LT1 Conversion

80_elco410 · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:41 pm Post subject: LT1 Conversion

I was interested in doing an LT1 swap to my 1980 El Co. What do I need to install the motor?

Andreas · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 5:19 pm Post subject:

You need this

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2164290&highlight=el+camino#post2164290

Poltergeist · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:42 pm Post subject:

That bracket is for an LS1 swap not an LT1.

The biggest thing you will need to do is setup your Elky's fuel system to support it. Basically set it up for EFI. Baffled tank, electric fuel pump (in-tank or in line), fuel line with return. If you want to use the AC you would need to notch the passenger side frame horn to clear the compressor. Do a search on here and you will get quite a bit of info on LT1 swaps.
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'82 El Camino with an LT1 from a 95 Impala SS

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El Corvino · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 2:24 pm Post subject:

Hmm... I wonder if it makes a difference if you have a vette LT1? I remember I bought a procharger for mine and learned the hard way that the Vette LT1 is the only one that spins counter clockwise... Every other LT1 spins the opposite way. (so I was unable to use it)

What kind of luck is that!? With that said, I did not have to do any crazy modifications to put the LT1 in... just bent the metal cleff back where the 40L6E tranny bolted in and everything cleared just fine. If you are not in any crazy hurry, I can send you pics of the complete re-install when it finally goes down in the up coming weeks.

drhutch · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 1:20 pm Post subject:

I have a 95 LT1 from a Caprice in my 83. Not wanting to cut the frame I moved the AC pump to the left side of the motor. I used a factory bracket, cut off the parts I didn't need flipped it over and bolted it to the upper left side. Worked slick. Mechanically the install was pretty straight forward. Change the drive shaft. Move the cross member back one hole in the frame and the 4L60E bolted up. We had a real hoop jump with the electrical (used a Painless harness). Not all of their instructions worked exactly right but after some good trouble shooting it is running fine now. If you would like some pictures PM me and I will send them to you.
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1983 El Camino with 95 LT1.

juced211s · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:50 pm Post subject: LT1 Swap

Hi Guys new to the forum. I just got done putting a '95 F-Body LT1 in my '86. Pretty straight forward swap when compared with an LS1. Everything bolts right in with the exception of the A/C Compressor as Dr Hutch said. I just put an A/C delete pulley in for now. Personally I think the biggest thing to realize when doing this swap is making sure you connect all of the periphery stuff. For instance if you dont hook up the 'check engine light wire' the car will run in limp mode and the fans will stay on. Also make sure you hook up the TCC switch to the brake pedal. I can send you schematics if you want.

One thing also worth mentioning is that if you can find a donor car take as much stuff from it as possible, this will definitely keep the cost down. Electric Fans, cruise control, etc. I pilfered the fuel lines and tank from a 94 caprice. The fuel lines worked great with the factory style fuel filter and allows you to connect directly to the fuel rails without having to purchase adapter fittings or an aftermarket F.P. Regulator. The power steering lines from the caprice also bolted right into the car (lt1 power steering pump is on the Pass Side). With the tank, I took the top of the Caprice tank (where the fuel pump/sender bolt in) and welded it to the top of the el camino tank where the El Camino sender was. This allowed me to run the standard caprice setup with an intank fuel pump and 3/8" feed 5/16" return. Worked very nice and was not very difficult.
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www.LT1Conversion.com