Camrs89

Going to be buying a disassembled LT1 to put together for my 91. It currently has a v6 though. Whats all needed to convert the car to a carbed LT1 engine?

I have a v8 T5 to replace the V6 T5 and v8 sway bar, springs, and gauge cluster. I know I will need a radiator as well. What else will I need?

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

90-92 V6 radiators are the same as 82-92 V8 rads, only 82-89 had a smaller unit for V6's. You're fine, single fan will be ample as well

Also, LTx engines were designed around EFI. It's silly to revert to a carb

Falconiroc

I'm with Pocket on that one. There is absolutely no benefit to going with an LTX motor if you are ditching the EFI, thats the whole benefit.

Camrs89

Ill need a new one though because LT1s are reverse flow with the coolant system. Going carbed right now but may convert to fuel injection when I have extra cash.

Klortho

It will cost you as much to go carbed as it will to go FI on the LT1

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

depends on what all he has with the LT1.
Carb will be much easier.

k-member, front coil springs, fuel lines, 6-15psi electric fuel pump, carb intake, carb, distributor, modified radiator for steam lines from the LT1. that is the bulk of it.

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Reverse flow coolant has no bearing on radiator type

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Doesn't really depend upon what you have with the LT1. Even with a bare long block, you can complete it with used parts for no more than the specialized LT1 carb parts will run you.

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

The intake is $270
http://www.jegs.com/i/GM%20Performan...0002/-1?CT=999

carb is what, $300, dist $100-180, ign box $150.

It's not really that bad.

what other special parts are needed?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

A "real" carb is more like $450 (putting an Edelbrock carb on an LT1 is pouring lemon juice on a paper cut). Don't forget fuel pressure regulator, fuel line adapters, air cleaner, throttle cable (unless you're starting with a TBI car), throttle cable bracket - all the little things that nickle & dime you to death.

Quick search on eBay, found a complete LT1 engine in Wisconsin for $250. The OP should be able to drive up there and pick that up. Another complete engine/trans/harness/PCM for $700 in Connecticut. Or a complete '96 LT1/T56 drop-out harness/PCM/radiator/lines in Florida for $1500.

In all honesty, what we have here is another example of starting with too little and expecting too much. It would make more sense to pay the shipping for that engine/trans from Florida than it would to take a local bare longblock and try to build around it.

Camrs89

I found a traditional SBC 350 that Im going to use instead. Should be easier and cheaper to build. Plus I believe its a 4 bolt main block if I want to go nuts later

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

It will be cheaper, and it will be easier. Go for it.

(You're still going to need a lot of "stuff", since you're going from V6 to V8.)

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Although that LT1/T56 would be a guaranteed "ear-to-ear" without going nuts...

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

You've got to change the stuff for any generic SBC, why not go for a newer more efficient engine with an extra gear to bang out?

Camrs89

We will see what comes along, Im selling a bunch of stuff so Ill see how much I can gather together for a engine, possibly a trans. For right now, the 91 is just going to be a cruiser, want it to sound good and look good, as long as it has some power, Ill be happy. Heck, even a 305 I would be content with. I have a 450 HP 72 GTO and a 375 HP LT1 Camaro if I want to go fast.