The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 50 drive train upgrade

Sorry if this has been asked, I am new and was unable to find an answer using search.

Has anyone on here swapped a late model (1995) F-Body drivetrain to one of our beauties? I purchased a 95 Formula pontiac with an LT-1 in it and am hoping to put the entire drivetain, including rear end in my 50 pickup. My main concern is getting the computer from the car to work in the pickup.

Is there something in print or available on-line concerning this swap? I surely will not be the first to do this. Is buying a wiring harness the best way to go (although pricey)?

thanks,

Dale

you may not want to do this, but you could just scrap all the sensors, and get a carb'd intake manifold and not have to mess with the computer. or just get the harness. look around i know there are companies that make all the required parts to swap an lt1 into an older car/truck.

If you've already bought the parts donor car, you've already taken the biggest financial "hit."

There are several aftermarket wiring companies which offer complete vehicle harnesses from headlights to taillights which will be correctly set up to operate your LT1. A couple which come to mind are Painless Performance Wiring www.painlessperformance.com and Ron Francis Wire Works www.wire-works.com

removing all the fuel injection to install a carb, etc seems like back-engineering, to me-why not buy a carbed 350 and 700-R4 to begin with? :confused: Just my $.02.

Regards,
Wannabe

you need to pick up the latest issue (sept. 04)of classic trucks magazine they just did a several page article on this type of engine swap. and they listed about ten companies that could help you out with it.

Definitely keep the electronics, and use the original vehicle wire harness if possible. Most of the aftermarket harnesses use only minimum computer functions, and you'll lose a lot of the desireable features of the factory setup. You might need to fit the donor vehicle's gauge cluster, or figure out a way to incorporate the vehicle speed sensor into the system. Otherwise, the torque converter clutch won't lock in, and you'll get a constant "check engine" light indicating no VSS signal. A factory wiring diagram, and some time and patience should get you under way. Good luck!
Jerry

Thanks for the replies.

My friends here are all telling me pretty much the same. I am excited about the Fuel Injection for power and economy. My 88 vette gets 24 MPG at 80, so I am looking forward to some really good MPG and power.

I have a friend here that has an LT-1 in a 1941 Chevy sedan and he loves it.

I got the pontiac for $1300, looks like entire drive train will work including rear end.

If you're using the LT1's transmission, the VSS won't be a problem. If you're not, www.jagsthatrun.com can help you out.