Thread: 1968-1972 corvette LS1 engine swap.

Tweet

To this day I think that the 1968-1972 corvette is the most beautiful car ever built. I love my LS1 98 camaro a lot 2. Since i'm graduating college this year, i was thinking about selling my camaro, getting a truck and looking for a 1968-1972 corvette that needed some time and love put into it. My question is, how hard would it be to find a totalled ls1 fbody, or corvette and transplant the 6 speed transmission and ls1 into a 1968-1972 corvette. I myself am not a mechanic, but my grandfather would be helping me with this project, is a retired mechanic. I was just curious if anyone knew of anyone who has done this? or if it could be done, ( I know that everything can be done with the right amount of cash ) but how pratical it would to be to do. i mean if i had a totaled f body, that would mean i could get the engine, tranny, computer, wiring harness,radiator, etc. If this could be done, does anyone think that this is a stupid idea? and if so please tell me why. My though process is that i could have the most beautiful car everbuilt, ( in my eyes) and have the modern engine technology,power, and mpg. would love for some feed back even though i'm a newbie

It isn't that tough a project. BTW, I have a 71 L88 project car available. Lots of work has been done, but it still has a long way to go. I would suggest an older motor with a TPI setup for those cars though, but if you find a power train it can be done. I know a guy here that builds the mounts to do the swap. He has an LS1 is his older pickup.

Doug

Welcome to the board zwaldo. Your idea sounds like a good project to me. The LS1s are showing up in everything else, why not a Manta era Vette? I think the donors must be generally available as there always seems to be LS1 engines for sale on EBay.

Good luck with your project and keep us posted.

Pat

Yeah, I think finding a corvette with a good frame, body, average interior, that needs paint, re chromed, engine transmission work wouldn't cost me to much. I'm thinking about 7-8 grand for something like that. and i could probably come across a donor car for less than 5 if the car is torn he heck besides the transmission, engine, computer. I dont wana offend anyone by saying this but sinces a hot rod forum i'm sure you guys will understand that i dont give a crud about keeping it stock. I want something that is going to be beautiful, and diffrent. does anyone have any links to where people have used a donor ls1 and put it in an older vehicle? would be pretty helpful in seeing what id be getting myself into.

well the LS1 is used in a great number and in high amounts. The LS1 is very common in newer vehicles. Finding a totaled LS1 F body will be tough, but the LS1 itself should be fairly easy to find.