My 91 r-s convt.

[ksbrktracer]

Not sure if this is the right section, but I have a 91 r-s camaro convt, trying to decide what to do with it. It has a broke 3.1 V-6 and an automatic in it.
I have been thinking about putting a 5.3 motor in it......Looking for thoughts and suggestions. K-member suggestions, trans ideas etc, not looking at making a race car out of it, just want a driver that could get some fuel mileage and not be totally embarassed to drive.

So.....Suggest away.

[Scorpner]

I've thought about doing the same but I'm also thrown around the idea of doing a hybrid 3.4 with later 3500 heads. Keep in mind I haven't done either swap but have been reading up on it every now and then.

A lot of the cost of doing an LSX swap will include the F-body oil pan and accessories. The truck manifold and accessories are too tall for the stock hood to clear, but I don't know if a cowl hood would allow you to keep them or not. Headers are still a bit more expensive than an SBC as well. (Ie. $700 from $1000, I was going to use the stock manifolds.) The reason for pointing it out is that from what I've seen the cost is more than most people anticipate.

Most people use the stock K-member with either solid motor mounts or adapter plates along with the SBC clam shells (which you will need to find). Some people have notched the lower passenger side of the stock K-member for the AC compressor IIRC. Otherwise it's not installed or relocated. There's also some rewiring depending on if you buy an aftermarket harness or adapt/combine the stock ones.

You should also look into some SFC's from Top Down Solutions since they are the only ones that make any that are compatible with a convertible. >Link

[Scorpner]

I wanted to add that there are a couple of sites that have a wealth of information specific to LSX's and also for doing the swap on a thirdgen. Ls1tech.com and thirdgen.org are a couple that come to mind.

Here some places to start out:

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/lt...road-6-0l.html

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/en...third-gen.html

Also info for convertibles:
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/convertibles/

[ksbrktracer]

Scorpner
Do you know if anybody makes a bolt in k-member to put an LS series motor in these cars....Dont want to cut anything, do want to put the a-c back on it and would like it to look factory. I do want to put subframe connectors on it to tighten the chassi up .

[70rs]

I think a 5.3 in that car would be great! You could use the all aluminum version as used in the Buick Raineer and a few other trucks to save some pounds (still cheap too). Toss in a small cam and some headers and be done. You would get great economy and have good power too. And it would not break the bank.
If you can get a T56 in behind it it would be even better.

[Scorpner]

There's quite a few places that make LS1 specific K-members, Spohn, UMI and Race Craft to name a few. It's not something on the top of my list though as cost to performance isn't said to be much better. Also, there were issues with the early K-members cracking when used on the street (due to pot holes and such). GM designed flexibility as well as a more fail safe design than most of what you'll see aftermarket. You'll have to verify too that they will clear the AC unit as well, I would assume it will but you never know. I might end up with one eventually but wanted you to know some of the pros and cons of it.

I would price out everything you want to do first and then see if it's worth it at that point. With a Thirdgen you can invest quite a bit into the rear end suspension as well depending on if you're lowering it or need more strength/stiffness for cornering or straight line performance. Even a set of Koni's or Bilstein's will run around $700 or more, and I would personally put my money into things like that before hand. If you're on a budget you can upgrade to IROC/WS6 sway bars and springs as well as the wonder bar (reinforces front end to eliminate possible cracking by steering box). But aftermarket sway bars and springs will run in the hundreds as well. Beltech is said to be coming out with dropped spindles and Racecraft has some as well. There's a lot you can do and it's probably a good idea to see what's available before the money is spent.

Not sure if the links will work:

http://www.racecraft.com/index.php?m...dex&cPath=7_16

http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...-Swap-Engines/

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalo...3bsqfodq6lu6g2

[Scorpner]

Here's a couple more swap threads the second link shows some aftermarket K-members. Some are using a rack and pinion as well.

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/lt...ml#post3527473

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/lt...-lsx-swap.html