Ls1 conversion in a '78 Camaro [Archive] - Australian LS1 and Holden Forums

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commodoreone

16-10-2006, 01:23 PM

flamed

16-10-2006, 07:24 PM

Would be a great conversion.
The Camaro front end is very similar to the HQ-Z holden, pretty sure that Rod Hadfield @ Castlemaine Rod Shop does kits for the Holden conversion so try him first.

Peter B - CV8

16-10-2006, 09:05 PM

Its gonna cost you quite a few extra bucks to change engine/transmission & electrics etc - and at the end of the day, you end up with a hybrid vehicle that might be difficult to sell.
I would have thought you could give the existing/original components a bit of a "freshen up" and save some good $$$. How often do you drive it (daily driver - or weekends ??)

nvious calais

17-10-2006, 01:21 AM

That would be an awesome conversion!!! Not exactly something you would just sell once completed. Go for it i reckon

MR_RX3

17-10-2006, 07:24 AM

that would be a mad engine/box conversion .. the car would scream.

you would have to post some pics of this thing while doing the conversion

GTSAdam

17-10-2006, 08:18 AM

Yeah, definately keep us updated. Awesome conversion

JBonDSS

17-10-2006, 09:42 AM

I would check out the Conversions on www.ls1tech.com, you more like to get a kit that actually fits from the states,

commodoreone

19-10-2006, 08:04 AM

:yup: Thanks guys - all good feedabck, much appreciated.

The argument of keeping original is always a hard one, but at the end of the day you have to enjoy the drive. I must say the new Ls1 is smooth, does'nt smell of fumes as much as a conventional V8 and is easily tweaked.

I think I'll try Castlemain Rod shop...

Swordie

19-10-2006, 09:02 AM

It's probably worth looking into what can be done with improving the 350. It’s probably the most modifiable motor of all time. There will be forums around that will go into great detail about how to modify a 350. You would think 350HP is quite achievable, 400HP plus would get quite expensive.

Cars of the 70s were affected by pollution laws. Modern components that can be fitted such improved manifolds, carburettors, ignition systems and CAMs to free up more power.

RetroTuner

19-10-2006, 09:17 AM

Check www.hotrodlane.cc ,these guys are the gurus in the US for retro fits.

jacklegend70

09-01-2007, 12:24 PM

Hi everyone, if anybody needs any info on fitting an LS1 into a 2nd gen, iam half way through fitting a LS1 and 4L60E from a VY SS commodore into my trans am, ive got a ls1 workshop manuel on my computer with all wiring diagrams, ive already had engine running on my shed floor with radiator connected, thermos cutting in and out, all worked good, dont pay the profesionals to do it ive done it all myself and saved heaps of money iam happy to assist anybody with a conversion, iam also looking at fitting rack and pinion, iam still working on that project i havnt got it fully worked out yet, ive had the rack sitting in there and it looks close..... regards John email me at: thelegend77@aapt.net.au

Rexx

09-01-2007, 01:39 PM

Well here is my 2 cents and maybe because I'm a yank too.
If you have a 78 Camaro what type is it? Is it a plain Jane or Z28 etc... Being that there is a dime a dozen in the states and easy to get one here now. I'd mod the living crap out of it. They can be made into some nice rides but a doggy when it comes to power. If you have converted to RHD drive then the value is really lost anyway your only going to sell it here or the UK. There should be all kinds of kits to drop a LS1/2 in that bad boy and stuff for the tranny.
If it was mine and I had the cash I'd sure the hell do it. if I had more cash I'd drop the 427BB in that bad boy and make everyone drool.
bankspower.com/im_SuperRod_Sept04.cfm

High Octane

10-01-2007, 09:40 AM

Isn't there a carbureted version of the LS1? I've seen kits that allows use of a carb would save a lot of hassle with ECM and all that. I remember the kit makes stupid power something along the lines of 420 HP (313 Kw).

Jungle_s14a

10-01-2007, 07:41 PM

should be an animal

LS2LXHatch

10-01-2007, 08:09 PM

Castle Auto Elec should be able to provide wiring loom and computer.

The LS2 is considerably more expensive to fit than the LS1 as the electronic throttle body needs to be replaced with a cable throttle body.

The rules for fitting a late model engine into a car in WA require that you meet the pollution standards for the donor vehicle. This means that I have to run CATS and the original fuel injection system in my 1977 LX Torana.

The LS1/LS2 Camaro sump will most likely fit, Eagle Auto Parts can supply these for around $600 complete.

http://www.castleauto.com.au/
http://www.eagleautoparts.com.au/

Da Burb

11-01-2007, 09:46 PM

Go for it.
I don't think it'd be that difficult.
Of course, you'll need the PCM and a wiring loom..fairly accessible stuff!

commodoreone

12-01-2007, 09:30 PM

:driving: Thanks guys, all great feedback. It has been a while since I posted the original thread, but I have actually come full circle.

I think I am going to stay with older style engine, to be in keeping with the
style of vehicle.

I am now leaning towards a 427 or 454 small block cast iron job and have Trick & Mansweto build it. The boys rebuilt my 350 a few years ago and they guarantee they will get 700 horses out of a 427. Not cheap although they use good gear (Dart block, good heads etc..).

Have you guys had any experience with Jason and Tristen at Trick & Mansweto, they are good blokes...

LS2LXHatch

12-01-2007, 09:56 PM

I think sticking with a carburetor engine is a good idea. If I had it to do all over again I would have a new 383 carburetor SBC and 10 grand in my pocket.

