LT5/auto in a C3 feasibility?

[Gary Yarbrough]

Anyone got thoughts of doing an LT5 with automatic transmission in a C3? I recently bought a '73 coupe that I'm crazy about. But, the L48 just isn't cutting it. Given that I love the LT5 sound/look/power, I am really thinking about putting one in my C3 and selling my ZR-1. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Gary

[tccrab]

Originally Posted by Gary Yarbrough

Anyone got thoughts of doing an LT5 with automatic transmission in a C3? I recently bought a '73 coupe that I'm crazy about. But, the L48 just isn't cutting it. Given that I love the LT5 sound/look/power, I am really thinking about putting one in my C3 and selling my ZR-1. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Gary

I'm sure it can be done, it's only a matter of time, money and skill.
Physically the motor should drop right in, can't speak for hood or inner fender skirt clearance tho.
You'll need to fab up custom engine mounts, but that shouldn't be too much trouble.
As far as exhaust, I'd bet that the SW headers wouldn't fit easily in a C3, so you'd have to have a custom set made or hope that the stock exhaust manifolds would fit between the frame rails.
The electronics would be the biggest challenge, especially if you plan on keeping the C3 analog dash components.
I don't know if anyone makes an aftermarket wiring harness for a LT5, but it sure would simplify stuff a lot.

I think it would be an interesting project, but truth be told, it would be a lot easier and cheaper in put in a LS series engine and get similar (if not better, think Z06) performance.
Just not as cool.

All said and done, it's your car, money and time.
If it's what you want to do, then don't let anybody stand in your way.
I would be first in line to help you if you were local to me.
Sounds like fun!

TomC
'Crabs

[Corvettes White]

Also keep in mind that a '73 has a fiberglass floor pan, so if you are keeping the cats, you may have a fire problum. '75 and later have a metal floor. George

[phrogs]

Already have seen a 68 or a 69 with a LT5 stuffed in it.

that was a few years ago.

[tccrab]

Originally Posted by Corvettes White

Also keep in mind that a '73 has a fiberglass floor pan, so if you are keeping the cats, you may have a fire problum. '75 and later have a metal floor. George

Wouldn't need the cats, even here in CA the cut off year for smog is '75.

TomC
'Crabs

[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by phrogs

Already have seen a 68 or a 69 with a LT5 stuffed in it.

that was a few years ago.

STUFFED
is probabaly a good word for it particularly because the C4 was nearly a foot wider than the C3 it replaced.

[Gary Yarbrough]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. It's such a tough call. I'm guessing that the LS swap is much easier. Can you keep the analogue gauges with the LS? As strange as it seems, part of my motivation is for the LT5 sound. I've driven an LS6 vette and LS2. Both were impressive, but just didn't sound like my Z.

[Hog]

You can get brand new 405hp LS6 longblocks for $3200.

peace
Hog

[FU]

Hey I love the LT5's. But the LS swap is the way to go. No doubt about it. The benefit's of using the LS engines are overwelming.
Keep us posted.

[65ZR1]

You can keep your analogue gauges. There are a couple of companies that made a stand alone harness for the Lt5. Not sure if they still do. There are also a couple of companies that will make yours into a three wire drop in system. Just hook up bat/ign and a ground. Cool swap but I agree with the others. Unless you really want the Lt5 look and sound an LS motor would be easier and cheaper. Good luck!