First-Gen F-Body Gen-III LS1 Engine Swap - Generation Zap Part 1

The Kit
Also affordable is BRP's service that modifies your existing First-Gen subframe to bolt in the LS1 engine, while increasing handling and steering prowess. One of the inherent problems of swapping an LS-series engine into an early Bird is the fact that the rear-steer setup interferes with the oil pan. BRP strips and restores your existing subframe and upgrades it with a power '98-'02 F-body rack and pinion steering system, revised front sway bar mounting, and custom engine mounts to properly place the LS engine and six-speed in the First-Gen engine bay.

Options
Melvin also added some options to his subframe. Since BRP works closely with YearOne, we sourced the products from that company, but these and many other options are available through BRP directly. Global West's (GW) tubular upper control arms with Del-A-Lum bushings (Part No. GW249A) were selected because they are lighter than stock, are designed with more caster for better high-speed stability and have less bumpsteer. They are TIG welded and feature billet cross shafts. GW's tubular lower control arms (Part No. GW251L) contain the same build quality as the upper control arms and were made to work with the QA1 Pro Coil shock system (Part No. QA25) so their shock mount areas are reinforced to support the weight of the car. QA1's Pro Coil system allows for ride height adjustments via the threaded shock body and the shock itself features 12-way dampening adjustability. The coil springs have a 250/350-pound progressive rate. Considerably larger than stock, the Addco 1.125-inch stabilizer bar (Part No. AD599GLD) and the Energy Suspension urethane bushings will improve handling by reducing body roll in the corners.

Charged with hauling it all to a stop is a Stainless Steel Brakes Corp (SSBC) kit (Part No. DK33), featuring Force 10 Extreme 4-piston calipers that apply pressure to the low-dust carbon fiber brake pads at both sides of the huge 13-inch Turbo slotted rotors for improved performance over a single piston caliper design. Also included are caliper brackets, an adjustable proportioning valve with gauge, DOT stainless steel flexible hoses, Timken bearings, master cylinder, power brake booster and all hardware.

The Cost
The BRP subframe kit ranges in price from $2,499 to $3,900, depending upon options when you supply the subframe, and BRP provides the parts and the labor to install them. Add $400 to the price if you want BRP to supply the subframe as well. Conversely, a custom subframe with suspension and brakes can cost $3,800 to $7,500. Using the existing subframe also ensures less possible headaches when mounting the core support and front sheetmetal.

Phil Brewer explains, "We engineer these kits to work very well and to be economical, easy to install and easy to maintain." He continued, "In fact, the only reason the First-Gen F-body and Second-Gen X-body kits cost $1,399 [DIY price] is because we have to include rack-and-pinion steering. Our other kits for all A- and G-bodies, and '75 and later X-bodies don't require rack-and-pinion steering, so they're priced under $500." Phil related that BRP has kits for '55-'88 GM cars and can create a kit for any car on a per-order basis.

Dirt Cheap
Of course, there is a lower-buck method to get the engine in the car as well. Moroso and Milodon now offer new LS1 oil pans that are said to fit without subframe mods. You can simply buy the correct engine mounts and trans crossmember from BRP and a pan from Moroso (Part No. 20140) or Milodon (Part No. 30915) to physically bolt the LS engine in. However, you'll still have '60s tech steering, suspension parts and geometry, and brakes-possibly all need to be rebuilt.

Now that you know some of the "whys," lets get to the "hows."

Installing A BRP LS1 Conversion Subframe Kit
Philip Brewer provided photos to take you through the process of installing the BRP kit. T.D.