Cracked 3800 block,, LS1 swap questions

[PiLOTLiTE]

Long story short, My 3800 is dead from a cracked block. I'm looking at buying a 12,000 mile LS1 with a 4L60-E for 5,000. Includes the motor, trans, ecu, uncut factory wiring harness, all belt driven accessories, starter, etc; in the words of the guy on the phone "all you need for the change-over." It includes a 100 day warranty as well.

I'm sure that's not all I need. I can think of the V8 crossmember (for the engine mounts), V8 gauge cluster (for 150 mph speedo). What else? Did a search and didn't come up with much.

[raxxus]

Like some V8 suspension in the front is set for a "heavier" load then the v6, springs and shocks I think. Make sure you have a decent drivetrain (1 piece DS, good diff. ) new radiator, gaspump? gas lines, tank I think you can reuse... let me think... new engine mounts maybe?...I'll see what i can find brother

[PiLOTLiTE]

Thanks man, The radiator should work, I've checked out my buddy's LS1 and the hoses go to the same locations on the radiator, they're just different on the block. I'll add the uppper and lower hoses to my list.

As for my drivetrain, rearend was rebuilt with the 3.73s like 3000 ago, its brand new, so is the driveshaft. I have SS Konis in the front, but might go for the V8 take off springs in the front.

Fuel lines though, that's a good point. They must route the same up to a point, then connect differently. I'll research that some more.

[scr8pn99camaro]

I think that your gonna have to change your radiator, fuel pump, and just all front and rear suspension componenets. I did a swap from a v6 to a v8 in my 87 Firebird and I had to change all the suspension (sway bars, springs, lower control arms,etc.), radiator, and fuel pump.

[Domestic Violence]

you need the fuel pump and fuel lines. there was an LS1 fuel pump with lines on ebay the other day.

the radiator won't work. you can use the dual fans, but you'll need the new radiator.

the crossmember will need to be from a V8.

you'll also need your pcm reprogrammed for the options you have.

$5000 is a bit high for an auto tranny and the motor. that figure should be closer to $3000; $3500 at most. i wouldn't pay that much for that combo. you can get everything you just mentioned shipped for about $1500 less than that.

[slacker69]

From what i experienced from my friend that did a LS1 swap he just bought an entire wrecked SS and striped out everything he needed and then sold off the rest cause the front of the car was fine.

[PiLOTLiTE]

Domestic, where have u seen prices that low? I haven't found anything with under 30k for less than 4,500. I'd love to save another grand on top of that.

Can anyone one of you tell me why the radiator doesnt work? The hose locations look the same (for the tranny lines too), it just appears the hoses are different.

Thanks for the help guys.

[slacker69]

Its not the mounts of the radiator it is the amount of cooling that is provides. The v8 has a higher density radiator to supply the extra cooling for the V8

[Domestic Violence]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by PiLOTLiTE:
Domestic, where have u seen prices that low? I haven't found anything with under 30k for less than 4,500. I'd love to save another grand on top of that.
<hr></blockquote>

there is a wrecked 2000 trans am in the local auto trader for $3500. it was a rollover with 30K miles. thats' the WHOLE car.

there are also several places offering the LS1/M6 for around $3500. the A4s usually go for closer to $3000.

that tacreationsusa.com has a couple of listings for LS1/A4s for $3000. and that includes all the accessories, ECM, etc..

[PiLOTLiTE]

Ok, so the radiator is a must. Now to find a good price on an engine. I'm a little wary on buying one off the net because I can't see it.

If anyone knows a place in the bay area (besides overpriced gm sport salvage) please share.

[95Batmobile]

I know of a LT1 for $500 bucks... but thats about 3 1/2 hours from you ;)

[PiLOTLiTE]

No to descriminate, but no LT1s, hehe. I need to get an engine thats '98 or newer to maintain smog regulations.

Can anyone who knows tell me about how hard it would be to do the swap myself? I want to for the experience, but if I need some special expertise, I'd rather not screw it up.

[ March 21, 2003: Message edited by: PiLOTLiTE ]</p>

[PiLOTLiTE]

I got a price for a new radiator for an LS1 for $145. That pretty good?