Ok heres the deal:

I have a 91 3.1L A4 Firebird, and want to swap in an L98 A4. But I see the LT1 only cost a couple hundread more, so.

This is basically all I need for the L98

L98/TH 700R4- $1400
L98 Motor/Tranny Mounts- $70
L98 Tach- $???
V8 Springs- $??? (Will get later on)
L98 Fuel Pump/Lines/Filter/Strainer- $100

What else will I need for an LT1?

Thanks

 

if it's REALLY only going to cost you a couple hundred more, go LT1. but if this is your firs swap, and you don't know how to trace wires splice in harnesses, and generally don't know what it takes to swap in an engine like that, go L98.

 

The wiring isnt all THAT intricate to get it up and running, and isnt even super bad when getting everything functional. Heck I could make a item to plug into the stock connectors, have you hookup a few wires to ground a few to the battery power dist block, one ignition hot and the engine would "run" , a small handful more and you could have everything functional. Now a setup that has a nice appearance and all fits awesome is where it becomes time consuming and requires skill.

Go LT1, swapping in an L98 is like buying a gun without buying the bullets, that takes weak bullets and are harder to load into the gun.

 

what you said makes absolutely no sense, and I can't understand why every knocks the L98. it's not this huge freaking pig simply because it didn't come in a 4th gen. I agree that the LT1 is a superior choice, especially when you consider that BOTH are FACTORY spec engines. as far as mod potential? the LT1 will respond well and provide good gas mileage and excellent potential, and does well with coping with mods. (this assumes you retain the LT1's induction setup). if you use TPI on the L98, it's ok on gas, and doesn't make as much power. but if you're going to use a carb with the L98 or and aftermarket setup, they're essentailly the same thing: factory engines that can be vastly imporved upon. firefrombelow give us a little detail, because as you can see, there are VERY different opinions on how to do this. namely, are you retaining the induction in your car now? (TBI, TPI, CCC carb?) or would you be using aftermarket, or would you be using the LT1's induction if aquired?

 

The TPI is a stupid idea because after you pay for the motor, and then $1000 in intake parts upgrades that most do, you have something that still wont flow as good as the LT1, you've paid more, and your heads still arent half as good as what you get with the LT1. Typically you can get a complete LT1 now for what just a decent tpi intake manifold setup would run you. Like I said tpi is shooting yourself in the foot.

 

"shooting yourself in the foot"

that i understand, and almost agree with. if he HAS the TPI, it's one thing, but this is why i want to know what he's running/going to use. either way, if it's between L98 TPI and LT1, I'd go LT1 as well, simply because the potential is better. it's a better platform to start with. The L98 as a longblock is ok, especially if you plan on swapping a bigger cam, some roller rockers, and a carb or TBi setup. it's a good low buck build. but for the money, a complete TPI vs a complete LT1, the LT1 would be the better choice.

 

go LT1 and try to get one from a '95 f-body.

 

search the LTX and LSX swap boards and check out TexasLT1's guide.

www.geocities.com/texaslt1/lt1swap/swap.html