1974 Corvette LS1 Engine Swap

Current progress of LS1 engine swap project in my '74 Corvette.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 1974
• 74
• corvette
• vette
• ls1
• ls-1
• josh
• josh's

[AUS10M]

nice swap man... I have a '73 im trying to restore...idk where to even start lol...i think im going to need a painless wiring system gut the insides and just get it to run for now.

[jraddington]

@AUS10M, That's a great place the start, I replaced all of my factory wiring with a "Summit" universal wiring kit. It is quite a bit cheaper than the Painless but does not have very good instructions included. The wire is high quality and it used the mini blade fuses.

[ChevyJohnathan]

very nice how much horsepower

[jraddington]

@ChevyJohnathan, the motor is rated at 325hp in stock form in the camaro ss it was removed from... I have it in a car with a much less restricitve K&N intake, headers, and very free flowing side pipes with no cats... Plus a little tuning on the engine computer I have no doubt is near the 385 mark. It sure feels great driving. Compared to my C5 it feels faster but it is also a lot more "rough" so it is hard to gauge... Will have to drag race the wife some time and post another video.....

[cyclonejunior]

oh wow! ive been lookin for an ls1 c3 vid. i got a 1978 vette i want to swap an ls1 in. can u give me any tips to make it a little less painfull?

[jraddington]

Do it!!! Pay special attention to your front engine accessories and belt drives, the water pump heater outlets, motor mounts, exhaust, and of course the wiring. Modifying a factory harness is not very difficult and can be made to look very nice.

[Kaspergaling]

@jraddington awesome!! can't wait to see that video

[jraddington]

I did not have to modify the f body oil pan, however it came very close to touching the power steering ram when the wheel was turned all the way. I have since replaced the power steering system and it is no longer an issue. When you look into motor mount brackets, I think placing the motor 1" further back would give more clearance.

[jraddington]

Do it!!!! I've never regretted this project.

[jraddington]

Many many kits and parts are available now. Check with Street & Performance in Mena, AR.... They make about everything needed for about any conversion. Get a motor out of a Camaro or Firebird and you can get the motor and 6 speed together.

[jraddington]

I am very happy with the decision, I turn the key and it starts right up... No carb tuning, no choke, no cold weather problems... And opening the hood for a stranger and the look when they see the LS1 is just priceless.

[jraddington]

I have a new HD video camera and I hope the car will be the first video I make with it!!! Watch out in the next couple of weeks!!!!