5.3 Vortec clearance on a 93-97 front end

[MississippiMaro]

This is kind of an offshoot of an earlier post I made about the 327 vortec into an F-body. I apologize to the mods if it is out of place but I figured i'd get a better response with a separate post. I've been researching the 5.3 vortec swap into a 93 V6 F-body for a few months now. I was up in the Windy City away from my computer, so the wheels were turning this weekend and was wondering if I could fit this engine in and still keep my 93 front end (bumper, radiator, fenders) I've heard on here before that the reason GM redesigned the f-body in 98 was to accomodte the longer engine block. Since the bottom end of the 5.3 vortec is LS1 based, would ibe able to fit this into my car without changing to a 98+ front end. All input would be appreciated.

[FunkZ]

I can't give you any info about the engine swap, but I will tell you that beneath the 93-97 and 98-02 skin, they are both the same. The unibody frame is the same, radiator in the same location, etc. It was only a cosmetic facelift for the Camaro and Firebird in 98. Many people who own 93-97 Fbodies have replaced their hood, bumper, and fenders (along with the other parts such as headlight assemblies) to make their car look like a 98+

[MississippiMaro]

So the length of the engine bay didn't change at all? I guess my basic question is can you put an LS1 in a 93-97 engine bay?

[Timbo1969]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by MississippiMaro:
So the length of the engine bay didn't change at all? I guess my basic question is can you put an LS1 in a 93-97 engine bay?<hr></blockquote> Yes Magnus did it. Ask him about it.

[MississippiMaro]

Paging Magnus...

Did you change the front end or radiator when you swapped your LS1 in. And did you have OBDI or II on your car when you swapped? Thanks in advance.

[fred slawson]

I think you have to replace the radiator. Even if it would fit it would not have the capacity for the V8s cooling needs.

[fred slawson]

I almost forgot. I've been doing an informal look on ebay for 6.0 also. They seem to be about the same price. I think I would go that direction unless someone shows me some inherent weakness in the 6.0. Apologies if this counts as hijacking a thread.

[FunkZ]

http://www.dav-electronics.com/proje...re_bird%27.htm

[slow]

6.0 you need a newer one, or you need to take the crank out, and get it machined, so it will mate to the tranny. (ie, you need a new one)

read www.ls1tech.com search LQ9 and LQ4 for information.

Ryan.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

I am pretty sure that the LS1 powered cars have a different front cross member..... I remember hearing this....

[Timbo1969]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by AZ3.8Camaro:
I am pretty sure that the LS1 powered cars have a different front cross member..... I remember hearing this....<hr></blockquote>
They do.. For the conversions you need. Radiator, harnesses, V8 crossmember, transmission, PCM, Guage Pod, Gas Tank, unless 1999 or newer in which case you need only the fuel sending unit. Oh yeah you also need the exhaust manifolds or headers

[MississippiMaro]

Gas tank?????...never heard that before...why does the gas tank have to be swapped?

[justinr]

Not nesisarily the tank itsself, but the sensors. They have different resistance, like 20-200ohm meaning different things to one than the other. I don't remember the exact numbers but in going from a v6 to ls1 you have to re do the sensors or your tank will always be half full or all the way full.

[fred slawson]

Slow
When you say pull the crank to have it grind to fit the tranny do you mean the V6 tranny or the tranny that comes with the 6.0 engine. I guess I just answered my own question. You must mean to mate to the V6 tranny or am I missing something obvious.

[Hugger3800]

The main difference is that the 93-97 had a lower hood while the 98-02's were made to fit the LS1 which is a little taller than the LT1 and has a relocated intake. To fit a Vortec block you may have to retro-fit a new intake. Keep us updated a think a 327 powered Camaro should have some vintage RS badges on it -- hint..hint