LS1Cheyenne

13-01-2007, 07:54 AM

You will love that swap , that is once you've got it done . Actually , it really isn't that bad . I put a 98 year LS1 into my 94 Chevy Silverado . I purchased the motor mount adaptor plates at S and P ,Street and Performance
( http://hotrodlane.cc/ ) in Mena , Arkansas .If you call them early enough they're more than willing to asnwer any questions you have even if you don't buy anything . They also sell stand alone harnesses . The aluminum plates were about $90 US and were worth it because they came with the correct bolts and look nice. The biggie is your harness and I 'm not electrically inclined so I had my harness grafted and I think the price was a bit steep at $600 to put 2 used harnesses together . But it started right up and hasn't given me any trouble and all of my gauges and cruise control work . The easy part of the swap after getting the engine in was that the trans mount , driveshaft , shift linkage , power steering lines and transmission cooler lines all hooked right up ! Thats' one of the great things about GM - interchangeability . I couldn't believe that so many things matched up . don't know how many will on your Camaro though. And of course you'll need electric fans . Should be able to use the F body fans and fab up a mount . You'll also have to rig your exhaust system up most likely with some flex hose and whatever else you can make work to get her down to the exhaust shop .

But like someone mentioned on here , mechanics and shops don't want to work on transplanted vehicles so that's something to consider . You may as well resign yourself to the fact that you're going to be learning a lot and running into some problems at some point and you'll have to do it yourself . I'd definitley contact the fellow that's already doing one himself on here . You two may be able to help each other out . I will add that my Silvy has been extremely reliable and is my daily driver . The only time she's left me on the side of the road was due to fuel pump issues . Not knowing what to do , like yourself , I put the fuel pump in tank that was recommended but someone forgot to tell me where to put the regulator . I actually drove for six months with out one until the hose in the tank blew off ! I ended up using a 97 or 98 style corvette external filter/ regulator and that solved the problem . Hope this wasn't too long everyone !:sleep: Jim

commodoreone

13-01-2007, 11:56 AM

:driving: Thanks guys. Good tips Ls1 Cheyenne, and great to hear from our US cousins.

Whilst an Ls1 would be smooth driver, I actually have a '03 Ls1 powered Monaro (Pontiac GTO) which goes very nicely, around 417 hp. So that is why have re-considered, I think I'll being going for a cast iron Dart block with carby set up either 427 or 454 Chev and try to get 700 hp - keep with '70s theme.

What power is the silverado making - have you had it on adyno yet ?

LS1Cheyenne

14-01-2007, 08:00 AM

Good luck C-one ! I don't see many Camaros of that year around here anymore - glad there are some out there that are being cared for . Here's something that may make you change your mind about that Dart block though : the LS1 6 bolt main crankshaft from the factory is good for 700 HP and the stock hypereutectic pistons are good for , in the neighborhood of 550 HP . So you could take a stock LS1 , change the cam , mod the heads a bit ( not even much) and a retune on the PCM and have a 550 hp beast .I read this in Will Handzels book about modding LS1's as well as their history .
http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-High-Performance-Chevy-V-8s/dp/customer-reviews/1884089844

I'm sure that either way you'll have a cool car ! Jim

P.S . to answer your question about my truck - I've never had it on a dyno but it is an all stock engine minus the cats . The guy I bought the engine from had a dyno and said it came in around 295hp in the Firebird . I'm planning on a retune soon and expect around 315 rwhp .

commodoreone

15-01-2007, 10:17 AM

:wave: Thanks LS1Cheyeene ...

Have you by any chance heard anything about the new Chev Camaro being released outside the US ? Many of us here in OZ are desperate for the beast to come down under - Holden is heavily involved in the design of the new muscle car, so we are all hoping to see it here next year.

I'll be buying one if they come here in right hand drive.

Be great if they released it with an optional 7ltr 427 !!!

Rivi65

23-02-2007, 06:56 PM

:) I am thinking of modernising my 78 Camaro by replacing the existing 350 Chev & 5 sp with a new Ls1/2 auto package.

Does anyone know of any quality outfits in the Sydney area that have experience with this type of work ?
Mate, I'm wanting to do the same thing on my 81 Trans Am in Brisbane.
I already have the SS commodore motor & box. Need to find a different sump first up. I will do it my self & I.m in the process of measuring it up right now.
How far have you got to?
Rivi 65

EBMANUL

24-02-2007, 12:57 PM

go all out mate, there was a similar set up in a old street machine! doner car was a VT ss gen3.

Phantom_Menace

24-02-2007, 01:06 PM

go all out mate, there was a similar set up in a old street machine! doner car was a VT ss gen3.

I think to get a post count of ten or above you need to post in the technical section mate. Just noticed you have made allot of posts in quick time..:wave:

EBMANUL

24-02-2007, 01:08 PM

I think to get a post count of ten or above you need to post in the technical section mate. Just noticed you have made allot of posts in quick time..:wave:

haha in think its just boredem at work mate.

Phantom_Menace

24-02-2007, 01:10 PM

haha in think its just boredem at work mate.

Cool, me too. Mods hate that sh1t from us newbies...;)

Paul.

1LS1HT

12-08-2007, 07:32 AM

Hi everyone yes nice conversion ls1 into the camaro.Ive just done the same conversion ls1 6spd into my ht gts monaro,Pick up the sump on monday as the engine is ex camaro it made modes a bit easy,Just hope it stayed flat.
It also rolls on 2002 gts 300 19s and brake package ,im yes it looks hot.

Red CV8 R

12-08-2007, 11:24 AM