I have questioned whether I should put the 86 Corvette Engine in my 914 or buying an LS 1 to 5 Engine to mate up to my 930 box.

If I stay with my 86 Vette engine that I have, I will have to get a newer injection system and a distributor and have my fresh crate stock 86 engine re-worked for the GM Hot cam kit. I will have to have a machine shop work the heads so the push rods clear and set everything up and dyno tune it so it is plug and play for me. I do not want to put an engine in more than one time.
The full clutch and adapter stuff is new Kennedy Eng. For a 350 and the Turbo 930 trans so I do not know if that would need to be changed to fit the LS?

I am trying to see where I am at with money and work to be done.
What about the starter for the LS?

The intake for a LS would need to be turned 180 degrees so it can get air from the rear trunk as I believe there is not enough room in the front of engine to the rear fire wall.

I am going with a Cable Shift brand shifter and linkages. I have mufflers from a Ferrari like Drivability had in his old 350 with a 930 trans. Hit a vacuum and the mufflers open up the baffles. Kind of what I had in my 2015 Corvette.

I guess the LS would be drive by wire and that can help me out.

Bob B

LS1's from late 90's Corvettes, Camaros, etc. (i.e. with aluminum block), are not drive by wire. Definitely less complex IMO than changing pedals, etc. for DBW of later LS's. We have an LS1 in our 944 track car.

Starter should not be a problem - mounts to transmission.

Not sure about the bolt pattern vs earlier SBC.

Don't know why you couldn't find a cam that bolts into the 86?
SummitRacing.com
Jegs.com

I've been looking at one of these for Dad's 454. FiTech Go EFI – 600 HP System

Bob,

My choice was the LS1 for all its electronic controls. The driveability is fantastic, starts in an instant (regardless of weather), and gets really good mileage. Mine is mated to an Audi 01e 6 speed transaxle. The LS1, LS6, and the L33 are all good choices as they have aluminum blocks. There are others too; check Wiki for the latest.

There are a few here who are in the process of, or have built 914/LSx's, so there is plenty of experience to draw from.

Andys

No I have the factory GM Hot Cam kit for the 86. It has hot cam and all valve train parts. Springs, retainers, trick roller rockers. That was $650. A long time ago. Click to view attachment

That was the idea for the EFI for one of the new ones.

Just thinking if I would be better with a LT end done

Bob B

I have Tilton pedals in my car for duel masters for Brakes and one for the Clutch. I do not have the throttle worked out yet. So drive by wire would be help with that or I need a stand alone to go with my Peddles. I have a hole in my floor where the new panels with the 3 masters cylinders get welded in.

Bob B

[quote name='andys' date='Aug 24 2017, 04:21 PM' post='2520406']
My choice was the LS1 for all its electronic controls. The driveability is fantastic, starts in an instant (regardless of weather), and gets really good mileage. Mine is mated to an Audi 01e 6 speed transaxle. The LS1, LS6, and the L33 are all good choices as they have aluminum blocks.



In addition the aluminum block LSx will be significantly lighter than the older iron SBC's.

LS2 (6 liter vs the 5.7 LS1) are DBW, I believe.

My 86 corvette Eng. has aluminum heads and weights 60 lb. less that an iron head V8
Not sure what the all aluminum engine weights?

Bob B

When I 8cylindered my car, I wanted a reliable, user friendly car, that I didn't have to have a list of how to's for anyone to drive it.
I have other cars that you have to pump twice before starting, others you have to shift softly, and one that has so many quirks that you don't dare drive it.
I finally have what I call the perfect setup: 350 with aluminum heads, headers, slight cam(which I might return to stock) fitech fuel injection, and a boxster 5speed.
I reach in the window and hit the key and it idles, shifts so smooth, and has more power than I will ever need. starts hot, cold, doesn't rattle everything apart like my overcammed Camaro.
less horsepower is less heat, so I think I'm dodging a bullet with that too.
I can wire up my chevy in minutes, even with the efi unit.
I understand the ls is the new "it" thing to have, but never rule out" tried and true"
blair

With the LS you also have the option to get carburetor style intakes and install a throttle body with built in injectors or use a manifold that has the injector bungs cast in and run port injection with a throttle body.

They even make a dual carb intake with provisions for injectors.

Go with the LS1 and do not look back. I believe the 86 engine is a L98 which is old school; had both in 'Vettes I owned. Love the LS1 and its entire parts, operation, converting, etc. Used the L98 in a 914 conversion which in my opinion was two heavy and made the car top heavy in the corners.