LS7 Swap Into '97 SS/LT1? - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

What are my biggest challenges in a LS7 crate engine swap including the dry sump system into my 1997 SS/LT1 4th Gen Camaro? I hate to give up on the LT1, however, it is the weakest link in my super fun HPDE car. The swap would include the dry-sump oil system and a/c (for driving to and from the Track!). Can it fit using the stock K-member and are their hood clearance issues with the SS hood? Or cold air intake options? Battery in the trunk and oil reservoir in its place? Do I have to abandon the ram air hood function? How do I accommodate the 58x reluctor wheel? Currently I am running the Torqhead 24x LS PCM Coil Conversion Kit. Does the extended snout for the oil pump on the front of the crank cause any clearance issues? Can I use my stock radiator and cooling fans? Can I use factory LS7 (5h Gen Camaro) exhaust manifolds or ??? Just installed a SPEC aluminum flywheel and clutch )-: and T56 was just rebuilt. So I would have the input shaft replaced on the tranny for the LS conversion. Probably want a new SPEC aluminum flywheel but with Z06 clutch and pressure plate? What throttle body would I need to use with my throttle cable or should I convert to drive by wire? Fuel pump upgrade?

And what accessory drive would I use? Would I need to replace my alternator? a/c comp? p/s pump? and with what units?

This has been my 20+ year drive to the track and drive it home car. Also this swap could relieve me of some mental engine reliability/stress issues. LS7....the stress reliever? (-:

So many questions... Any help would be appreciated!

fast ken View Member Profile	Sep 12 2020, 04:46 PM Post #1
newbie Group: Advanced Members Posts: 32 Joined: 15-October 10 From: Orangevale, CA Member No.: 23,577	What are my biggest challenges in a LS7 crate engine swap including the dry sump system into my 1997 SS/LT1 4th Gen Camaro? I hate to give up on the LT1, however, it is the weakest link in my super fun HPDE car. The swap would include the dry-sump oil system and a/c (for driving to and from the Track!). Can it fit using the stock K-member and are their hood clearance issues with the SS hood? Or cold air intake options? Battery in the trunk and oil reservoir in its place? Do I have to abandon the ram air hood function? How do I accommodate the 58x reluctor wheel? Currently I am running the Torqhead 24x LS PCM Coil Conversion Kit. Does the extended snout for the oil pump on the front of the crank cause any clearance issues? Can I use my stock radiator and cooling fans? Can I use factory LS7 (5h Gen Camaro) exhaust manifolds or ??? Just installed a SPEC aluminum flywheel and clutch )-: and T56 was just rebuilt. So I would have the input shaft replaced on the tranny for the LS conversion. Probably want a new SPEC aluminum flywheel but with Z06 clutch and pressure plate? What throttle body would I need to use with my throttle cable or should I convert to drive by wire? Fuel pump upgrade? And what accessory drive would I use? Would I need to replace my alternator? a/c comp? p/s pump? and with what units? This has been my 20+ year drive to the track and drive it home car. Also this swap could relieve me of some mental engine reliability/stress issues. LS7....the stress reliever? (-: So many questions... Any help would be appreciated!

SS2win View Member Profile	Sep 13 2020, 11:24 PM Post #2
Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 247 Joined: 17-January 05 From: Tallahassee, FL Member No.: 611	If you're doing the 24x conversion then you really shouldn't have much to complain about once it's done. It opens up tuning potential tremendously and the LT1 is a fine engine. My stepdaughters 96 has the TH conversion and other than converting it to a "normal" 0411 computer, it's been a great thing! We changed the PCM because of some weird issues with ghost MPH on the speedo and running/driveability issues. The 0411 is the tits and also running the flexfuel sensor for e85 capability. TL;DR, see how you like the TH 24x before you decide to reinvent the powerplant!