Transplanting engine from 1995 Roadmaster.... how hard is it going to be?

A 1947 Cadillac has fallen into my hands. It's not a rare car and it doesn't run. After thinking about it, the idea of doing a resto just doesn't hold any thrills for me.

However...

The idea of a 1947 Caddy daily driver using a fuel injected V8 and auto trans liberated from a 1995 Roadmaster (that was probly headed to scrap) sounds like fun. :TU:

So.....

I think I can do the actual physical motor mount, trans mount, driveshaft stuff without much problem.

Electronics, however, make me nervous.

How big a deal is it going to be, pulling the Roadmaster engine with computers, etc. and getting them all to play nice in the old Caddy?

What do I have to pull, how hard is it.... basically, if there's any info you can provide, I need it all.

Thanks in advance for any/all help.

 

there are a few companies that make refit kits for thise motors. its a very popular swap that motor is basically a downtuned tpi smalll block same as a camaro or firebird from that era. both computers are needed and the exhaust will need o2 sensors but thats about it. the new harness isnt cheap i did one about ten years ago and it cost about a grand for the wiring but it went in real smooth, and an in tank high pressure pump for the fi.

 

Cool. Any chance you recall the source for the refit kit? Thanx again.

 

You mean an LT1? If so I put a 1996 TransAm engine and 4L60E in my 1967 Skylark. I may be able to assist too.
If you want to use the EFI, then you need to have some electrical experience. You should be "ready" for the work involved.
You could covert the factory harness. Or you could buy one. Both worked for me. I later settled on the new one because the 1996 model connectors were pretty brittle. There are special fuel pump and return line requirements. You need to understand the LT1 cooling system. It's different. There may be some added expense for relocating the alternator and maybe an AC compressor. You'll need to have the ECM reprogrammed. If I had it to do over again, I'd go with an LS motor. Maybe you should consider that! The final costs would be comparable.

The LT1 conversion is a worthwhile project. It certainly runs good and the gas mileage is superb.

 

I have an LT-1 in my z28 (1996 model), and if I had to suggest doing such a complicated swap I'd recommend using an LS engine from the beginning. The LT1 is a really neat motor and can be very powerful, but the LS1 is basically an LT1 2.0. Everything that was weak with these motors was addressed with the later LS series. Parts are also more available and generally cheaper for the LS engines. Unless the roadmaster swap you're getting is extremely cheap, you might save a little while and go find a wrecked silverado with a newer engine.

That being said, having done late model engine swaps (mostly Japanese cars, I'll admit), pay for the harness. It makes the job go 1000X easier if you can lay out your harness and plug and go. If you've used a quality provider for the harness it also eliminates the geusswork of "did I pin that connector right..." A swap like this is always a bigger headache than it looks, and eliminating the wiring takes possibly the most daunting task out of the mix.

 

The mounts for the lt1 are the same as all post 1959 small block Chevy (side mounts). The bolt pattern on the bellhousing is the same also. Moroso makes a bop-chevy bell housing adapter so you may be able to use your transmission. I would pull the radiator and fans out of the RM too, but if it has the "heavy duty cooling" do yourself a favor and ditch the mechanical fan. VATS has to be programmed out of the pcm, pcm4less.com can take care of that easily. Its a simple swap.

 

Have an lt1 in my 72 lark....went with a new harness instead of doing the hack n' slash with the old one. Went with one from PSI...http://psiconversion.com/index.html It was pretty cheap and fairly simple. There are alot of little things that will sneak up on you as you go along but all in all I thought it was worth it.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1994-95-LT1...Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c726f5b56&vxp=mtr

Here's the guy I got my new one from. I highly recommend him! ( eBay ) He even modified it a little for me at no extra. If this link doesn't work, query
"LT1 harness" on eBay and look for the guy from Paducah, KY. His name is Jeff and he owns Tech Rods.