Finding an LT1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 543
Likes: 2
From: So Cal
Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R-4
Finding an LT1
I know there is a ton of LT1 info out there on the use of an LT1 manifold and heads, but I would rather make life easy and just put in an LT1 engine. I'm just still throwing around ideas for a new engine. So my question is...what are my options for buying an LT1? Is there a company out there that re-builds them...such thing as an LT1 crate engine? Or do I just have to look for a used one pulled from a recked camaro?
Also, is putting a newer engine (LT1 compared to L98) in my car considered smog-legal here in CA? I'm realizing that I don't really have the time to put my car through a complete engine re-build (college) and I might need something that I can just throw into the car that is reliable and faster than what I have now.
Thanks
Also, is putting a newer engine (LT1 compared to L98) in my car considered smog-legal here in CA? I'm realizing that I don't really have the time to put my car through a complete engine re-build (college) and I might need something that I can just throw into the car that is reliable and faster than what I have now.
Thanks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,777
Likes: 567
From: Cincinnati, OH
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Even though it would pass the sniffer, I think any engine swap in CA is a no no. There are a few companies that make LT1 cores and short/long blocks. They are the way to go if you want a big inch LT1 prepped to handle monster cams and or boost.
http://www.nu-tekmotorsports.com/
I believe Golden engines makes a few combos as well.
You can also find them on ebay, and classified adds from www.camaroz28.com and www.ls1.com and www.ls1tech.com
http://www.nu-tekmotorsports.com/
I believe Golden engines makes a few combos as well.
You can also find them on ebay, and classified adds from www.camaroz28.com and www.ls1.com and www.ls1tech.com
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 46
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
If you put all the controls and emissions equipment in your car that came with the LT1, you go through what they call the "motor change" inspection in California. This is legal as long as the engine is newer than the chassis, and is of the same type of vehicle (i.e., passenger car, not from a truck).
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: Lyndonville, VT
Car: 89 Firebird Formula
Engine: Custom Forged 402ci LS2 w/STS Turbo
Transmission: T56 6-speed
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" with 4.11
I may be moving to San Diego in the near future, and was concerned about CA laws regarding engine swaps, too. I did some researched and talked to some people I know out there who did some asking around for me, and this is what you need to know:
1.) You may swap any engine into the vehicle, as long as the engine is the same year or newer than the vehicle itself
2.) The engine needs to be of a similar type and from the same class of vehicle as what you are putting it into. So, for example, you cannot put a truck engine into a car; Nor can you put a V8 engine into a car that was never offered with a V8 engine. (There seems to be differing views on this, it may depend on individual county regulations from what I'm told). Putting an LT1 engine into your Camaro that originally had TPI is no big deal at all, lots of people have done it.
3.) You may not use any drivetrain or emissions equipment that is not stock, unless it is stock replacement parts that have a C.A.R.B. Number assigned to it, which authorizes that part to be legally used in CA. This means no LT headers, radical cams, exotic intake manifolds, etc.
4.) You will have to include and pass emissions requirements for the year of the ENGINE. So, if you put in an engine that was manufactured at OBD-II specs, then you will need to make sure you include all OBD-II equipment in your swap.
5.) You will have to pass OBD tests, sniffer tests, and visual inspection of drivetrain and exhaust.
6.) Inspections occur every two years in CA, apparently. Some people reportedly get inspected, then swap on their performance parts. Just shy of two years later, they restore their setup to stock, get inspected again, then swap back on their performance goodies.
Hope this helps you out.
1.) You may swap any engine into the vehicle, as long as the engine is the same year or newer than the vehicle itself
2.) The engine needs to be of a similar type and from the same class of vehicle as what you are putting it into. So, for example, you cannot put a truck engine into a car; Nor can you put a V8 engine into a car that was never offered with a V8 engine. (There seems to be differing views on this, it may depend on individual county regulations from what I'm told). Putting an LT1 engine into your Camaro that originally had TPI is no big deal at all, lots of people have done it.
