any input on wether this is the way to go.

I have a 350 goodwrench motor with 30,000 miles and a 700R that was my first option, but I really like the fuel injection method.

What research I have done I will be out $750 for a wiring harness thats a stand alone harness, from street and performance. I have seen this harness on another car, very nice. $200 for the computer to be reprogramed.

Send my fuel tank to Rock Valley $550 for them to go through it and install the high pressure pump and sending unit, or $1050 for a new one.

Then addition $ for fuel lines and hoses and so forth.

Just curious if anyone else that has done this would have done something diffrent.

Thanks for any input.

I am doing and LT1 right now in my truck... If you have never messed with one they can be fun, with the Opti spark and EGR, water pumps.... But if you know someone that has alot of experience with The LT1 then give it a shot...

Just a suggestion have you thought about using a TPI set up or a multi port set up (Edelbrock, Holley) on the 350 you have?

You can get high pressure inline fuel pumps that are not too expensive..

Harmon

why wouldnt a good holley red or blue work? 1050 bucks? better be made of gold!

Personally....I wouldnt mess with the gas tank, like stated above there are good in-line pumps that are quiet and will get the job done.

I would also agree looking into some of the TPI systems, once you get educated in them, they can be really easy and reliable.

and lastly....if you just have to have new age computer motor, try and find an LS1, they are getting very affordable and will come with the harness and computer most of the time. I just recently helped my wrenching buddy load up his LS1 he pulled from a wrecked TA. $2400 for a running motor, the t-56, harness and computer. I am finding even better deals like this monthly. I am not a fan of the LT1 for many reasons, so go for the LS's of you pass on the LT1

ChevyBoy
I have thought of goingthat route with the motor we have, but for $800 I thought the LT1 and a fresh rebuilt tranny would be a good investment not to mention he is giving me another motor with it (bad block) heads and all the brackets are good. He is getting a divorce and is selling everything.

Not sure the PSI ratings on the Holley blue or red pump, but I know I will need higher pressure for that motor, I believe around 40

I agree with you on the tank, very expensive, but tha is if you take it to the most elaborate direction, if I shop around I am sure I can find the set up cheaper. I can run the stock tank or buy a cheaper aftermarket and get by. The in line pumps will work, I have heard of vapor lock problems or becoming inefficient with performance over a short period of time.

4speedterror
I am not as familiar with the TPI systems just never delt with them. The LT1 I am looking at has all the wiring harness with it and also the computer to make it work. I will have to reprogram the computer no matter what for my tranny. I figured buying a harness already made for this situation would be better than me hacking one together. For the price I guess it might be time to learn.
I do like the LS1 set up just the money right now I feel is right on this motor.
What issues do you have with the LT1, that I might need to be aware of?

After all of this I am ready for a good carb and intake and just go with what I have. It would let me spend much needed money elsewhere.

Thanks for all the input.

The only reason Im using a LT1 is that my truck that my donor car had one, If it wasnt for that I would be using a TPI or LS engine... I am actually going to be putting a LS style in my camaro.... The ting that sucks about the LT1 is they are hard to get parts for, becuase you can only use LT parts on it... If you were to build a TPI engine you have a ulimited suply if heads, cams, ignition, water pumps... And from the looks of it an LS engines are getting cheaper to build and the parts are becoming plentyful...

If I were you I would buy the LT1 if it comes wit hwiring harness and ECM, and sell it, a vette motor would bring around 1500 and the tranny arond 500, so you could make a lil cash from the deal....

Im just giving you a suggestion of what I would do, Its your money, and the LT1 is a helluva engine but they can be a pain.... You can also get a Aeormotive inline pump from Summit Racing from like 300....

Harmon

I might need to dive deeper into this situation. My first initial thought was to buy and turn it to make a little profit, then I started to wonder if it would be a nice piece for the coupe.

I definately will weigh my options, thats why I wanted to ask around.

I appreciate everyones input.

I recently did an LS1 into my Studebaker. See the project journal link in my sig. Alternatives for the harness and fuel delivery are www.speartech.com and www.tanksinc.com. S&P and Rock Valley are awfully proud of their stuff. The issue with in link pumps is noise and reliability. An intank pump is cooled by the fuel it sits in, the inline pump does not have that benefit and evey one I have heard is noisy. The LT1 swap will be way easier than the LS1 as you will not have mounts or exhaust issues.

I think it is a great swap.

Pat

Thanks Pat,

That was my concern on the LS1, we have already have the mounts all located and ready to drop a motor in. I appreciate the alternatives I will definately look at that. I am taking any advice on this situation.