View Full Version : Updating My 68 With A Ls2/t56


badazzbowties
Nov 27th, 07, 04:46 PM
Hi Guys I Was Actually Wondering If Anyone Knows What All Is Needed To Be Modified To Install A Ls Series Engine And T56 Tranny Into My 68 Camaro, Any Info Will Be Greatly Appreciated, I Have Been Looking Into This Swap For A While Know And Just Need The Run Down On What And Even Possible Where To Get Parts Like Motor Mounts, Exhaust, Etc.. Thanks Alot.
Bryan

Rocketrod
Nov 27th, 07, 05:20 PM
Here is a must read
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=818862

Here is a very detailed post from www.ls1tech.com which contains part numbers, cost, etc.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=684612&highlight=camaro

This may be useful also
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=700452&highlight=camaro

Rodder
Nov 27th, 07, 07:33 PM
there's at least half a dozen different options for every decision in an LSX/T56 swap.

- What are you going to use the car for? Daily driver? Show car? Drag racer? Autocross?

- What's your budget?

Tommy69Z
Nov 27th, 07, 08:58 PM
Yor gonna "KILL" the value of your car!

Rhino
Nov 27th, 07, 09:49 PM
Yor gonna "KILL" the value of your car!

What most fail to realize is that, for some of us, there is little value in the cars to "kill".
Take my '68 for example... it started out life as a 6cyl car. Somewhere along the way it lost it's VIN plate and trim tag. I bought it as an absolute basket case, now in the process of a restoration. It now sports a state assigned VIN.
The only things that I know for certain are that the car was originally a 6 cyl (found within the VIN on the original title) and that the car was Olympic gold originally. (found under layers of primer)

Would you not, in this case, think to drop an LS2 in the car?

As far as the swap is concerned... it has gotten so popular lately that I've seen special pans, motor mounts, and motor plates, all for this specific application in the pages of summit and jegs.
As was stated before, you have a plethora of choices when it comes to all decisions. The conversions and hybrids sticky on LS1tech will be a great starting point. The LS motor swap is a pretty broad topic, feel free to post up any specific question and I'm sure everyone here would be glad to answer them.

Rodder
Nov 27th, 07, 10:31 PM
What most fail to realize is that, for some of us, there is little value in the cars to "kill".

Amen!

If it's not a matching-numbers car, the LSX swap isn't going to hurt the value. Most first gens don't have the original engine and trans anymore. My '68 is worth a lot more with the LS1/T56 in it than it was '79 GMC 4x4 350 & TH350.

Tommy69Z
Nov 28th, 07, 06:31 AM
I agree, just had to be a smart***, since that is what I was told about dropping a Grand National turbo v6 in mine on here.

Rhino
Nov 28th, 07, 07:12 AM
I agree, just had to be a smart***, since that is what I was told about dropping a Grand National turbo v6 in mine on here.

That's awesome. I always love to see non standard swaps. :)
When doing something original, there will always be those who aren't as accepting. On the other hand, there's others of us lining up to take a peek at your latest progress. Build the car for yourself, don't let the doubters phase you. :thumbsup:

Another pretty cool swap going on @ pro-touring.com is a guy dropping a turbo 2.4 Ecotec out of a solstice into an early Chevette. I can't wait to see the results.

badazzbowties
Nov 28th, 07, 10:49 PM
hey guys thanks for all the help, I am mostly going to be a street car with some drag racing and possible autocrossing, I dont know I guess a little bit of everything. But I just love the engine I mean I read once that you know the old saying there is no replacement for displacement and this person had a thing that said the only replacement for displacement is technology, I kinda feel its true I mean come one I could have a 400 hp small block with a t56 and get over 20 mpg on the highway?!? with ice cold ac blowing on my face, I mean its crazy but sorry for going off on that littel tangent, thanks again for all the info its going to be a long project it looks like and not the cheapest but its all worth it.

Rodder
Nov 29th, 07, 01:44 PM
Ok, so a street/strip car with some autocross too...

My suggestions:
- ATS (t56kit.com) for mounts, oil pan, crossmember, and clutch hydraulics
- Talk to Tyler at ATS about header options other than ATS... if Stainless Works makes a header that'll fit, i'd go with SW
- Use the factory GM exhaust manifold gaskets no matter what headers you use
- Rock Valley fuel tank with internal 55psi pump
- '99 Corvette regulator/filter
- Aftermarket shifter of your choice
- If you are comfortable with EFI wiring, modify the LS2 harness yourself to adapt it. If not, send it to John at Speartech to get it customized.
- If you aren't scared to death of computers, buy either HPTuners or EFILive to program the PCM. If you are scared, send the PCM to John at Speartech
- LS2 is drive by wire. You can either convert it to a cable operated throttle body, or you can adapt the gas pedal from a GTO. For the latter, get the TAC module that goes with the gas pedal.
- Replace the pilot bearing with a real GM bushing for a 5.3L truck
- buy a new repro 3/8 stainless fuel line and cut the hose barbs off it
- use Swagelok compression to -6AN fittings on the fuel hard line
- use Aeroquip socketless AN hose and fittings between the tank and regulator and the hardline and fuel rail, or the stainless hose and fittings of your preference
- If you haven't already upgraded to a fast-ratio steering box, upgrade to the ATS box while the engine is out
- If the T56 hasn't already had the 3-4 shift fork and slider keys upgraded, send it off to get rebuilt and upgraded. The T56 can handle a lot of torque, but it can't handle being shifted hard.

bearcat44
Dec 1st, 07, 06:43 AM
Agree on all points but the last one concerning shift forks... Not really a disagreement but a cheap solution. Just get a pro 5.0 shifter. It has stop bolts that let you slam it in gear as hard as you want and never bend a shift fork..

Its alot cheaper than having your tranny rebuilt! Don't fix something that aint broken :D