Swapping the LT-5 into a '69 Camaro

[LT-5 Music]

Planning to purchase an LT-5 to swap into a '69 Camaro. If anyone would like to pass along advice that could simplify and/or optimize the swap, I'd like to hear it. There is a fellow who is doing an LT-5 into a '67 Camaro that should make it to SEMA this year, so I have one person to get advice from so far. Below is the look the car will have when it's done.

Thanks,

Skip

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/Badd55%20big%20pics/finaltoddchopZL5.jpg

[Aurora40]

No advice, but keep us posted! Sounds like an awesome project!

[secondchance]

That should be an interesting project.
You might have traction problem without tubbing and super wide rear tires though.:thumbsup:

[LT-5 Music]

You're right, so yes it will be mini-tubbed and get wider tires in back.

[Z51JEFF]

Dont forget the thermostat housing.From what I hear when somebody buys an LT5 for a project they always forget the housing,its separate from the motor.

[phrogs]

Ill cut you a Good deal on a low mile 90 LT5.
Car had under 19K miles when it was wrecked I parted it out.

Id like $6500 for the motor I just sold the transmission and it is happy in a ZR-1 in sweden! :thumbsup:

[LT-5 Music]

Jeff, thanks for the advice.:thumbsup:

Johnny, I'll keep your offer in mind.

[Marq21]

Skip,

I have been working on putting an LT-5 in to a 69 Firebird for almost three years so I am intimately familiar with what you are trying to do. I would be happy to discuss with you as there are several issues you will need to address and unless you have EXTREME patience and determination this can be a chore. I just like to create so this is my therapy from work.

Also, I am a lurker for the past couple years so I have never discussed this project on the forum.

Issues to deal with: motor mounts, transmission crossmember, firewall depth, ZF trans sits much higher up in floor so custom metal work is needed, fuel tank with dual fuel pumps, ECM and BCM integration, pedal location ..... I could go on and on. I am using Detroit Speeds front clip and going with their Quadra link setup in the rear. Currently doing metal work and just finished media blasting this shell yesterday. Needless to say the car was basically junk when I got it and working mainly on the weekends the project does not move very quickly.

Anyway, happy to discuss these many issues with you.

Troy Marquis

71 LT-1 ; 91 ZR-1 #1255

[LT-5 Music]

Troy,

I really appreciate your offer of advice. IMO '69 Firebirds are one of the greatest styling jobs ever done by GM. Certainly on my wish list.

I didn't get into depth with the other fellow I mentioned above.

Here's the link to their LT-5 into a '67 Camaro project.

http://www.lateral-g.net/members/mitchell/

Since I haven't a purchased motor and trans yet, based on what you're going through, does it make more sense to use a different manual tranny?

[Marq21]

I have seen the Mitchell Camaro and they did a nice job.

On the trans issue, from my research (and I am no expert) it seems nearly every "modern" trans is going to sit up high in the tunnel. The bigger issue I am having is the motor (when mounted in the stock position) is going me to modify the firewall somewhat.

Send me an email address and I will send you a couple of pictures that show you what I mean.

Troy

[JaySS]

Skip,

I have been working on putting an LT-5 in to a 69 Firebird for almost three years so I am intimately familiar with what you are trying to do. I would be happy to discuss with you as there are several issues you will need to address and unless you have EXTREME patience and determination this can be a chore. I just like to create so this is my therapy from work.

Also, I am a lurker for the past couple years so I have never discussed this project on the forum.

Troy Marquis

71 LT-1 ; 91 ZR-1 #1255

Similar here - been slowly working towards putting an one into a '96 Impala - I'd like to join in on this discussion too. Hopefully I will have some info to offer up that may be of use. PM me if you would like join up offline.

Thanks in advance,

- J

[FU]

That is a heck of a NICE 69 Camaro ! If you guy's find a donor Z I need some parts too .

[Z51JEFF]

That 67 is brutal but personally I cant stand these motors polished,it looks like one big shinny blob but I am in a very slim minority on this.

[LT-5 Music]

That 67 is brutal but personally I cant stand these motors polished,it looks like one big shinny blob but I am in a very slim minority on this.

Agreed, I like 'em like this one...

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/Engines/0804tr_05_z1948_chevy_5_window_pick.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/Engines/0712ct_05_z1948_chevy_truck.jpg

[FU]

IMO LT5's are overweight porkers. See my signature before comment.
Slap a new LS7 in that 69 and it will run past any LT5 around . While costing much much less.

