Hypothetical question

[ws6drbob]

I love my T/A and could never think of parting with it. I have wanted this car since the first time I ever sat in one back when i was a kid. I have no plans of ever selling my car but I know that she will not last forever. What I am wondering is if the day ever comes that my LT1 should die on me (prolly would not happen anytime soon, only 80,000 miles) would it really be worth it to drop an LS based engine in her? Is it a huge headache to do a swap like that? Not that I don't love my LT1 but the market just seems to become endless for the LS based platform. I know that a tremec T56 would be needed for such a swap plus many many other things including fabricating a few things but was just wondering "what if" when the time comes what would be the best idea. Would I have to convert the the LS1 style "airlid" intake system? I tried runnin a search to see if I could find any info on this but came up with near nothing. I am sorry if this is a tired subject but was just wondering if I would be wasting my time and should just by a new LT1 when my current one goes kaput. The only thing I do know is that my T/A is here to stay no matter what is under the hood
Thanks guys.

[alenstein]

Hey Trace are we beating 2nd . horse to death? hehehe

Well from I've learned in many previous numerous posts converting to another V8 fron a V6 or LT1 to LS1, is not cost effective , two different beasts, you would need everything , donor car.
Lt1's last a long time, take care of it, i have 134k on the clock and she still pulls hard. You can get LS1 fbods under 10 k these days.
LT1 - convert it to LT4 not much required, or better yet popular these days stroke it to 383. Someone correct me if am wrong. My 2 c's.

[ws6drbob]

Hey Trace are we beating 2nd . horse to death? hehehe

Well from I've learned in many previous numerous posts converting to another V8 fron a V6 or LT1 to LS1, is not cost effective , two different beasts, you would need everything , donor car.
Lt1's last a long time, take care of it, i have 134k on the clock and she still pulls hard. You can get LS1 fbods under 10 k these days.
LT1 - convert it to LT4 not much required, or better yet popular these days stroke it to 383. Someone correct me if am wrong. My 2 c's.

Thanks for the heads up, I realized this may have been a thoroughly talked about topic but couldn't find the threads. But you do have a very good point about the price. For under 10k I could buy another F-body and have two to play with

[alenstein]

You already have a nice TA, WS6 sweet looking and 6 speed.

Heres the most recent thread:

http://www.f-body.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11242

[ws6drbob]

Ahh yes I caught that thread but figured they were saying that a V6 to V8 swap would be worthless.

[Z Ya Later]

Ummmm, converting from an LT1 to an LS1 wouldn't be nearly as hard as converting from a V6 to an LT1. You would need the PCM, wiring harness, tranny, motor mounts, radiator and some fab. skill right off the top of my head. I wouldn't do it, since you can still find plenty of stuff for the LT1 and it will last a long time. If the motor does fail you, rebuild it, don't get rid of it. Then you can really have some fun

[droptop z]

i would definetely stick with the lt1, what are you worried about if you only have 80,000 miles on her? i would think it would just be a hassle if you wanted to change platforms, but what are your plans?, is it gonna be your daily driver or is it gonna be a drag car?

[94 formula]

I'm just wondering but would you really need a whole new tranny? Couldn't you just get a different bellhousing?

I'm also with Steve that its nothing like a swap from a V6 you won't have to exchange nearly as many parts. Also I know LT1's can be made into monsters but its all at a cost. LS1's have amazing heads to start with not to mention the market for aftermarket parts is really going up and will continue to while LT1's fall because their not being produced anymore. Also you can eaisly hit low 12's if not 11's with boltons and a cam and it takes a bit more than that with an LT1. I still think it would be cheaper to just buy a 98-02 fbody but if you like the looks of the 93-97 fbodies better then you may want to consider the swap.