1960 Engine Swap

[Dan Fusco]

Has anyone experienced an LS1 or LT1 Engine swap into a solid axle Vette? I am considering doing this and would like to hear about the problems encountered with a completed project. Please e-mail me with your experiences along with your posting.

Thanks

[Verle R.]

Re: 1960 Engine Swap

Dan,

An LT1, with the appropriate engine wiring harness, is a bolt in swap as far as motor mounts are concerned. The LS1 motor mounts are different; 4 bolts on block, different spacing.

The radiator hoses on the LT1 are smaller than your engine, requiring different outlets on the radiator. Any radiator shop can take care of that. There is no way to do a mechanical tach drive so you have to convert to electronic.

If you use a transmission that comes with the LT1 or LS1, there is no mechanical speedometer drive. You can buy an electronic drive for a mechanical speedometer.

You can bolt your bell housing and transmission to an LT1 using a standard GM flywheel for a one piece rear, but not the LT1 flywheel.

There is no provision for a mechanical fan on an LT1. I have seen aftermarket adapters for a mechanical fan; otherwise you need electric fans.

The conversion provides modern EFI with it's drivability and gas mileage. It also runs like h***. Be prepared to take a deep breath.

If you make that conversion, better brakes are a definite necessity. Install disk brakes on the front at a minimum....and good speed rated tires...and wider wheels....and....I'm sure there are other things I'm forgetting.

Be prepared for your cheeks to hurt from grinning so much.

Verle

[Doug Flaten]

Re: 1960 Engine Swap

It seems I have also read that the cooling system will be taxed. You will have to make sure you have an aluminum radiator.

[Tom Ard]

Re: 1960 Engine Swap

In 1971 I went down to the chevy dealer and bought me a 1970 LT1 crate motor and took it home and pulled out the old 283 engine in my 1960 and dropped it in with hardly any problem didn't have to change anything. except cut the bar across the motormounts for the water pump outlet which was about 2" diameter on the front of the bar.everything else worked fine. about 12 years ago I pulled out the LT1 which is still setting in my garage which i am going to sell.You won't belive the difference.The radiator worked fine the LT1 has it's own bellhousing & clutch which came with it and did not have any problems.the Lt1 engins is lighter than the 283 and the front end raised about 1" higher.I have a muncie trans on the back of the engine still no problem.