90's LT1 in a early shark?

[70 LS1]

Just figured I would add my picture as well.

 

[TomOB]

Hey Guys,
Long time since I've posted on these forums, just started college, etc.

This summer I was doing some extensive searching for a way to put a C# on a c4 body, learning that it was not worth the trouble. I had abandoned my hopes until I saw some promising booths at Carlisle.
One guy had a c1 chassis he had specially fitted to accept c4 engines and suspensions, he even had a car on display (only problem was the new wheels, didn't look right). I started asking about a c3 that would accept a c4, and the guy told me he was working on a c2 that could slightly be modified to do the job. I beleive he charged $6,000 a frame.
Another booth had older chassis specially made to accept the ls1 and the c5 suspension. I was told it would work with a c3.
I priced the whole project at 20 grand. They charged i beleive 6-8 for their services, which needed a frame for them to work on.
If you have welding skills or a friend who does, you might be able to do the work yourself. The guys were more concerned with a c2 working than a c3, even though the differences may be minute. Next year or some time in the interim i will take detailed pictures of their work.
I'm a business student but i plan on taking mechanical engineering as a second degree, which shoudl make the project within my realm.

 

[vettedan]

Do you have any good pics that show your whole car?

6 Shooter - Here are some more pics of my Shark.

http://www.vetteworksonline.com/vetted3.jpg

http://www.vetteworksonline.com/vetted4.jpg

http://www.vetteworksonline.com/vettedan_shark.jpg

http://www.vetteworksonline.com/sirrace1.jpg

www.vetteworksonline.com

 

[Last Ride]

Hey Guys,
Long time since I've posted on these forums, just started college, etc.

This summer I was doing some extensive searching for a way to put a C# on a c4 body, learning that it was not worth the trouble. I had abandoned my hopes until I saw some promising booths at Carlisle.
One guy had a c1 chassis he had specially fitted to accept c4 engines and suspensions, he even had a car on display (only problem was the new wheels, didn't look right). I started asking about a c3 that would accept a c4, and the guy told me he was working on a c2 that could slightly be modified to do the job. I beleive he charged $6,000 a frame.
Another booth had older chassis specially made to accept the ls1 and the c5 suspension. I was told it would work with a c3.
I priced the whole project at 20 grand. They charged i beleive 6-8 for their services, which needed a frame for them to work on.
If you have welding skills or a friend who does, you might be able to do the work yourself. The guys were more concerned with a c2 working than a c3, even though the differences may be minute. Next year or some time in the interim i will take detailed pictures of their work.
I'm a business student but i plan on taking mechanical engineering as a second degree, which shoudl make the project within my realm.

I know one such company that performs these modifications on your frame is Paul Newman (not the actor) at www.carcreationsinc.com It seems expensive, but looks so trick! I have also heard of guys that make complete tube frames for earlier cars and modern suspension for around $5000. There are people out there, just gotta know where to look! That, and a bank that you know you could knock over when you need the extra cash....

 

[patsnitrovette]

Vettedan, you did a great job with that install very clean looking,seeing your vette makes me want to change to lt-1 after im done with the tpi.

 

[vettedan]

patsnitrovette-Thanks for the complement. I've seen your Shark on the Corvette Forum. Very impressive. Good job with your roll bar. I have a lot of respect for do it yourselfers. It would be fun to line up with you in the 1/4 mile, you would probably kick my ass. How do you like using juice?
Dan

 

[Mako]

Originally posted by 69MyWay Because you can't trust the history given to you on a bone yard LT1 engine, you MUST put a new opti spark on it ASAP, and that alone cranks the price of the project out of site.

Weeeell I respectfully disagree with that....

Chose a vented opti motor, then dis-assemble the opti and inspect it. It's pretty obvious if it's having problems or not. If it's going bad, buy an opti rebuild kit (basically cap and rotor),re-assemble and call it good to go on the cheap.

A L98 is a better looking engine, easier to get accesories to fit, and cheaper to mod, but produces less overall hp.

As well as being rev limited, which may mean a rear gear change. TPI is not the way to go for any EFI swap imho. Stick with an LTx/LSx swap instead unless you have over-riding specific need to go with a TPI retrofit.

The especially good news with the MAF LTx cars are the PCM programming tools are readily avialable and there is a large knowledge base of people "out there" to tap for help.

LS1 PCM hacking is still in the early stages in comparison to the LTx PCM. Costs are lower for the LTx programming and monitoring tools as well.

CYa!
Mako

 

[Mciamp99]

As I have found out, it is easier and cheaper to change the Opti before you install the motor(and the Water Pump, than after. The thing I wonder about witht he 6-speed is how much alteration you will need to do to the tunnel? I used a 700 R4 and the yoke sits back in the part of the tunnell that gets small. It is awful close to bpth walls.