[LT-5 Music]

IMO LT5's are overweight porkers.

Yep, it's a porker. :mrgreen:

I agree the LS7 is a great motor. To me it is like a super efficient appliance. It just doesn't do it for me. No Corvette past the '95 ZR-1 appeals to me either.

I like the LT-5 despite its limitations and degree of difficulty. It has 'soul' for lack of a better description. I like different and LS7's in Camaros are commonplace now. Want something that sounds unique also.

When you wrote a LS7 will cost much, much less than a LT5, did you mean stroker LT5's or even stock block LT5's?

[Nick]

Agreed, I like 'em like this one...

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/Engines/0804tr_05_z1948_chevy_5_window_pick.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/Engines/0712ct_05_z1948_chevy_truck.jpg
That sure is pretty! :cool:

[FU]

Yep, it's a porker. :mrgreen:

I agree the LS7 is a great motor. To me it is like a super efficient appliance. It just doesn't do it for me. No Corvette past the '95 ZR-1 appeals to me either.

I like the LT-5 despite its limitations and degree of difficulty. It has 'soul' for lack of a better description. I like different and LS7's in Camaros are commonplace now. Want something that sounds unique also.

When you wrote a LS7 will cost much, much less than a LT5, did you mean stroker LT5's or even stock block LT5's?

I agree with your outlook.

The LT5 Strokers will cost much more than a built LSX engine. Plus the LSX will pass up most LT5 stroker like they ran out of gas. While stock LT5's will be lower in price than a good LSX . Adapting the LT5 to the car will come real close to closing or maybe exceeding that $$ gap.
hey I love my LT5 strokers , but technology makes it tough to compare one with the other. Technology wins hands down.

[LT-5 Music]

The LT5 Strokers will cost much more than a built LSX engine.

Sad but true!

Plus the LSX will pass up most LT5 stroker like they ran out of gas.

But not a 427 LT-5 I hope?!...:mrgreen:

That would be my choice since I'm building a car that looks like the ZL-1.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/Badd55%20big%20pics/finaltoddchopZL5.jpg

While stock LT5's will be lower in price than a good LSX . Adapting the LT5 to the car will come real close to closing or maybe exceeding that $$ gap. That's what we're trying to find out talking to others who have done these swaps. I'm also exploring an aftermarket EMS.

hey I love my LT5 strokers , but technology makes it tough to compare one with the other. Technology wins hands down.

What areas of the LT-5 package need 2009 technology to 'compete' so to speak?

Long time Ford guy/recent convert, so I'm still relatively new to LT-5's.

[LT-5 Music]

That sure is pretty! :cool:

Nick, you may have seen the 'home' for that beautiful LT-5 in some truck mags.

It's in a '48 Chevy pickup I believe.

[Z51JEFF]

I would have to agree with this,from a performance stand point you cant beat these LS series motors,brutal HP for not too much compared to an LT5.The only thing the LT5 has going for it is visual appeal,done right it will really pop in that Camaro.A good example is this truck posted here,perfect look but an LT5 can be built to haul a$$,just on too cheap.

[LT-5 Music]

The sound, appearance and the legacy of the LT-5 are 3 of the 4 reasons I want to do this swap.

But if you guys didn't support this motor so much, and have such a passion for it, I probably would not do it.

That's reason #4.

[8upZR1]

I dont know what "sound" you refer to but my LT5 always sounded the same, just like all other LT5's. Even after top end porting. Very gentle. I dont know anyone who has changed the firing order or cams for a really aggressive sound. Anyone got a LT5 that sounds REALLY nasty? Sound bite?

[LT-5 Music]

I dont know what "sound" you refer to but my LT5 always sounded the same, just like all other LT5's. Even after top end porting. Very gentle. I dont know anyone who has changed the firing order or cams for a really aggressive sound. Anyone got a LT5 that sounds REALLY nasty? Sound bite?

Here's some nasty sounding ones. Just scroll down a couple of posts.

http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56039

[FU]

Listen to that video.The clutch was slipping like a MOFO on that run (excuse's) cough cough.
I guess it was better than grenadiing the rear end like i did this year.


:wave::wave:

[LT-5 Music]

Listen to that video.The clutch was slipping like a MOFO on that run (excuse's) cough cough.
I guess it was better than grenadiing the rear end like i did this year.
:wave::wave:

Frank,

I still enjoyed seeing it in action. And look forward to more vids of it.

What a bear!