Swapping the LT-5 into a '69 Camaro - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

LT-5 Music · 05-17-2009

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

Aurora40 · 05-17-2009

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

secondchance · 05-17-2009

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

LT-5 Music · 05-17-2009

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

Z51JEFF · 05-18-2009

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 · 05-18-2009

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!

LT-5 Music · 05-18-2009

Jeff, thanks for the advice.

Johnny, I'll keep your offer in mind.

Marq21 · 05-20-2009

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 · 05-20-2009

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 · 05-20-2009

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

05-17-2009	#2
Aurora40 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 2,713	Re: Swapping the LT-5 into a '69 Camaro No advice, but keep us posted! Sounds like an awesome project! __________________ Bob Saveland Former owner of #2517 [IMG]http://a.random-image.net/aurora40/vette.jpg[/img]

05-17-2009	#3
secondchance Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: McLean, VA Posts: 3,724	Re: Swapping the LT-5 into a '69 Camaro That should be an interesting project. You might have traction problem without tubbing and super wide rear tires though.

05-17-2009	#4
LT-5 Music Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NY State Posts: 87	Re: Swapping the LT-5 into a '69 Camaro You're right, so yes it will be mini-tubbed and get wider tires in back. __________________ Skip

05-18-2009	#5
Z51JEFF Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fremont,Ca Posts: 3,080	Re: Swapping the LT-5 into a '69 Camaro 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.

05-18-2009	#6
phrogs Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Kalamazoo MI Posts: 1,753	Re: Swapping the LT-5 into a '69 Camaro 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! __________________ JOHNNY P Currently own 90 ZR-1 #845 DRM 500 engine package 90 #226 Parts car Hit me up if you need anything.

05-17-2009	#1
LT-5 Music Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NY State Posts: 87	Swapping the LT-5 into a '69 Camaro 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 Last edited by LT-5 Music; 05-22-2009 at 02:42 PM.

05-20-2009	#8
Marq21 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 29	Re: Swapping the LT-5 into a '69 Camaro 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