ls1 swap for my 67 firebird

Im restoring a 1967 firebird. It has the original 326 with a 2 speed automatic. My buddy said it would be pretty easy to swap in a ls1 motor. Im trying to anticipate any issuses I will have doing this project. Any know issues, and how to address them would be appreciated. motor mounts? do I need a different gas tank for the fuel pump? linkage for the tranny? I think I will stay with an automatic, but if not, what would be involved with putting in a clutch pedal? Thanks

You posted this in a How to section, I'm moving this. If you have a write up on how to do something on your car then it would go where you posted this.

Thanks

You posted this in a How to section, I'm moving this. If you have a write up on how to do something on your car then it would go where you posted this.

Thanks


where did you move it to? I posted in the "how to" section because Im looking for information on "how to" swap the ls1 motor into an old model firebird.

I moved it to firebird discussion. The how to section is for write up on how to do things. Not a place to ask questions.

Chris- To help answer your questions you should start searching the threads over at ls1tech.com. There are many conversions over there, including threads with links to webpages to people's conversions. there are a few first gen camaro swaps in particular that will be of help to you:

http://www.lees69camaro.com/

http://www.blown.net/cars/camaro68/

http://www.fquick.com/garages/Chevrolet/Camaro_RS/1967/6329/

Also- the major magazines have written articles on this very subject too. You should look into this and read:

http://www.highperformancepontiac.com/tech/hppp_0711_classic_firebird_ls1_engine_swap/index.html

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0405_camaro_engine_swap/index.html

I've done 2 LS1 swaps so far, but none in a first gen yet. My third swap (in the upcoming future) will be for the 67 Firebird I just bought a few weeks ago. However, money is tight for me right now so the swap won't happen yet.


My swaps:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2407208

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/journal.php?journalid=20939&action=view

Have you considered using a real Pontiac V8? I've seen several 1st gen swaps with LSx. It's okay, but be prepared to be "shunned" by Pontiac people. And it's a bit easier to do the swap with a Camaro than a Firebird, as the mounting system for the engine is completely different for the Pontiac.

As for performance, it takes LS7 (426 CID) to "run" with the traditional Pontiac. LS1 isn't gonna do it. It may be less expensive to swap in a 400 Pontiac and TH400 than the LSx. It DEFINITELY would be less expensive if using LS7... (rare and BIG money).

Pontiac V8s, though "killed off" by GM, have refused to go away. In fact, there are more performance parts for the Pontiac now than there have EVER been, and the Pontiac-powered cars are getting closer and closer to the times and speeds of similar BIG BLOCK Chevy-powered cars. Can't get 500 CID from a small block...(:-

Jim

With all due respect to you, Mr. Peabody, (I have and have read my copy of the Pontiac engine book you helped write) I wouldn't dismiss the LS engine for an engine swap upgrade.

The LS series of engines offer many advantages. They are compact, lightweight and powerful. They offer improved drivability with fuel injection (both throttle response and dare I say it, fuel economy) They are reliable engines, and require less frequent tune ups, replacement parts, etc. and typically will run more miles between rebuilds. Parts are plentiful and easy to get at any local parts store or remaining dealerships around. (I'm finding my self calling all over LA just to find someone who stocks parts for my newly acquired '67 firebird)

For 80% of the people on this board, a stock LS1 will deliver enough power and offer superior economy and service life. Then there is all the upgrades available for these engines. One can make these engines as powerful as they can afford.

It's like having your cake and eating it, too. (power, reliability and economy)

The downside, like you say, is the "cross breeding" and sooner or later we will become "me too" people, if not already. But, imo, the advantages this modern generation of engines offer is well worth it.

the biggest problem maybe overriding the anti-theft. It can be done. yes you will need a new pump. 65psi pump will do.