Hey,
Newbie here with lots of questions. I've looked around and haven't found much in the way of documentation on this. I'm looking to swap in a 2000 LS1/T56 from a Firebird into my aging '89 C1500 305/5spd to add some life to it. I'm getting additional assistance locally, but am trying to research some things about the swap.

Anyone done anything like this that can provide any tips or suggestions?
So far I've come across the Painless EFI kit for the LS1.
I was also concerned about the speedometer. I read the NV3500 (which I'm told is similar to the Getrag 5 spd) VSS can plug into the T56 and work. Is this true?
I know the LS1 comes with it's own computer. Do I keep the original in the truck as well? How do I use one or the other or both?
Will the stock gauges connect up?
Thanks for helping
-gary

 

I've found some addition references after more searches. Any suggestions still welcomed.

 

check out ls1truck.com and go to the coversion section. they have a couple of complete write up's with parts and part numbers

 

Well from my research. I am putting an ls1 trans behind my 8.1 in my 04 1500. The vss reluctors are different. But I cant confirm anything due to my current location versus where my truck is at.

 

everything you need to know rite here
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...swap-faqs.html
as far as the vss, as long as your original 5 speed had an electric vss, it should just be a matter of splicing the two wire connector onto your new t56 plug. and for guages, you just need coolant temp and oil pressure becuase volts and fuel guage should remain unchanged. its just a matter of making an adapter to thread your old sending units into the new motor. i believe speedway makes some.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/LS1-Wa...pter,8195.html
be sure to leave the ls1 temp sender alone because the computer uses it for proper operation. the original tbi computer does not stay
hope this helps

 

Thanks guys. Yeah, I have been hanging out at ls1truck.com. Re: speedo/vss, I think I've read someplace that my current 5 spd is 2k pulses per mile and the T56 is 4k. So, if I splice the old into the new it will be off by 2x. I also came across this that seems like it could help with the PPM's: http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd126.htm. I'm still doing the more research.

 

So, 'Rider? Any updates or a build thread?

 

Sorry, haven't been back here for a bit.
Updates: the truck is running. LS1 5.7 and T56, Shoenfeld long tube headers, 2.5" into 3" y-pipe. Still has the stock 3.08, but I've received the 4.11. I'm looking to put some bucket seats in and a classic Hurst shifter as it looks like they have the same 7/8" spread mounting holes as the T56. Need to do some cleanup and have some fun with it. It is pretty plain jane at this point. Stock, RCLB, original wheels. Sleeper? It does go pretty well even with the 3.08.
Thanks for asking. Sorry for the delay.