If you choose to use a Camaro/Firebird LS1, you'll need to round up Corvette LS1 power steering and alternator brackets, then fab that A/C compressor bracket. Again, Street & Performance offers aftermarket brackets and accessories to make this all work. Moreover, S&P may take trades of some components to soften the financial impact.
Exhaust Manifolds And HeadersStock LS1 exhaust manifolds, off either a Corvette or Camaro/Firebird, work perfectly in the early Camaro bodies with no modifications. If you're looking for more power and that distinctive header sound, Street & Performance (among many others) offers headers that fit.
Throttle-BodyCamaro and Corvette LS1 throttle-bodies also differ. Corvette throttle position is controlled by a fly-by-wire system, which sends gas-pedal input to a computer and servo, which pens the throttle electronically. Camaros, on the other hand, use the pragmatic cable system. Which means, if you're using a Vette engine, you'll need a Camaro cable-driven throttle-body. Don't even think about adapting the Corvette design unless you work for GM.
EFI Fuel RailsCorvettes, '99 and later, plus all Camaros LS1s, use a fuel delivery system that does not require a fuel tank return line. This system is very difficult to adapt in an engine-swap situation. Fortunately, earlier '97-'98 Corvettes employ the traditional feed-and-return-line fuel system. If you happen to have a non-return-line LS1, the fuel rails must be modified for a two-line system. Once again, Street & Performance can modify your existing fuel rails or provide you with the correct fuel rails.
Fuel Pump, Fuel Tank, And PlumbingWith any EFI swap, you need to decide whether to put the fuel pump inside the tank-like the OEM-or use an external pump. Heino recommends an internal pump: It's quieter, more efficient, provides better fuel pickup (assuming the proper baffles and fuel traps), and provides longer pump life since the gas cools the pump.
For his '68 Camaro, Heino dialed up Rock Valley Antique Auto Parts in Illinois. Rock Valley has been building street rod and musclecar fuel tanks for two decades now, and makes a beautiful stainless-steel early Camaro fuel tank with all the fittings, baffles, and mounting hardware for the LS1 fuel pump. Modifying an existing tank with late-Camaro hardware is an option, too, but not recommended except with a brand-new tank. Never cut or weld on a used gas tank, for all the obviously explosive reasons.
As for fuel-line plumbing, Heino wanted hoses that offer foolproof reliability and look racy. This meant braided stainless steel hose and Series 3000 race fittings from Fragola Performance Systems. Heino used the flexible Fragola braided stainless steel hose for both feed and return lines. Another approach would have been to use the car's original steel fuel line for the return and run a new 31/48-inch line for the feed/pressure line. This could be either braided hose or hard steel line (although working the hard line through the frame is a challenge).
Motor MountsLS1 motor mounts are unique. There are six bosses on each side of the block that can be used to attach custom-made mounts. In some instances, mounts for a conventional small-block can be installed on an LS1 block with adapter plates. This was Heino's approach. While Street & Performance offers complete mounts, Heino wanted to place his engine 1 inch farther back to improve weight distribution.