By 
Street & Performance Swaps an LS1 into a ’65 Chevelle
Because Street & Performance is so versed in transplanting new engines into older cars, the technicians there are used to getting calls from enthusiasts in search of help. Sometimes, people just need a few parts and maybe some advice; on other occasions, callers don’t have the slightest clue of where to begin. But when Dominic Mastroianni phoned S&P, he was already ahead of the game.
He originally purchased this Chevelle in 1986, becoming the car’s second owner. He soon replaced the 283 and Powerglide with a more potent 350/350 combination. More modifications followed from Mastroianni and his son, and by the early 1990s, the ’65 had a rollcage and enough nitrous oxide jetting to sprint through the quarter in 10.30 seconds. Eventually, though, they placed the car in storage and stopped driving it.
By 2001, Mastroianni wanted to get his car back on the road. He did some research into various motors and decided to buy a ’98 LS1 and 4L60E automatic transmission. In the course of his research, he discovered Street & Performance and its expertise in such swaps. He called S&P’s Mark Campbell and spoke with him about the project, and he soon decided to let S&P handle the entire installation. After all, there are so many little things to know about the swap—things like the differences among various years and models of the LS1—that letting the experts tackle the project only made sense.
The advantages to an LS1 swap are numerous. The LS1’s output is impressive; despite whatever the factory may rate it as, it’s really a 350hp to 375hp motor. Keep in mind, even in F-body trim, stock LS1 motors consistently put out 320 hp at the wheel. Parts availability for the motor is excellent, as every Chevy dealer and corner parts store will have what you need. If you don’t want to work on the engine yourself, you could probably even drive down to your local Chevy dealer and have it treat your car just as it would a new Corvette. OBD-II diagnostics make troubleshooting a cinch. Aftermarket support is excellent, too, with items like power programming modules available to help you find that hidden power. Hard parts like cams, intakes and the like are also out there. And we shouldn’t even mention how much easier it is to live with an LS1 than a carbed small block. Turn the key and the motor will start, even after sitting for long periods of time.
If these advantages sound good to you, give Street & Performance a call. It can help you stuff an LS1, LS6, Vortech truck motor, LT1 or TPI engine into just about anything you drive. Whether you just need some pulleys or a complete motor and an install, it has what you need.
