How difficult would it be to swap out the motor from a 84 and replace it with an LT1, LS1, or crate motor? basically i need to know if it clears everything, if the wiring is overly difficult, if it mounts on the stock engine mounts, and if there are any major problems with doing this sort of thing. I want a corvette, I've always loved them, and I may have found a good deal on an 84 in excellent condition, only thing is, im not a fan of the crossfire motor. Im looking for closer to 300 whp after some bolt ons.

My budget for a swap would be about 3.5k, and I can do the work myself for the most part, is it possible? should I bother?

I dont really want to put 3.5k in mods into a crossfire if there wont be much room for improvement later. I know that if I wanted to later, the LT and LS series engines are capable of great numbers.

 

Hey Vexoman, I can't give you any info on the LT1 or LS engines, however the '84 is old school small block which you could swap out for a healthy crate motor and run an aftermarket injection system. If you purchased everything new it would probably set you back about $5,000 -- $6,000 or you could build your block with high performance internals and something different than the stock cross-fire set-up.

 

Check out this thread from another forum. This should give you a little insight.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...mp;forum_id=48

 

If I had a $3,500 budget and could do the work myself I would take one of three routes:
- rebuild/upgrade the stock engine, sticking with the Crossfire in spite of its lack of recent technology, maybe a mild stroker, cam, head work, etc. with care you could get to 300 HP (flywheel) and it would run okay on the street as a daily driver.
- install at GM 290 HP crate engine -- I've seen them available for as little as $1800 set up for a carb, a bit more fuel injection. Crate engine ratings do not compare precisely to "in car" factory ratingsit would be about the equivalent of 265-275 HP from the factory -- already a slight upgrade. Headers, a good intake, and maybe a mild cam and you have 300 HP, really about all you ought to subject a 24-year old car to without planning to spend a lot on upgrades/reparis to the drivetrain.
- wait until you have about twice the money if you really want to go with an LS engine, but realize it will seriously stress even a good stock '84 drivetrain so be prepared for some more work/expenses.

 

Here is a thread on a an LSI install in a C4.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1717374

 

One thing.Have you considered finding an '86 or later L-98??? It's still a great motor and you might not have the hassles putting that one in compared to one of the LS series engines.And you can build them to at least 375 to maybe 400 reliable horsepower for a lot less money than modifying an LS-1 might cost you.Good luck with your project.

 

Joe: What do you reccomend for the increase in the L-98? I've heard pro's and con's about the
throttle bodies, chips, etc. What is your opinion for about a 50 to 100 hp boost?

 

I would hit it with a50-100 shot of the NOS.

 

Well,other than swapping intakes,chips and exhaust system,you can always bore it out to at least a 383 with a fully balanced and blueprinted rotating assembly.And don't forget that motor can be turbocharged (Callaway comes to mind).Well,that might be too expensive but a good bump in displacement with the correct internals,along with good intake and exhaust systems,and you'll have an absolutely bulletproof engine.And of course,there's a shot of NOS,if you're so inclined.Joe.

 

Hey, a friend of mine has an '89 and he had a shop rebuild his L98 to a 383. Heads were stock, unported. I'm not certain what internals were changed. They dyno'd the thing and it was putting 383 HP and 630 pound feet of torque to the wheels!! He could spin the tires on the freeway at 65 mph if he floored it. Another friend of mine has an L98 383 stroker in his pickup that puts 340 HP and 520 torque to the wheels. For simplicity, cost, and obvious power potential, I'd go with the L98 my friend.
-Paul