3.8 to LT1

[Mr.Furious]

ok, ok i know that if i do a search i will find tons of information on this topic, but I have yet to find the information that I need. www.hpsalvage.com has swap tips for 3.4 to LT1 but i have a 2000 3.8 and I was wondering what is different, what else will i need, what will i need to change. And ive already looked at the pros and cons of doing this so dont start flaming me for that.

[camaro_zach]

you would need to go to an ls1, thats what replaced the lt1.

[Mr.Furious]

well I know that the LS1 replaced the LT1 but do i HAVE to use an LS1? because LS1s are a lot more money. I mean were you saying that as I should, or as i need to?

[ItalianStallion1]

Why don't you call them up and ask them about changing your 3.8 to an LT1. I don't see any reason why an LT1 wouldn't work but than again I don't have any experience with this. The best thing is to ask people with experience such as hpsalvage.

[camaro_zach]

well #1 and really the only prob, is the computer. Diffrent break setups on thoes lt1's, single piston or something, but i know from 99-00 there was a diffrence, cant interchange comps. Also, dash, they arent even the same shape. Now for the kicker, my friend has an lt1, he bought an ls1 aluminum drive shaft thinking it would fit, and it didnt, so i bought it from him. My point is, that the engine is seated diffrently, and you would need like a custom driveshaft. And im sure you would need a lot more than just a custom driveshaft. Im sure the motor mounts arent the same at all. And on top of it all, im not quite sure why you would want an lt1 rather than an ls1. [img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img] Hope this helps. =)

Edit: its not just the breaks that will be a prob, you will also have to rewire every part of the harness, and get new plugs for all the connections. I mean, sure it CAN be done, but for the money...when the ls1 conversion would cost like...4g in parts, 1.5g in labor if you didnt do it yourself.

[ February 19, 2002: Message edited by: camaro_zach ]</p>

[Amped96]

The driveshaft will work from any 4G.

Also, who cares what shape the dash is? 97's had LT1s and a new dash. I have seen 98+ f-bodies with swaps to LT1s. As for the computer being different. No ****. Just get an LT1 computer of course. LT1s can be had very cheap now days. That is why he isn't doin an LS1, have you priced one of those lately?

[ February 19, 2002: Message edited by: Amped96 ]</p>

[camaro_zach]

yes, hence why i put the prices in my previous post. also, there is a WHOLE LOT MORE to it than "just buy a new comp" what dont you get? heh, and the driveshaft is not the same my friend. it just isnt, dont know what else to tell you.

Edit, and its not just the comp, its all the wireing. Not to mention, dont you think that mabye, JUST MABYE the v6 setup he has will send diffrent readings to the lt1 comp...just mabye...this could be suspension, steering, so many things i dont even know about. Yes, anything CAN be done, but i bet you it would wind up costing the same after its all done. Might as well get an ls1, no headaches. Btw, im not trying to get pissy and i hope this doesnt sound angry, cause im not, im just stating my opinon, and some facts.

[ February 19, 2002: Message edited by: camaro_zach ]</p>

[Jason]

WELL heres the breakdown...9000 AT LEAST for an LS1 swap...2500-3500 for an LT1 swap, assuming you dont need any custome brackets or anything to fit it into a 98+ body. A guy just posted SOMEWHERE that he swapped an LT1 into his 98 or 99 and changed the dash to the Pre 98 style. i like the Pre 98 dashes better anyhow. its VERY DOABLE...and for not as much as an LS1 swap. I cant remember the details for the guys swap but ill hunt around for it.

[Amped96]

Zach, when you get the computer, you also get a wiring harness. This replaces the V6 wiring harness. What wiring are you referring to? Also get a Z28 guage cluster. Also, i can't imagine why only 1 1LE driveshaft p/n is listed in the tech database. They had 1LE's for LT1's and LS1's.

[camaro_zach]

well, unless my friend is a complete idiot, and he isnt, it didnt go in his car, and hence why i have it, lol. and about the wireing harness, you will need all new connectors, for the sensors and what not on your car, non engine related, so thats a lot of work, and what my point is, is that they wont be sending the same readings to the comp as the lt1 cars did, because its diffrent items, diffrently calibrated, with diffrent numbers. But hey, i could be completely wrong, i jsut dont see how.

[Amped96]

What sensors are your referring to since most are engine related. Only others i can think of are the ABS and maybe O2's. Im not flaming, just curious as to what would be left. I myself would like to do an LT1 swap one day when the car is no long my daily driver. Although mine should be simpler due to it being a 96.

[camaro_zach]

Meh, im just tellin ya what i was told, i honestly dont know much about the lt1. call up the boys at www.tacreationsusa.com they can tell ya what i cant tell ya.

[Fin]

Screw the LS1...go with the LT1. It will be ultimately cheaper, and there are alot more mods out for it for alot cheaper, as well. As for the driveshaft debate, an LS1 shaft apparently won't work on a LT1, however, you can pick up a shaft from an LT1. Plus, if you plan on making any real power, don't even bother with the 1LE, it was made for Auto-X, not for power. It will not hold up under much power, believe me.

[Amped96]

LOL, good point Chris, i forgot about all the 1LE shafts i have seen pics of that are snapped/twisted in 2.

Yes, LT1 all the way. I would love to build me a mean 383 and throw a blower or a bottle on it. good bye v6! [img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[Mr.Furious]

thanks for the input all of you [img]smile.gif[/img] . I e-mailed the guys at hpsalvage.com and im waiting for a reply