I've been thinking about doing a LS V8 swap in my 76 for a while now but have been just putting it off.
Well today, I was talking to a mechanic friend of mine about his personal builds and tell him I'm thinking about a V8. He tells me he has an LT1 out of a 93-95 era Camaro he is wanting to get rid of cause his project changed. It has the harness, PS pump, A/C compressor, alternator. He wants $500 for it.
My question:
Do I hold out for a newer LS or jump on this older LT for $500. Thoughts??
Depends how many miles are on it and what it's gone through. Don't worry too much about the engine either, thats the cheapest part. Everything else to do the swap is where the cost skyrockets. Especially if you want to get your hands on a t56.
In this day and age a LT1 is almost an antique. I would go LS. For more aftermarket and easier to diagnose if their is a issue because the LS ECM is much smarter. But keep in mind a v8 typically hurts value significantly of a fj40.
The LT1 and all its kin are built on the same basic platform that is 60 years old. Yes, they're reliable, lots of parts are available and there's nothing wrong with them. But when compared to the LS-series motors, they really show their age.
IMHO, you should hold out for the LS. As mentioned above, they have a much better PCM that provides meaningful information.
For more info on the install and other things required, take a gander at the Downey V8 installation instruction manual reproduced here on mud, on the Downey Off Road link.
Look up optispark, its the ignition on the lt1, it is a pain and seems to cause alot of problems,
My vote ls motor, much more modern design and they are everywhere and last forever.. 4.8's are real cheep and the wrecking yards have tons of them.. ...
My 2009 2500 suburban has 150k on it and still runs like new, plugs and a power steering pump is all the rest is factory.
We run alot of trucks at work and the 3/4 ton chevys with gas motors have the lowest cost of mainence and operation. We abuse them daily, loaded and overloaded... 200-250k miles with alot of idle time very few issues,
