link85x

iTrader: (1)

I have couple of wuestions here. I read the thread on the LT1 heads on Gen 1 small, would've responded, but it's now closed. I got these heads for free pretty much and i have a 305 to play around with, and also a shop to do what is desired.
(1) What are the differences between the iron and aluminum heads, besides one being iron and the other aluminum?
(2) What type of intake would/can i use (carb) to match the intake to heads bolt design? I was thinking Gen1 sbc style 87-95 intake with the two center bolt holes on each side moved to match the heads holes
(3) What about cooling? I know you have to block off those two cooling ports on each cylinder head, but will that mess with interfer with anything? Is it really as simple as blocking off and slapping them on the small block? I just need a little closer before i began this swap.
Thanks in advance!

Shagwell

I've never messed around with the LT1's much, but I do know that the only intakes that fit are the factory LT1 efi intake, the factory LT4 efi intake, and GM has a high-rise dual plane for carbs. The standard sbc intakes won't work. Nothing lines up properly. All bolt holes would have to be re-worked, probably even need some grinding to get a decent fit on the ports.

joejoe

iTrader: (1)

Take a look at....lt1intake.com...it might have some info for you,
good luck with your ride.

link85x

iTrader: (1)

I figures as much. I just wait until i get some dough and do it right before jumping into some problems.

crowebuilt

it can be done, but the cost of machine work to the heads alone would not be worth it. i can help if you still want to take this route.

link85x

iTrader: (1)

Alright, I'll except that offer. I can weld the two coolant passages per head up, but is there anything else that needs to be done to the head before i take it to the machine shop to get deck and maybe milled a couple of thousandths?

crowebuilt

i will post few pictures show what needs to be done. ill have them soon.

link85x

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, I'll be looking foward to it.

crowebuilt

well i just came in from the machine shop, good news. my mentor had to show me the REAL DEAL for this swap. all you need will be a set of GOOD head gaskets for a non-LT1. a vortec intake. and you will need the steam lines that go on the LT1 heads. simply bolt the heads on an run the steam line into the coolant passage near the thermostat. you will also want to use LT1 intake gaskets. have fun!!!!!!!!!!!

link85x

iTrader: (1)

So, will i still need to weld up to two coolant passages on each LT1 head? And the steam passages, those wouldn't happen to be the weird cut holes on each side of the cylinder head, would they? Also, get a set of heads gasket for GEN 1 smallblock, use a vortec intake (probably will go with an LT1 intake aswell) and some LT1 intake amnifold gaskets and i should be good to go? Would you be able to post up any pictures of what your mentor did for the steam holes?

Fevre

Seems like a lot of work when other much better heads avail