Um. I'm guessing that you mean replacing the engine and tranny in the '58 with an LS-1 with the six-speed tranny?Yes, it's possible and has been done. I owned a '58 Corvette - the only Corvette I had that didn't have some kind of reverse lockout mechanism.
I don't have the measurements in front of me, but as I recall the LS-1 is a bigger engine than the original '58 offering (I'm guessing you've got the 283 engine/4 speed tranny?), and the 6-speed is a bit longer. The GOOD news is that I've seen this type of engine installation in a Cobra; a car with a 90" wheelbase. You've got 102" of wheelbase to work with!
Depending on your set up - fuel injection or carbed - the engine should fit in the engine bay without too much work; you're probably going to have to replace the motor mounts, the tranny mount/cross member, and definitely the driveshaft. If you're going to go to this much work, you might as well freshen up the rear end (or replace it with a beefier one). The LS-1 has a ton more torque than the original engine; the T56 can handle up to around 400 lbs/ft...but that original rear end may be the weak point.
Also, you'd probably want to upgrade the radiator to something a bit more modern. A Griffin is a good choice if you want hi performance stuff, or you could probably get by with an aftermarket replacement. I'd also recommend an electric fan or two as well as a shroud to keep the engine cool.
The T-56 is an overdrive transmission; you will probably never really use the 6th gear. It's a great transmission - don't get me wrong - but you might also consider the T5z as another option.
If you're buying new, that's a good thing. If you're not, you can get a great deal on a used Camaro/Firebird engine/tranny conbo from alot of wrecking yards. If you go the wrecking yard route, make sure you get the engine computer, the controls and the wiring harness.
If you're going fuel injected, you're going to have to upgrade the fuel delivery system - not to mention the gas tank. You'll have to have a vapor recovery system return line back to the tank as well.
Now, not to be a smart ass or anything, but you're going to have a rocket when you're done. The 58 Corvette with the optional Hi Output motor went 0-60 in about 6.5 seconds. Zora Duntov took a Corvette to 183 mph in 1958 as well. That's pretty damned fast. Unfortunately, 1958 brakes aren't necessarily up to spec with a modern powerplant. You might want to look into upgrading the braking system as well, and hunt around for the heavy-duty racing suspension parts for a 58.
I'd love to see the car when you're done!
Your pal,
Meat.
(18 views)
LS1+T56 adapted to a '58 vette small block
Posted - December 19 2002 : 9:58:09 PM