I also found out in the course of my current project that unless you make a bracket like Dan did you will need to use the Corvette style bracket and accessories. The Camaro brackets hit the Right side A-Frames. This means changing the Dampner to a corvette style as well. There are aftermarket brackets, but after researching them was not sure they would clear the A-Frames so for the same money I went with the stock LT style brackets and accessories.

I had to have Power Steering hoses and A/C hoses made, still working on the A/C hose off the compressor.

I will say that I think the engine looks so cool sitting in the compartment. It almost looks like the hood wont close, but I assure you it will.

You will have issues with the PCM, but less than I did as you have a Camaro PCM. TPiS in MN can reprogram that wor you check them out at www.TpiS.com.

I finally got mine running this week after 9 months of frustration and no look forward to driving the beast for the first time. I hope to do a WEB site for it when I am done.

Dan was helpful with several questions I had and I would be glad to share anything I may know(I learned alot). Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Michael

 

[vettedan]

Mciamp99 - Glad your making progress, wheres the pictures? I would love to see what your set up looks like. How did you set up your fuel system?
Dan

 

[Mciamp99]

I hope to buid a Web Site soon. I have a ton of pictures from the body off to now as wel as some video.

Dan, I used a 96 GS Fuel Pump and made it work with the 1975 Sending Unit in the Tank. It is pumping at 49 PSI. I plan on setting up my vacuum to the PB Booster tomorrow and bleeding them. I also hope to find out what Codes I am throwing. I believe I have a Skip Shift error but not sure what else.

I did use the stock 96 accesories. The Alternator is pushing 13.7 volts and the PS sems to be working fine. I put 3 chamber flowmaster exhuast with no cats, 2 1/2 all the way back.. It sounds nice. Replaced the rear O2's with simms, but if I have to send computer out to get ride of tranny codes will eliminate them at that time. I also want to start checking the guages to see which ones I may need to rewire for. I know the Fuel Gauge and Speedo will work. THe clock obviously and I already checked the Ammeter. I hope Oil, water and Tach work without much trouble.

I know you used the 95 LT set up, I used the 96 which contributed to many of my problems, but I think I have it pretty well nailed down now. Not bad for an amatuer, just wish this was spring time.

Do you plan on going to the 50th in June? I would love to see your set up up close and personal as well as any other LT conversions. Maybe we should start a C-3.5 registry(Ha ha)

 

[vettedan]

Mciamp99
Excellent!! I wish I could make the 50th but I can't make it. If you want, you can send me pictures and I'll host them for you. I would perfer sending them via the mail because I'm still stuck on the phone lines and it takes forever to down load. If your interested, send my an e-mail and i'll give you my address.
Dan

 

[Last Ride]

C3.X

Do you plan on going to the 50th in June? I would love to see your set up up close and personal as well as any other LT conversions. Maybe we should start a C-3.5 registry(Ha ha)

Sounds like an awesome idea! But, shouldn't it be called the "C3.4 Registry"? As for the pics, I would love to see them when you get the site up. I wish I had taken more pictures when I did mine. I will definitely be taking more from here on out.

 

[Yoda]

montanabob

Sorry it's taken me so long to respond to this, I couldn't find the photo I was looking for until this morning. This is a photo of one of our L81 members conversion. I haven't been able to contact him so I can't put any other information out. I haven't heard from him in over a year now?

This is a sweet conversion

 

[Mciamp99]

Here is the first of my pictures. I hope to have many more. I do have more if anyone is looking for anything in particular, please email me. Thanks for the offer Dan I will be intouch after the new year.

 

[Mciamp99]

Here is another, for those who dont know the history of this car, at least 7 other corvettes have died so this 70-something may live. I am currently fitting 84 seats to the interior. I actually hope to have the whole project complete bythe end of February.

 

[Mciamp99]

One more for now, this is the actual car. it is painted the same color as the newer Impala SS with just a hint more Red Pearl in the mix. The color really dances on the shark body.

 

[BlackNBlue95]

One more for now, this is the actual car. it is painted the same color as the newer Impala SS with just a hint more Red Pearl in the mix. The color really dances on the shark body.

Very Nice Love the paint.. I think thats pretty cool updateing an old shark with newer internals.. that LT4 is a nice setup.. what did you do as far as the trans what are you running in it now?
-Rick

 

[Mciamp99]

I am running a 700 R4 with no electronics, I am showing several codes as a result, but will have them all programmed out when I make sure all my stuff is working correctly.

I am actually in Massachusetts, a little to far to go to Il. thanks for the offer though.

 

[vettedan]

Mciamp99-Your the only one I know , besides myself, that has installed an intank fuel pump. No irratating fuel pump whine and intank pumps on average have a longer life span. Good job.
Dan
www.vetteworksonline.com

 

[patsnitrovette]

i mounted mine in the tank also used a 96 vette pump and hooked it to my stock sending unit ,shortened it up some with a sock on the end,but mine is actually loud.Nice job on the lt4.