I have a 87 iroc with a 305tpi. Lower radiator hose split and didn’t realize it until it was too late. I’m not looking to spend a fortune but I found a LT1 out of a 95 Camaro with 76k for 2k. I’m wondering about how much can I expect to spend on having someone swap this for me or if there would be a better route to go with this. The 700 transmission is in good shape and was rebuilt about 5 years ago so I will be keeping it. Thanks.

 

Lt1 is a costly and difficult swap for not much reward. 2k could buy the bulk of an LS swap. Used lt1s near me go for less than 500.

2k could also buy you a nice l98 long block that you could swap everything over to, buy the 350 only parts for, and still come out ahead

 

Worst choice of all time. Owner should pay you 2K for taking it off his hands.

 

I'd stick with a gen1 350 (if an LS is out of the question).

Or even up it to a 383. I don't think the LT1 is worth the hassle.

Gen1 small block with a Miniram or HSR with evem a mild cam will get you essentially the same or better performance.

 

If it weren't for the opti spark and water pump, the LT1 would be a solid choice. That being said, I'd only run one with an ignition conversion which starts to add cost.

 

The LT1 is not a bad choice at all. I have run a couple of them now on an 0411 Express van based tune with the OBD2 timing cover and crank reluctor. The optispark is only used for a distributor cap and rotor which are easy to find replacements for. The 0411 will run flawlessly without a cam sensor input. For a naturally aspirated build, the LT1 is not inferior by any matrix compared to a common 5.3L truck engine. Might be a little down on power compared to a LS1 or LS6 in stock form, but that is nothing that a cam and springs cannot fix.