3rdgenlewis

So I recently did a build-up of my LO3 in my 89' RS, and I was impressed at first.. Following a few board leaders on what to do, and how to do it.. but I must have messed something up because now the car has a severe lifter tap and it feels as if it has no bottom end what-so-ever, couldn't tell you if the too are related... But all-in-all I've put 2 grand in this 305 and I'm just over it. I thought about selling the car, and putting a few grand together and snagging a 4th gen trams am, or firebird.. with an LT1/6 speed setup but I just love the look of my 3rd gen WAY to much for all that, and these cars are getting harder and harder to come by.

My question is, how well do LT1's do in our cars? Would it bolt up to my 700r4 or would I need a different flexplate? My transmission was recently rebuilt, and shifts like new again.. how much horsepower could it hold up too before I'd need to swap in... say a turbo 400. The reason I chose LT1 instead of the L98 was because they come with 275-285 HP out of the box, and are easy bolt-on motors.. but I've also heard a lot of bad things about them, as far as there reliability. I found a cheap LT1 at a scrap yard, fully assembled with 153K miles claims to 'run great' and burn no oil I may pick it up, if I get some good responces in.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Better asked in the LT1 swap Dept
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-lsx/

Trans bolting to engine is related to the block style, LT1 has same style block as a L98.

Flexplate type is related to the engine year ; you have to use the flexplate that fits the engine , not the trans.
In your case both engines are '87+ so they share the same style

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Already moved it.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Personally, I'd sell your TH700 and use the 4L60 that is behind the LT1. It's a better transmission, and if '94 or later, is the 4L60E (even better).

Just about all complaints about LT1 involve the Optispark. It's a better system than HEI from an ignition standpoint, but is susceptible to water damage. Others can give you specifics, but keep it dry, it'll be fine.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

I think a 5.3L swap is better.

But, from a installation standpoint the LT1 is a direct drop in, there is no modification needed for exhaust or anything else really.

And an LT1 will with exhaust will put you into the low 13's no problem.

3rdgenlewis

Call me old fashioned, but I wanted to stay w/ a carb if at all possible. Instead of switching the LT1 to carb, what was the carburated 350's that came in 3rd gen camaros? I thought L98's were fuel injected.

toomany

No 350 came factory with a carb in a 3rd gen. Only 350 was the L98, which had TPI.

If you want to keep carb, then I'd skip over the LT1 and go traditional SBC or LS motor. SBC because of the huge aftermarket or LS because of the better (factory offerings) heads. Take away the LT1's fuel injection/opti and you have a SBC with a fancy water pump. They (LT1's) do have a decent short block but the reverse flow cooling isn't enough to offset the oddball parts if staying carb, IMO. The upside to a carb LT1 is it basically falls into place with 3rd gen parts (mounts, headers, bellhousing). You would need LT1 specific accessories and an electric fuel pump if you didn't already have one.

3rdgenlewis

Yeah that would explain why I couldn't find it. I was simply thinking of keeping the carb because I did a carb swap on my LO3 and the simplicity of it is amazing.. And I've heard Demon makes such good carb's you can't tell the difference between that and fuel injection.

New2Chevy

iTrader: (11)

Fuel injection is better. It's easier to get the most power possible, especially with a PCM from a 4th gen.

The 24X conversion with the LS1 PCM is even easier, but the 24X is overkill, in my opinion, when you're not running forced induction.

My point is...stick with the stock LT1 fuel injection system. It works, and it works well, at least, on my car it does.