1981 Trans Am

**BAN-TWO** · 11-21-2008, 09:07 PM

I resently got a 1981 Trans Am with a pontiac 301 engine, which has no performane, and at first I wanted to rebuild the engine to mabe get some more performance, but I have been reading that this engine is crap, so I was wondering if a LS1 with a modern auto 4 speed transmission would work in this car.

Another thing I am wondering about is if the shaker top will fit on top of the engine so that it can still shake, and with the new transmission could I still use the orginal shifter.

**Camaro Kid Z/28** · 11-28-2008, 09:38 PM

the ls1 will fit with some mods to the frame of course, are you going carbed though? they make mannifolds to do that now, edlebrock makes em. so maybe the shaker can work if you keep the a4 you're going to need a computer to make it shift right, if i was going to do all that work i'd go stick!

**9t8z28** · 11-29-2008, 01:21 PM

Not to push you away from LS1.com, because there should be some people here that could give you pointers and suggestions, but you should try searching http://forums.performanceyears.com/forums/

This is my boss' forum and we also sell parts for your car. You can find our restoration parts here. performanceyears.com

**BAN-TWO** · 11-29-2008, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by Camaro Kid Z/28

the ls1 will fit with some mods to the frame of course, are you going carbed though? they make mannifolds to do that now, edlebrock makes em. so maybe the shaker can work if you keep the a4 you're going to need a computer to make it shift right, if i was going to do all that work i'd go stick!

Will i get any sort of economy from an ls1 that is carbed?

**Firebirdjones** · 12-01-2008, 07:22 AM

It will fit, check out Year One,,,they are already doing it.

**Firebirdjones** · 12-01-2008, 07:23 AM

Originally Posted by BAN-TWO

Will i get any sort of economy from an ls1 that is carbed?

You can get economy out of just about anything if you stick a 6 speed double overdrive or even an auto overdrive behind it,,,,and keep the gears tame.

**joeljet** · 12-11-2008, 05:20 AM

the only frame mods you'll need to do are if you want to keep the a/c comp in the stock location. try over on ls1tech.com in the conversions and hybrids section for alot more experienced answers

**0verkill** · 12-11-2008, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by joeljet

the only frame mods you'll need to do are if you want to keep the a/c comp in the stock location. try over on ls1tech.com in the conversions and hybrids section for alot more experienced answers

or just go to march and get one of there kits. it sould fit with no mods. if you want to keep it ponitac give butler pro. a call.