I have a '83 TA w/ a late 70's 305/T5 in it.

I have access to a good LT1 block, cheap, and am wondering about using it as the basis for a 350/383 carbed motor.

Can I set up the LT1 block with a carb, distributor and headers? This needs to be a budget build. Suggestions for heads?

Any potential issues with flywheel, accessory brackets, mounts I need to think about?

Thanks

 

If you're serious about an LT-1 build or rebuild, purchase this book. It will explain in detail answers to your questions. It has an excellent section that addresses the NA carb application. Also, it'll put to rest the head compatibility question.

http://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Small-.../dp/1557883939

 

If you have to buy all of this for the motor, I would say go with a regular SBC Gen1 block. There are alot of different things that have to be done for the LT1 to be carbed, and as stated in many other posts, you will be getting rid of (unless it doesn't have it) the best part of the LT1 which is the induction system. There aren't too many heads available aftermarket since the LT1 is reverse flow cooling.

 

There arent many things needed to go carb'd other than the intake manifold itself.

Heads:

AFR
Trick Flow
Dart
Edelbrock

GM LT1 and LT4 castings, ported by various company's

The other benefit he'd have using the LT1 block is how much a ported factory casting will flow, especially for the price. Yes he wants to use a carb, and most of us wanting to use an LT1 are after the efi, however the carb isnt going to restrict power, just fuel mileage, and maybe a little on drivability.

He'll also be using compact LT1 accessory bracket, and that would also make using an electric pump easy if he so chooses that route, also easily gets you the 140A alternator.


maj75, you'll need to use LT1 accessory bracket with the LT1 block, and of course the LT1 water pump, mounts are virtually a non issue, if you are using a/c it will require a little bit of work on the passenger mount, though from the sounds of it you probably wont be using a/c, so an a/c delete idler and you are set.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I will be retaining the AC, it is a must here in Miami. It seems that the LT1 will not give me any particular benefit over regular 350 blocks, which are plentiful. I will keep looking for the basis for a build-up.

I will try to find a pre 85 block/heads, so I can re-use my accessory brackets, flywheel, etc.

 

the benefit for the LT1 would be bang for the buck, imo.
in order to make a sbc perform like a stock LT1, you will need to buy pistons, heads, roller cam, and roller lifters. which will run you a couple grand by the time you get all the machine work done and re-assemble the thing.

a cam swap in an LT1 can get you 350+rwhp.