3D87C4

I've been reading the various C4 LSX swap threads. Most mention the lighter engine will raise the front end, and some even speculate what might be done about it, but I'm not sure I've found any that actually say how it turned out or what, if anything, they did about it.

So, those of you who have made the swap, please:

1) How did the lighter engine affect your front end?

2) What did you do about it?

mackeyred96

I don't have an LSX in my 96 but after I removed all the non go fast stuff it raised the front end by almost 4". I installed a set of coil overs and brought the ride height back down.

C4orce2

I had a LS3 hot cam GM Performance crate engine installed in my '92. We also replaced the original radiator with a new alum heavy duty one. The builder estimated that the new engine and radiator weighed about 100 lbs. less than the old ones. End result, the front end is a little higher even though I'm the only one that can tell the difference. It looks about the same but I have some ground effects on the front that don't necessarily hit at places where they used to before the conversion. We did nothing to the front end at all. Maybe the builders estimate of the weight savings is off, hard to tell. Hope this helps you at least a little. If you want to see pics of the build, google "C4orce2", look for the photobucket and then go to my album entitled "build of C4orce".

3D87C4

Thank you both.

mackeyred96: how much weight did you remove? 4" is a lot to compensate for.

C4orce2: I've been reading at some of your posts, thanks. I'll have to look again for your album. Did the height change affect your handling?

I'd love to hear from more folks with LSX engines.

ch@0s

I'm the middle of a swap right now but i'm using an iron block.

383vett

I removed about 150 lbs of the front of my car. Used lowering wedges, cut the pads, removed the shims and the car still sits a little high. I was going to remove the wedges totally and that will get it a little lower. Someday I will change to coilovers, but I would have to open up the shock channels because my car is an 84.

3D87C4

Any more comments?

I don't want to jinx it, but my LS swap fantasy took a big step toward reality Friday and this remains an open issue.

From C4orce2 & 383vett's posts it doesn't look like a big deal but...

Vette Brakes & Products has an adjustable spring but doesn't offer it for '87s. I'm going to call them Tuesday, but in the meantime, does anyone here know what's so different between the '87 and '88 front end that would prevent using their spring on my car?

How about simply bolting some compensating weight to the frame? I know this is counter to maximum performance but it would keep the weight at what the front end was designed for and buy me time to decide on a long term solution.

ch@0s

People drop these cars all the time. I wouldnt worry about it. It can be done.
My car has a rake to it the LSX may make it leveled.

3D87C4

Thanks.

I assume yours is still up on stands since the tranny hiccup?

I've run afoul of Murphey's law often enough that I really want to try to anticipate all the contingencies.

mattwalker87

all alum ls1/t56 swap here. car sat about 2 inchs higher for me. my option was coilovers, but once i did them, and put it at my ride height i liked, i was ripping the air damn off everywhere. so i went this route instead.

jeffp1167

With a car that has such great weight distribution, I am surprised 150-200lbs does anything noticeable. I mean I at 185lbs sitting on even the front bumper doesn't really make suspension do anything haha.

3D87C4

What am I looking at? Air Shock? Do tell more please.

jeffp1167

looks like air-ride suspension

ch@0s

Yup, I'm going forward now and will put in the trans last. I dropped it off with my buddy to get it fixed. I trying not to think about so so I wont be discouraged. I'm hoping to have the engine in this week.

JohnnyFive

Please, please, please document your build and share!

3D87C4

He is. Here's his thread:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...x-my-swap.html

Very inspiring, though the wiring posts are not for the feint of heart.

ch@0s

I think most would not be comfortable with the wiring. I chose to do it because I can.

The LS1 harness from a Camaro is pretty much stand alone or a stand alone harness can be purchased for $400. The difficult part is getting the all the gauges to work. I hope to shed some light on that topic if I can.