3.) You may not use any drivetrain or emissions equipment that is not stock, unless it is stock replacement parts that have a C.A.R.B. Number assigned to it, which authorizes that part to be legally used in CA. This means no LT headers, radical cams, exotic intake manifolds, etc.
4.) You will have to include and pass emissions requirements for the year of the ENGINE. So, if you put in an engine that was manufactured at OBD-II specs, then you will need to make sure you include all OBD-II equipment in your swap.
5.) You will have to pass OBD tests, sniffer tests, and visual inspection of drivetrain and exhaust.
6.) Inspections occur every two years in CA, apparently. Some people reportedly get inspected, then swap on their performance parts. Just shy of two years later, they restore their setup to stock, get inspected again, then swap back on their performance goodies.
Hope this helps you out.
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,563
Likes: 1
Car: 1991 RS Camaro (Jet Black)
Engine: 95 383 CI (6.3) LT1
Transmission: 95 T-56
Originally posted by 89FormulaLS1
I may be moving to San Diego in the near future, and was concerned about CA laws regarding engine swaps, too. I did some researched and talked to some people I know out there who did some asking around for me, and this is what you need to know:
1.) You may swap any engine into the vehicle, as long as the engine is the same year or newer than the vehicle itself
2.) The engine needs to be of a similar type and from the same class of vehicle as what you are putting it into. So, for example, you cannot put a truck engine into a car; Nor can you put a V8 engine into a car that was never offered with a V8 engine. (There seems to be differing views on this, it may depend on individual county regulations from what I'm told). Putting an LT1 engine into your Camaro that originally had TPI is no big deal at all, lots of people have done it.
3.) You may not use any drivetrain or emissions equipment that is not stock, unless it is stock replacement parts that have a C.A.R.B. Number assigned to it, which authorizes that part to be legally used in CA. This means no LT headers, radical cams, exotic intake manifolds, etc.
4.) You will have to include and pass emissions requirements for the year of the ENGINE. So, if you put in an engine that was manufactured at OBD-II specs, then you will need to make sure you include all OBD-II equipment in your swap.
5.) You will have to pass OBD tests, sniffer tests, and visual inspection of drivetrain and exhaust.
6.) Inspections occur every two years in CA, apparently. Some people reportedly get inspected, then swap on their performance parts. Just shy of two years later, they restore their setup to stock, get inspected again, then swap back on their performance goodies.
Hope this helps you out.
I may be moving to San Diego in the near future, and was concerned about CA laws regarding engine swaps, too. I did some researched and talked to some people I know out there who did some asking around for me, and this is what you need to know:
1.) You may swap any engine into the vehicle, as long as the engine is the same year or newer than the vehicle itself
2.) The engine needs to be of a similar type and from the same class of vehicle as what you are putting it into. So, for example, you cannot put a truck engine into a car; Nor can you put a V8 engine into a car that was never offered with a V8 engine. (There seems to be differing views on this, it may depend on individual county regulations from what I'm told). Putting an LT1 engine into your Camaro that originally had TPI is no big deal at all, lots of people have done it.
3.) You may not use any drivetrain or emissions equipment that is not stock, unless it is stock replacement parts that have a C.A.R.B. Number assigned to it, which authorizes that part to be legally used in CA. This means no LT headers, radical cams, exotic intake manifolds, etc.
4.) You will have to include and pass emissions requirements for the year of the ENGINE. So, if you put in an engine that was manufactured at OBD-II specs, then you will need to make sure you include all OBD-II equipment in your swap.
5.) You will have to pass OBD tests, sniffer tests, and visual inspection of drivetrain and exhaust.
6.) Inspections occur every two years in CA, apparently. Some people reportedly get inspected, then swap on their performance parts. Just shy of two years later, they restore their setup to stock, get inspected again, then swap back on their performance goodies.
Hope this helps you out.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 543
Likes: 2
From: So Cal
Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R-4
Lol, I hear ya pasky. We gotta do what we gotta do though. Hey, I forgot to ask how hard it would be to setup a clutch pedal and everything to go with the LT1/T56 combo? (Assuming the T56 is manual). I have a 700R4 now. What kinda work/money is involved in that?
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