I have the opportunity to buy a LT1 engine out of a 1994 firebird for around $800.00 with 75k miles. I was thinking about swapping out my 350 (with 4spd) that I have been having problems, with this LT1 giving it a little more modern technology. Of course I would go through the engine. What does this group think about doing this type of conversion and does anybody have any idea how difficult it would be (is it worth the hassle). Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.
Very simple camaro motor mounts chevy bell housing. flywheel& clutch? If you are thinking of using the injection you will need controls for it. This might be expensive. You might consider just buying a short block 383. It would probably be cheaper than rebuilding it yourself. You could use the LT1 as a core and all of the bolt ons. When I purchased mine it was all machined clearanced and internally balanced for less than I could have bought the parts. Give Kent a call at the link below. Most people would rather leave it a pontiac, I personally wanted to preserve the numbers matching engine and drive the car.
To swap over the LT1 to use in an EFI mode, you would have to swap in all the electronics including MAF, the sizable computer, the wiring harnesses, and install the O2 sensors in the exhaust.
The one you mention is up there mileage wise and you would probably have to get into it's internals as much as if you were rebuilding your own 350 or another used motor.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
Couldnt find pics of the engine 68 with the sub frame, but here`s one (the Verdoro car, was the object of talks here earlier its the one from the Mecum auction)) that may show part of the sub frame if you look carefully........but I did find engine pic of the 69 TA tribute car, engine from late model TA....he also has late model GTO interior , modified to fit. car is almost finished, he is still finishing up interior.
I did a similar project for a customer, swapped an '06 GTO interior and drivetrain into a '67 Nova. Surprising how well the GTO interior fits, just some minor trimming. The door panels are more involved to get looking right and the rear seat needed some fairly major surgery.
Couldnt find pics of the engine 68 with the sub frame, but here`s one (the Verdoro car, was the object of talks here earlier its the one from the Mecum auction)) that may show part of the sub frame if you look carefully........but I did find engine pic of the 69 TA tribute car, engine from late model TA....he also has late model GTO interior , modified to fit. car is almost finished, he is still finishing up interior.
That's an LS1 (or maybe a LS6), not an LT1.
I'd stay away (far away) from LT1. The Opticrap (oops, I mean spark)and waterpumps are problematic and cost a small forture. And I know that from first hand experience - I owned a '93. Also, since they were only built '92-'96 Corvettes and '93-'97 F-body's any LT1-specific parts are getting harder to find and more expensive. One car mag recently did a rebuild on an LT1, and even admitted at the end of the article, they wouldn't bothered knowing what they know now (they picked up a cheap core trying to do a budget build).
I second choosing the LS1 over the LT1. The LT1 used several odd ball things- reverse cooling system, cam driven water pump. If your going to spend the money, just get a LS1 and get one thats complete with wiring, PCM, alternator, etc. There's a ton of swap info inline. The corvettes use a flat looking oil pan that looks like a sting ray. I'm sure it won't fit. I was thinking of doing this swap but changed my mind.- I'm sticking with Pontiac engine
FYI- FirebirdMike is a little off-- corvettes 92-96 and f body's 93-97 used the LT1
Good luck!!!
67 Verdoro Green 400 Front bench w/auto on column Now excepting- free, ready to bolt on, Pontiac Aluminum Heads... Thanks to John(Hammered)-- This project is REBORN!! http://s903.photobucket.com/albums/ac237/lupdiesel/
I almost had a donor ls1 6 speed for mine, but my wife decided to like it. Summer is right around the corner and surely many nice Z's and unfortunate T/A's will be driven beyond their pilots capabilities. Start watching C/L they show up from time to time. LS1 6 speed 400 plus HP turn key. At least 20 mpg drivin it like you stole it! Toss a good tune at it, and no cats! Dang stock up on rear tires, and enjoy!
I would also stay away from the LT1 motor. Like mentioned before the optispark is a pile and is hard to change out. The spark plug wires are almost impossibe to get to. Way to many one of items for a motor that is not that great. JMO
