LM7 in 1968 Firebird

[livewire516]

I finally decided that I'm fed up paying for expensive machining procedures and hunting down period correct parts in order to have an obsolete, inefficient and outdated engine. I want to swap in a truck LS1, the LM7 engine into my Firebird. What would be necessary in order to do this? In terms of oil pan, intake, accessories, and computer, what can I keep and what must I convert? I'm also curious about how much lighter it will be, even though it is still an iron block.

I also want to swap in a T56 (although, a T-5 could survive behind the LM7 in stock form).

Your input is greatly appreciated, however can we please refrain from the original vs. corporate/LS1 debate? I've made up my mind, and besides, the #'s matching motor will be mothballed and eventually rebuilt.

[Northern Goat]

Glad to see that you saw the light too, I am building a 71 T/A with an LS2.

Go to nastyz28.com in the hybrid section and pro-toouring.com in the lsx section. They have great information.

These sites have sticky that walk you through the whole process.

[andrewb70]

Ls1tech.com has many resources as well in the conversion forum.

Andrew

[JC455]

As stated, Nastyz28.com or ls1tech.com both have a wealth of info.
Do some searches and a lot of stuff will pop up.
Do a search on this site, as a couple of second gens (Ian, but I can't 'member his screen name- Bay Area in Cali) have LSx power and they have info to share.

[JC455]

Ian is FLYNLOW on PY.

[vidguy]

Ian is on his second transplant.. This one sounds really good... He's got it down to a science..

[JC455]

Vidguy- do tell....
or Ian, you out there?

[FLYNLOW]

Yep, I'm here. LS1tech.com in the conversions and hybrids section will be your new best friend. Doing a quick search with LM7 provides a ton of hits and more than a few threads regarding 2nd gens. Can always use 5.3 in your search as well. Might even wnat to check out threads regarding the 6.0's, they might use the same accessories? Looks like you'll need to find an F-Body oil pan, dipstick, and windage tray...

I'm not real familiar with the truck motors otherwise as far as fitting different intakes (the truck one may...or may not fit) and the accessories. The wiring harness is also up in the air as far as I know, as is the PCM. I would imagine getting the PCM tuned wouldn't be an issue. I know the iron blocks for the LS1 vs the 6.0's - theres a 60 pound difference. I'd assume similar for the 5.3.

[n2ogpsj462]

i might be buying an early 90 RX7 with a "on its way out" 305 motor in it. trying to purchase it rolling and my goal is to stuff a LSX series in that. now that would be cool!

[FLYNLOW]

i might be buying an early 90 RX7 with a "on its way out" 305 motor in it. trying to purchase it rolling and my goal is to stuff a LSX series in that. now that would be cool!

Actually a pretty popular swap! Go for it.

[JC455]

Ian,
Have you got any updates (or better yet, pix and info) on your car?

[FLYNLOW]

Ian,
Have you got any updates (or better yet, pix and info) on your car?

Cammed it, put a T56 in it. It sounds a little more "proper" now, but part of me misses that absolutely quiet, perfect idle "sleeper" ability. It hauls, even with the 3.08's. Would like to hit the track and see what it traps, traction is an absolute joke in 1st gear. I really can't even baby it above 4K, it just rips em loose. 1st is good ill 60, 2nd till 90, 3rd till 123... lol.

No updated pix or anything, haven't had a digi cam in a while. Its just got T/A flares on it now. Still looks pretty good, but is getting a little beat up when you get up close from its daily driven duties.

[JC455]

That sounds like a killer setup. I keep flopping back and forth between traditional Pontiac and a GM HOT cammed 6.0L. I've read several posts on different sites regarding Pontiac engines- you always defend them and try to make people understand what great engines they are- so I know you know what I'm talking about/going through....
Since I'm working w/ an Esprit that's being updated to a Trans Am look (I can no longer afford to play w/ real T/A's and I wouldn't want to hack up a real one anyways), I can do LOTS of playing around:
I've just about got the C5 rear disc (w/ functional C5 ebrakes!!) conversion worked out.
It's got a full Hotchkis suspension, Koni's, 17/18 wheel combo, it's getting a center pull e-brake, better buckets, a full Autometer gauge setup, and *hopefully* a T56.
I'm seriously thinking the Gen IV might be the way to go.
I can always enjoy my 455 powered LeMans if I want overkill Pontiac torque.

[b-man]

I finally decided that I'm fed up paying for expensive machining procedures and hunting down period correct parts in order to have an obsolete, inefficient and outdated engine. I want to swap in a truck LS1, the LM7 engine into my Firebird. What would be necessary in order to do this? In terms of oil pan, intake, accessories, and computer, what can I keep and what must I convert? I'm also curious about how much lighter it will be, even though it is still an iron block.

I also want to swap in a T56 (although, a T-5 could survive behind the LM7 in stock form).

Your input is greatly appreciated, however can we please refrain from the original vs. corporate/LS1 debate? I've made up my mind, and besides, the #'s matching motor will be mothballed and eventually rebuilt.Check out the original poster's statement in the bold type above. Also, see the new 'sticky' thread at the top of this forum:http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571960

All off-topic posts have been deleted, as will all other off-topic posts in this thread and in this forum.

If you're here to help the original poster with his engine swap, post away.

To anyone else who wants to make this thread or any other thread in this forum into a pissing match, don't bother posting.

[ponjohn]

Did you guys read this months Hot Rod mag?

I was thoroughly impressed with the LSx motors in that chevelle. Even the 5.3 was in the 12's.

The Ls7 (bone stock) went 10.70's with a 4.44 gear at 7k rpm.

Pretty sick if you ask me.
I would like to do an LSx conversion. It is so appetizing to me the combo of new technology, fuel economy and power.

[MetalHead175]

The LSx platform is a potent motor in almost any of the variations. The LS1 in my T/A, being smog restricted and all, is a bad ass motor, and impresses me on a daily basis. In that car of yours, without any smog limitations, oughta be fun as hell, efficient, and reliable. Great choice! An LSx of some sort is going in my 72 Camaro in the future. My buddy has a 402 LS2 in his 2000 T/A WS6, and the thing puts down 580 rwhp n/a and still gets 24 on the freeway, has decent manners (big cam) and is reliable. It's amazing. As others have said, ls1tech is the place...I hang out there quite a bit, and its amazing how much info there is there.
-Jason