How to put a LT1 in a '67 Vette

[67 LT1]

Does anyone have any information or advice for putting a '97 LT1 motor in a 1967 Vette? I'm not sure where to begin, so I'm hoping someone else has been there before and could lend me a hand with some information (i.e. website, books, notes, pictures, etc.)
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Ryan

 

[WayneC]

I have no first-hand knowledge, but I am interested, so I'd appreciate your posting anything you learn.

Here are a few of my random thoughts on the potential challenges:

I made note of a blurb in the Feb 2000 issue of Vette magazine on a company that supplies harnesses for LT1 installation in older Corvettes:

http://www.howell-efi.com/wk_mpi_tpi_index.html

There's also a company that advertises they can rework an LT1 engine harness to bypass the VATS system and adapt it to just about any vehicle:

http://www.dynatechmotorsports.com

I suspect the major problem might be the accessory drive rack on the front of the engine, which may interfere with the front crossmember or frame rails. If not, and you will be installing a matching 4L60E automatic, then the potential problems become mounting the rear of the trans, driveshaft mods, shifter/linkage mods, replacing the throttle linkage, mounting an electric fuel pump in or near the gas tank (with appropriate feed and return lines), installing an electric cooling fan, engine and tranny coolant radiators, hoses and overflow provisions, A/C and power steering hoses, and converting your tach to electronic drive (there's vendors that can do that). Whether a stock C2 radiator can handle the heat flow of an LT1 may be an issue. I don't think steering linkage is an issue, but it could be if the oil pan is deeper. There will likely be an issue with driving your speedometer from the 4L60E, although there are probably products available that address the problem.

Keeping a Muncie 4spd transmission may present flywheel, clutch and bellhousing challenges.

Of course, you could also go the whole route and install a frame capable of attaching the LT1 and C4 or C5 suspension with rack-mount steering; available from several vendors.

Here's one of those vendors:

http://www.carcreationsinc.com/html_2/63price.html

And, there was a prior thread in this forum asking about installing an LS1 (not a lot of tech info, but maybe you could contact responders who seemed knowledgeable):

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13850&highlight=LT1

Here's a couple more vendors that might have products that assist:

http://www.arizonatpi.com/services.html

http://www.hotrodlane.cc/

Or, it would probably be much cheaper and simpler to just install a pre-92 TPI unit on an earlier 350ci engine that would drop in place (no mounting, transmission, or interference issues), just harness, fuel supply, tachometer, and sensor issues to solve... but the LT1 sure would be nice.... . . . got one sitting in my garage.... .. hmmnnn

 

[67 LT1]

Thanks for the info Wayne.
The idea of a TPI had been discussed but I opted for the LT1 which came with an automatic transmission and complete wiring harness and computer for the same low price. I've seen the same engines on Ebay for over $600 more than I paid. So part of my investigation will be on installing this tranny as well as the engine. I already know, and am in the process, of changing out the nose cone on the tranny since this units are longer than what the 67 chassis will accept. But beyond that, I'm open for advice.
Thanks again.