Anyone done a Gen-V LT1 swap?

[CaliWagon83]

Has anyone done a Gen-V LT1 swap? Thinking of it. Only major downside I’ve heard about the DI engines is carbon buildup on the intake valves. Some say a good catch can takes care of this.

Any experiences or advice welcome.

 

[Qdub24]

Not mine, but

 

[CaliWagon83]

Qdub24, that’s one sweet car for sure. Don’t know if I need 650 hp. Besides which, that’s like a $20k+ swap. I’m fully prepared to spend in the five figures, but don’t think I need to be that extravagant. Goes to show a Gen-V swap is definitely possible in a G-Body.

It always amazes me how much room G-Bodies have under the hood. That engine doesn’t even look that big under there.

 

[Qdub24]

It's just another small block, there's still room to spare.

 

[CaliWagon83]

Hope that thing has some frame reinforcements, otherwise he’ll be going down the road all cattywhompus after the first good stab of the throttle!

 

[olds307 and 403]

They will be pricy, even used. I could not believe how quick the Gen V 5.3 engines rev. They actually feel like their power rating, unlike the Gen IV in a heavy 4x4 truck. Obviously their ECM has been cracked to allow the body change as I assume no carb intake exists.

 

[CaliWagon83]

I don’t know if you can even do a carb conversion on the Gen-Vs, since they have direct injection. You’d have to get all-new heads to do that.

Probably just a matter of time before someone tries.

 

[CaliWagon83]

olds307 and 403, I think the biggest factor is the much higher torque output on the Gen-V 5.3. I always felt the Gen-IVs were a little short on low-end grunt.

 

[motorheadmike]

I don’t know if you can even do a carb conversion on the Gen-Vs, since they have direct injection. You’d have to get all-new heads to do that.

Probably just a matter of time before someone tries.

Just leave the injectors in the heads as dummies. The immediate problem is the intake port design is a dry design, not wet like in a port injection style intake - so intake charge velocity and emulsification (tumble and swirl) may not work well.

That said, I believe there is already a bunch of Holley Gen V intakes with port injection capability on the market so adaptation to tradtional EFI is straight forward (the pre DI lift pumps are 4 bar). As for carbs - same deal you just need something to run the ignition.

I am also pretty certain LS heads are backwards compatible.

It is just a matter of basic hot rodding... it ain't rocket surgery.

 

[CaliWagon83]

I respect those that want to stick with carbs, but personally, I have no desire to. Modern EFI gives you much better driveability, fuel economy, and lower emissions. Whatever ends up going under the hood of my wagon will definitely be fuel injected.