98 Camaro LS1 and box

kevdachev · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 12:40 pm Post subject: 98 Camaro LS1 and box

I have been offerered a 98 LS1 with gearbox from a crashed but running 98 camaro. I would like to transplant this into my newly aquired 68 El Camino. I understand the wiring may be difficult. What should l take from the donor car. Would it be easier to buy a loom. Should l take the fuel tank or is this going to be the wrong shape. Is the sump going to fit or will l have to cut the crossmember or buy a sump from another model. l realise this is a massive question but over here in England these swaps are not so common and any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance KEV.
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68 EL CAMINO MALIBU. 69 AUSTIN A60 PICKUP RACE CAR WITH 427 SBC WITH PROCHARGER RUNNING 9.2 SEC 1/4 MILE

Poltergeist · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 7:03 pm Post subject:

The tank won't work due to shape but you should get the fuel pump and maybe the pickup (you might be able to modify it and use it). Get the stock wiring harness it can be modified to work. Even if you get an aftermarket one if you don't hack the stocker up you might be able to sell it.

If by sump you mean the oil pan; then yes you would have to modify it or the cross member for clearance.

Take a look at LS1tech.com and look in the hybrid section. A ton of info and resources for these transplants.
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'82 El Camino with an LT1 from a 95 Impala SS

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kevdachev · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:24 pm Post subject: LS1 key

Hi Poltergeist,

I have now purchased the LS1 engine and box and have asked for all the extra bits you advised me of. Should l try and get the ignition switch with key as l understand this circuitry can be difficult to bypass.Thanks again

KEV
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68 EL CAMINO MALIBU. 69 AUSTIN A60 PICKUP RACE CAR WITH 427 SBC WITH PROCHARGER RUNNING 9.2 SEC 1/4 MILE

Poltergeist · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 1:44 pm Post subject:

The keyswitch isn't necessary. There are bypass units you can buy or since your more then likely going to have to have the computer reprogrammed to work in your El just have the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) disabled. By the programmer or you can do it if you buy the software and do it yourself.
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'82 El Camino with an LT1 from a 95 Impala SS

ECC Member #002

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greywolf · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 10:33 pm Post subject:

As Poltergeist said, there are two ways to do away with the VATS -- either by programming it out of the computer or getting a bypass. In my case, I got the bypass. They are usually on ebay, but wiring specialists like Painless have them as well.

But then I needed to reprogram the computer anyway to correct for my rear axle ratio.

kevdachev · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 5:26 am Post subject:

Hi Greywolf,

Did you have to reprogram the computer because you changed the axle ratio because you were using the speedo from your El Camino or are there other reasons to do with the gearbox.

Thanks KEV
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68 EL CAMINO MALIBU. 69 AUSTIN A60 PICKUP RACE CAR WITH 427 SBC WITH PROCHARGER RUNNING 9.2 SEC 1/4 MILE

cherryelkyls1 · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject:

the computer should be reprogrammed for the gear ratio because the computer controls the 4l60e, it uses RPM and MPH tables to calculate shift points. Cool

greywolf · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:33 pm Post subject:

I had to reprogram the computer because of the rear axle ratio. In my case the donor car was a Roadmaster with a pretty long rear axle. But along with the engine and tranny swap, I also swapped in a 3.73 rear axle. The net result was great acceleration, but the car cut out at speed, felt like it was running out of gas. I changed fuel filter, checked pressure--the pressure was good even when the engine cut out. And there were no trouble codes...

Finally took it to the dealer for computer diagnostic. They asked me for the VIN, and I had no idea because the engine was out of the car when I got it. So after a couple inconclusive shop checks they finally rigged their diagnostic computer to go for a ride with the car and figured out the computer was up against the speed limiter. With that 3.73 rear end, the computer thought I was doing 105mph when I was really doing about 73. That's the computer's speed limit, so it shut off the injectors.
Reprogramming corrected the speed--and did away with the speed limiter totally. Wink

The reprogramming also corrected the air fuel mixture, so now I'm close to 20MPG. The corrected mixture and some extra timing added 40-50 ft-lb of torque through the mid range. I just had to do the computer tune with before and after dyno runs to see if I was getting my money's worth. You could call me a happy customer.

kevdachev · Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 2:58 am Post subject:

Hi Greywolf,

Thanks for your reply, it was very useful. I have sent my loom and computer of to Speartech for calibration. This weekend I have fitted the LS1 in place. I will have to cut away about half the depth of the cross member about 9 inches wide. Does this sound about right. This will place the new mountings directly above the old mountings. Any ideas would be gratefully accepted. Thanks again KEV
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68 EL CAMINO MALIBU. 69 AUSTIN A60 PICKUP RACE CAR WITH 427 SBC WITH PROCHARGER RUNNING 9.2 SEC 1/4 MILE

greywolf · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 9:30 pm Post subject: