How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
From: Pekin, IL
Car: 91 Formula, 79 Trans Am, 72 LeMans
Engine: 305 TPI, 6.6, 350 Pontiac
Transmission: T5, 3 speed, TH350
How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?
Going to be buying a disassembled LT1 to put together for my 91. It currently has a v6 though. Whats all needed to convert the car to a carbed LT1 engine?
I have a v8 T5 to replace the V6 T5 and v8 sway bar, springs, and gauge cluster. I know I will need a radiator as well. What else will I need?
I have a v8 T5 to replace the V6 T5 and v8 sway bar, springs, and gauge cluster. I know I will need a radiator as well. What else will I need?
Re: How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?
90-92 V6 radiators are the same as 82-92 V8 rads, only 82-89 had a smaller unit for V6's. You're fine, single fan will be ample as well
Also, LTx engines were designed around EFI. It's silly to revert to a carb
Also, LTx engines were designed around EFI. It's silly to revert to a carb
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 482
Likes: 2
From: Midvale, UT
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: L03
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 4.11
Re: How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?
I'm with Pocket on that one. There is absolutely no benefit to going with an LTX motor if you are ditching the EFI, thats the whole benefit.
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
From: Pekin, IL
Car: 91 Formula, 79 Trans Am, 72 LeMans
Engine: 305 TPI, 6.6, 350 Pontiac
Transmission: T5, 3 speed, TH350
Re: How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?
Ill need a new one though because LT1s are reverse flow with the coolant system. Going carbed right now but may convert to fuel injection when I have extra cash.
Supreme Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 1
From: Kingston, Tn
Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.70 posi
Re: How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?
It will cost you as much to go carbed as it will to go FI on the LT1
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA. USA
Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
Re: How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?
depends on what all he has with the LT1.
Carb will be much easier.
k-member, front coil springs, fuel lines, 6-15psi electric fuel pump, carb intake, carb, distributor, modified radiator for steam lines from the LT1. that is the bulk of it.
Carb will be much easier.
k-member, front coil springs, fuel lines, 6-15psi electric fuel pump, carb intake, carb, distributor, modified radiator for steam lines from the LT1. that is the bulk of it.
Re: How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?
Ill need a new one though because LT1s are reverse flow with the coolant system. Going carbed right now but may convert to fuel injection when I have extra cash.
Trending Topics
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
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
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA. USA
Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
Re: How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?
http://www.jegs.com/i/GM%20Performan...0002/-1?CT=999
carb is what, $300, dist $100-180, ign box $150.
It's not really that bad.
what other special parts are needed?
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
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
A "real" carb is more like $450 (putting an Edelbrock carb on an LT1 is pouring lemon juice on a paper cut). Don't forget fuel pressure regulator, fuel line adapters, air cleaner, throttle cable (unless you're starting with a TBI car), throttle cable bracket - all the little things that nickle & dime you to death.
Quick search on eBay, found a complete LT1 engine in Wisconsin for $250. The OP should be able to drive up there and pick that up. Another complete engine/trans/harness/PCM for $700 in Connecticut. Or a complete '96 LT1/T56 drop-out harness/PCM/radiator/lines in Florida for $1500.
In all honesty, what we have here is another example of starting with too little and expecting too much. It would make more sense to pay the shipping for that engine/trans from Florida than it would to take a local bare longblock and try to build around it.
Quick search on eBay, found a complete LT1 engine in Wisconsin for $250. The OP should be able to drive up there and pick that up. Another complete engine/trans/harness/PCM for $700 in Connecticut. Or a complete '96 LT1/T56 drop-out harness/PCM/radiator/lines in Florida for $1500.
In all honesty, what we have here is another example of starting with too little and expecting too much. It would make more sense to pay the shipping for that engine/trans from Florida than it would to take a local bare longblock and try to build around it.
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
From: Pekin, IL
Car: 91 Formula, 79 Trans Am, 72 LeMans
Engine: 305 TPI, 6.6, 350 Pontiac
Transmission: T5, 3 speed, TH350
Re: How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?
I found a traditional SBC 350 that Im going to use instead. Should be easier and cheaper to build. Plus I believe its a 4 bolt main block if I want to go nuts later
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
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
It will be cheaper, and it will be easier. Go for it.
(You're still going to need a lot of "stuff", since you're going from V6 to V8.)
(You're still going to need a lot of "stuff", since you're going from V6 to V8.)
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
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
Although that LT1/T56 would be a guaranteed "ear-to-ear" without going nuts...
Re: How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?

You've got to change the stuff for any generic SBC, why not go for a newer more efficient engine with an extra gear to bang out?
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
From: Pekin, IL
Car: 91 Formula, 79 Trans Am, 72 LeMans
Engine: 305 TPI, 6.6, 350 Pontiac
Transmission: T5, 3 speed, TH350
Re: How much work to go from a V6 to a carbed LT1?
We will see what comes along, Im selling a bunch of stuff so Ill see how much I can gather together for a engine, possibly a trans. For right now, the 91 is just going to be a cruiser, want it to sound good and look good, as long as it has some power, Ill be happy. Heck, even a 305 I would be content with. I have a 450 HP 72 GTO and a 375 HP LT1 Camaro if I want to go fast.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jerflash
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
5
Sep 24, 2015 03:11 PM







