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need advice/info on swapping a LS in a 1960 vette ???
Hi, so I looking for anybody that has swapped a LS motor in a 58-62 corvette with the STOCK FRAME.
PLEASE Don’t give me your opinion neither on LS swapping a C1 Corvette.
Everyone Car that I saw,that has a LS motor in their car it has a custom chassis I do not want to change my chassis I want to put a LS motor in my stock chassis Corvette so I am looking for anybody that has done this that could give me advice and what they did to make it work in their car. I’m looking for what mounts did you use, what accessories did you use, what exhaust manifolds did you use etc.
thank you in advance
Sorry I havnt responded to the post. I’ve been super busy. And I’m almost finished with my LSX swap. And I have everything figured out and fabricated. I welded in side motor mounts and got it mounted. I also purchased the Holley terminator X for the ECM and wiring harness . Figured out the fuel pump and tank setup and exhaust system. I’m super happy with the swap so far.
hers some pictures of it.
I haven't seen this done. BUT it should be very doable. I am finishing a 540 BB in my 59 and it required a LOT of fabrication. I however do welding and fab work, so it has been a fun (time consuming) project. I think an LS would be easier. If you have the skills, I say .... go for it. Keep us informed. Hmmm, now ya got me thinking.
The ls is a small package so it will fit but keep in mind everything needs changed from the gas tank to the radiator. The exhaust and your guages if you want them working. Also the motor mounts. It’s a lot of the other stuff that gets it into becoming a big job. I went modern fuel injection and it is amazing and well worth the investment. But there is just a lot more than the motor to consider.
Wow a 540BB that’s going to be awesome!
yeah I know it’s going to be a big project but that’s what makes it a custom car and I enjoy the challenge.😎
I already removed my factory steering box/column and installed a steeroids power rack n pinion so that should free up some space.
What Pop said. I know a guy that had a shop install an LS3 last year on his stock framed 1961 Corvette, and he is super happy with the result, but I'm not sure where they got the motor mounts. But he also switched over to the Martz IFS at the same time.
Have you made a decision?
Some things I have learned along the way when doing the LS swaps
Yes as mentioned above gas pedal drive by wire or cable and fuel tank
If you have a GOOD radiator no change LS run cooler BUT they stay in the
same range 200* controlled by the computer
You will lose your tach and speedometer but there are work arounds for those
Oil pressure and water temp will use the same gauges
Clutch linkage will need attention for the engine pivot
You will need to add side engine mounts on the chassis
The inlet and outlet on the radiator will need to be changed ,angle and OD to match LS
water pump
If you want the computer in the cab you will need a 1 1/2" hole in the area behind where the distributor was located in the
firewall
I like to use electric fan
Motor mounts and clutch linkage will need some attention
LS3 have a LOT of Horse Power other things brake!!
This is very Do able just time and$$$
A new Blueprint 427 small block Chevy looks very impressive and just a little R & R
GLWYD
Remember not one single thing will bolt up, wire up, fit up, line up, hook up. You will enjoy making everything. I hope you're a skilled engineer with a lot of time on your hands.. Also have you noticed the size do the c1 radiator?
Last edited by John S 1961; 10-03-2023 at 05:20 PM.
Sorry I havnt responded to the post. I’ve been super busy. And I’m almost finished with my LSX swap. And I have everything figured out and fabricated. I welded in side motor mounts and got it mounted. I also purchased the Holley terminator X for the ECM and wiring harness . Figured out the fuel pump and tank setup and exhaust system. I’m super happy with the swap so far.
hers some pictures of it.
I have done 4 of the LS conversions yes there was a learning curve but nothing like you mentioned
my 62 is happy with a stock copper/brass radiator the computer controlled the water temp within 8 to 10*
The stock solid steering shaft and tube must be cut and a u joint will need to be addressed and a couppler will need to be added at the stub on the gear box
i used a company called dirty dingo ( no affiliation) for engine mounts adjustable!
they use 3 bolt Chevy motor mounts
i can answer your question
you don’t need a chassis to install a LS,
yours will work just fine!
I'm also having to figure out the master cylinder, electrical wiring, AC system, rack and pinion and the windshield wiper motor is going away.
My LS engine and transmission will arrive today, Blueprint Engines said it's parts issues, they had a cancellation early on but it was a cast iron block and I wanted an aluminum block.
We ordered 10 months ago!
07-10-2022, 06:57 PM
need advice/info on swapping a LS in a 1960 vette ???
