LT1 in a G-Body?

[PILOT]

Anyone done this on here? I know it's possible, but Im seriously thinking about trying this project for my 86 Regal. The advantage of better fuel economy and better throttle response is slowly winning me over.

I know the installation will be a b**ch.

My big questions are:

How would I tune the ECM for my 200-4R transmission?
and
How many beers is this going to take? 😛


It would be unique if I could pull this off.

 

[pose_442]

There is a member LT1REGAL who has a gallery and could probably answer most if not all of your questions. As far as the trans, it might be less hassle to use a 4L60E.

LT1REGAL's gallery is on the Photo Homepage.

 

[PILOT]

Now that you mention it, I remember seeing that name around. Thanks.

 

[illregal82]

i have a lt1 in my regal but its the original carbed one out of a 71 vette.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

I think you would be better off with an aftermarket ECU and harness, like from Painless performance than using the GM one. It will bolt to your TH2004R, and you could then not throw any codes. Not to mention, the GM ECU uses what is called a Pass Key system which reads a resistor chip in the key and will not allow the engine to run without it. The G body mounts bolt up too, IIRC, but you must use either aftermarket accessory drives, or those from a Corvette as the ones from a F or B body have the A/C compressor too low and it hits the frame. Car Craft did this swap into a white Malibu coupe a few years ago and that's where I remember reading about it.

 

[PILOT]

Thanks for the info. I don't plan on adding the a/c if and when I do this swap. I hear it's a bit of a PITA and I really never use it anyway. I'm all about windows down and tunes up 🙂

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Well, the LT1 was never designed to be used without A/C in it's accessory drives, so you may have to add an idler pulley to take up the slack, or keep the drivebelt in proper relation to the other pulleys ( proper amount of engagement, IIRC the belt should hit at least 30-40% of the pulley of the accessory being driven)

 

[barncar]

Any good parts house should have idlers for the engine's original application. Dorman P/N 34209 fits 1997 Camaro LT1s and is described as an Air Conditioner Bypass Pulley. Should fit other LT1 applications, since I believe the B-bodies used the same accessory drive.