So I have been getting ready to mod the crap out of my TPI 350 already accumulating the following parts:
-Edelbrock base
-SLP runners ported
-Ported plenum to match runners
-1.6 roller rockers

And was going to complete it with the following:
-rebuilt WC T5 (car has trans, just needs to be rebuilt)
-A longer duration cam
-52mm throlttle body
-Edelbrock performer heads
-Rebuilt L98
-fastchip dyno tuned computer

chassis will stay the same (check Sig);

Now I found an LT1 and T56 with computer and everything for $2500 total with only 32,000 miles. I know I can get the motor swapped myself. Should I get it, will it make more power than what is listed above? does the LT1 have more potential (i.e. maybe convert to LT4 down the road). I figure that what is listed above will total around $2500 of not more, so should I just go for the LT1?

I do not know what to do, please give me some direction

 

If I was you id go with the lt1. It has a lot more potential to make more power. The tpi is good for low end torque, but the lt1 is good all the way through.

 

The TPI motor with ALL the mods you have listed should be a whole lot faster than the stock LT1 motor. Here comes the nay-sayers!!!

Make sure you get a cam that'll match that setup nicely (HOTCAM should do). Most importantly no matter how much power you put in your car make sure your suspension and chassis are up to the task to put it to the ground. A set of lower control arms and subframe connectors sure would help, otherwise you'll just be sitting still spinning.

 

Get the lt1 and the t56. The t56 alone is worth around a grand, much more where i live as they are hard to find. I think you would be much happier with the lt1 mainly because it makes more power all over the place with pretty good economy, matched with the manual 6 speed you will never be bored. Good luck either way seems like a sound investment.

 

what year is the LT1? just curious. that sounds like the way to go though if u dont buy it let me have the guys # cause I will

 

Let me raise the bull**** flag. You can get as much power out of the L98 as the LT1. Mod for mod, about the same thing.

I'm "weird" because I say what no one else does. They are, pound for pound, the same engine. Few different parts, yes. But put one next to the other in stock form and they will run the same.

Don't be fooled. Unless you have a jones for putting an LT1 in your car for whatever reason, you can sure as hell make plenty of power out of your L98. The LT1 swap itself is a money pit. No one says how much they spend after all the nickel and dime junk.

So let me just say..... spend the money wisely. Mod the L98 or even build a new one out of the car. Build it, get it set, then dump it in. Straight up job and you're done in a day if the engine is already assembled when you start the job.

If you want LT1 potential? Buy a Miniram or a Stealth Ram. They both kick ***. The LT1 manifold is a CHEAP knock-off of TPIS's Miniram design.

I say spend the money on good parts and not waste it on a swap. Get a nice set of heads, good intake system, great valvetrain and cam and kick some ***. Top it off w/ a blower too.

Why? Because if you build the L98 you'll save enough from avoiding the swap to also afford a shiny new ATI P-1sc blower system....

Am I starting to make cents now?

 

SHAGME, I did not buy the engine. These guys are really great to deal with. I sent you an email, reply to it if you want his info.

to anyone else interested, the guy has tons of good stuff, he parts out lots of camaros and corvette and has great prices, let me know who wants to contact them. But I would like to say this in advance, I did not post his info here because he does not have time for people just asking them questions. To keep them on our goog side, I would suggest only serious buyers contact them.

 

Do you know if they ship parts? If so, I would be interested in the contact info.

 

Theyt were going to ship me the 96 LT1 set up for $200-300 for LA to Chicago.

I just talked to the guys there and they have a T56 with only 27,000 miles!!

Now here is their email address (please do not just ask them a hundred questions and not do anything):

Diversifiedsale@aol.com

These guys have really honest prices and are great to work with.

 

I agree with Brett for the money it will cost you to do LT-1 Sawp you could defintly have more power out of your L98 if you plan on keeping your motor. For the money to swap a base LT-1 you could have a tricked out L98. Now a low milage 6 speed tranny I belive is worth the effort and money. I am however looking into an LT-1 swap as my motor runs strong but is getting up there 99K, and I want a lower milage engine. Still not sure about just buying a new L98 motor.

 

i can't understand passing up that deal i've had both and the lt1 is by far the better motor,hell you save enough in gas in the first year to offset any price diff.and the t56 with 50% overdrive is a pure joy and gas saver to boot.all you had to do is add the lt4 kit and have one of the best smallblocks ever built.but don't feel bad you did save your self a lot of work.my first lt1 was in a 94 9c1 ex police car,i made it from cocoa bch florida to houston texas in 12hrs and 16 mins and got 18.9mpg.eather motor is a blast but i strongly suggest the t56

 

quick answer.................LT1 is ... readers digest version... basically standard SBC as in L98 with

1... better tec EFI
2...GM version of Miniram
3...aluminum heads
4...just basically evolution of technology

its not THAT cut and dried, but you can see the point

I like my TPI ,I believe its better for a day to day stop light car,massive low end

LT1 just has more stuff to start with,seen lots of Hot cam Lt1's with converters etc pull off some amazing ET's.

modded to stock ,id stay TPI,but as in above,LT1 can realy come to life with the right stuff. Unless you just have a huge hardon to do a lot of work doing a swap stick with TPI,or just go buy an LT1 car.