I have an 96 LT1 that i got out of a Buick Roadmaster. I dont want to use the FI i would rather have a carb. I know what to do as far as intake and carb. i'm not sure what to do as far as ignition. i know the optispark distributor wont work, once the proper manifold is on the engine, can a normal distributor on the back of the engine be used? or would i have to use something like a belt driven distributor?

The GM LT1 carb intake has provision for a reg dist at rear.You won't be running any LT1 electronics ,only a hot wire to the dist as in old skool
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-24502592/

There is a optispark block off plate available to seal the drive hole when you take the Opti off

Mike:

I just finished the same installation on my 1973 datsun 240z. I used the GM intake manifold. Removed the optispark and bought a GM cover plate. I already had an electric fuel pump......installed an pressure switch to kill the pump if the engine died. I used and MSD distributor and fabricated my own plug wires. I bought timing mark tapes from MSD and a top dead center finding tool to mark the pulley damper. I used a rochester quadrajet with an electric choke.........but the intake manifold will accept most 4 barrel carbs..........very sweet in a 2500 lb car