LS1 in an '86 Silverado

[ThrottleHappy7]

I'm looking for anything and everything, from parts to prices, and what to expect in doing an LS1 swap for an '86 Silverado. I know it can be done and has been done, but I'm trying to do as much research as possible. I'm going for better performance, gas mileage, and the cool factor doesn't hurt either.

[1BADC10]

Check the Sticky at the top of the forum. Part #'s listed for a lot of what you can expect to get. Keep reading through most of the threads in this forum, and you'll find a lot of good information.

[86LS1silverado]

Im doing that exact same swap right now. Its a great set-up. Just takes some time and money.
This site has all the info you need. Just look around a little. Good luck.

[NITROUS]

How'd your A/C work out?

[wildmanaaron]

I have been working on getting ready for a swap myself into a 1981 Blazer K5. I recently found an electronic speedometer out of a 1990 Suburban that I am going to try and use in place of the original manually driven speedometer. This might be a great alternative to use instead of having to change the tailshaft over to accept a speedo cable that the older speedometers used from 73-87 in the Trucks.

I have had a few people tell me that the LS-1 engines fit right into the frame rails without having to do much cutting for the air compressor. But how much is not too much?

And also how hard would it be to run the ac lines to the original accumulator and condensor on the 73-87 Trucks?

[1BADC10]

If you don't want to cut, there's a Sanden type compressor setup that relocates the A/C to the top-right side of the motor. Someone has done this, but I cannot remember who. As for A/C lines... NITROUS has a post about this as well. I'm sure he'll post up again.

[RedHeartbeat]

I did the Sanden/Street&Performance A/C. LS1Cheyenne did too.

[86LS1silverado]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NITROUS &#064; Nov 12 2006, 06&#58;47 AM) [snapback]73292[/snapback]</div>

How&#39;d your A/C work out?
[/b]

So far, so good. A little cutting and boxing. I think there will be room for the lines. I had exhaust ran this week. Now get the wires hooked up and fuel system done...you know the story.

[wildmanaaron]

What kind of cutting and boxing are you referring to on your swap? I thought that the stock ac compressor would clear the frame rails using the S&P style engine brackets moved all the way forward in the stock location for the 73-87 Trucks?

I am building a 1981 2WD K5 Blazer, so that&#39;s why I was so interested&#33;


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(86LS1silverado &#064; Nov 18 2006, 09&#58;38 AM) [snapback]73829[/snapback]</div>

So far, so good. A little cutting and boxing. I think there will be room for the lines. I had exhaust ran this week. Now get the wires hooked up and fuel system done...you know the story.
[/b]

[86LS1silverado]

I have a lot of time in my a/c so Im not saying this is the best way but, I like it. It looks factory and should work good. I wanted my motor low and back so i moved all the mounts. That also let the factory driveshaft work. The only thing that wouldnt work was the a/c lines. Just no room for the rear exit lines. After spending a bunch of time on what I had, what I did was use the comp and lines from a 04 4.8 truck with top exit lines. You can cut the bracket and make it work. Then, it runs about half an inch forward from the old one so we had to cut 2 extra groves in the harmonic balancer for the a/c belt. Then I had to cut some out of the bracket that the motor mount bolts to and cut some out of the frame and crossmember. To keep it strong I went back and did some boxing and bracing. Now it looks factory and you have to look close to see anything. Like I said, its a lot of work that will never be seen but I wanted my motor moved back and the a/c in the factory place. NITROUS gave me the idea about using the truck stuff and cutting groves in the balancer. He has some great pics if you want to go that route.