With the transmission (Tremec TKO 600) now purchased and our original engine-transmission swap out the door we began looking for other options for engines. Just about everything was now on the table included carburated engines. The engine that offered the most bang/buck was an LS1. After a few weeks of scouring craigslist(s), eBay and other forums, I came across someone in Chicago looking to sell an LS1 from a 2002 Pontiac Firebird.
The car had been totaled and he was looking to part out as much as he could. For $2400 we left with:
- Complete 2002 LS1 with harness and computer
- Stock aluminum drive shaft
- Front and rear brakes (12″ with like new pads)
- Rear end with 3.23 TrueTrac locking differential
It wasn’t until we got home that we noticed how big and inclusive this build would be. The rear end would be an easy bolt-in and the drive shaft would only require a different slip yoke (31 spline) to match our TKO. The LS1 however requires different motor mounts, clutch/flywheel, bellhousing and transmission crossmember. It was time to start tearing the rest of the car apart.