Using full LT1 engine with TPI computer
 

What do you all think about using a LT1 engine and drilling a hole in the stock LT1 intake for the TPI distributor and using the TPI computer and distributor on an LT1 block? The reason I was thinking about doing this is my L98 engine is dieing, I don't have that much money, and you can get lt1's for pretty cheap. Also LT1’s have 4 bolt mains and aluminum heads right?

I doubt that would work, the ECM for the TPI will not send the correct signal to the LT1 injectors , Transmission connections arent the same for TPI and LT1.

Also you'll have to find a way to plug a TPI maf sensor to that motor and since the LT1 plenum is 2 inch lower then the TPI, you wont be able to use any of the stock airbox. I'm guessing that it could be converted to speed density if you're ever able to make that thing run.

LT1 have two type of heads, Aluminium are for Camaro, Vette and
cast iron are for Impala SS, Roadmasters.

I'm thinking Vettes came with 4 bolt mains. However I'm not sure.

I don't think you understand what I mean. Use all the TPI components, including MAF or MAP, injectors (LT1 injects work with TPI anyway), sensors, distributor and my 700R4. Just take a LT1 block drill a hole in the intake for the TPI distributor. Use the TPI computer; use all the TPI sensors on a LT1 block.

seems like it would work
 

the main question: is it more cost effective then standard crate motors? That is a tough call, unless you can find a low mileage one for less then a new standard L98 longblock The lt1 intake used with a lt4 hot cam would make a nice combo I would imagine. Don't you need a mini starter for that block also?

It will work if you put a distributor on the LT1 intake. Just use all your L98 sensors and it'll work fine. ALL LT1's except vette LT1's are 2 bolt mains.

Can I mount the serpentine belt setup to a LT1? I know that the LT1 water pump is cam driven so I would have to get a shorter belt, but would everything else work?

The heads and block are different . The heads require you to use the LT1 intake since it is a reverse flow design. I am not sure if the block is able to be machined to use a distributor. It might be feasable, but certainly not cost effective.

What are you trying to gain by doing this? The principals of the two blocks are the same, but the intake and ignition make the LT1 superior.

If you drill the hole for the distributor on the LT1 intake, you CAN use a distributor on an LT1. The gear for the oil pump and cam are there for it already, and the hole in the block for the distributor is already there as well. You will have to use LT1 bracketry and accessories. You won't get the L98 serpentine setup to work with the LT1 because the balancer sticks out further. You won't get anything to line up.

Omega - The ignition system on the LT1 really isn't superior if you ask LT1 guys. The optispark distributor constantly misfires when wet, and the distributor itself dies quickly when exposed to moisture. And those darned things are NOT cheap to replace ($400 a pop). The intake itself is a very good design, which makes the LT1 a desirable motor. Also the reverse cooling and aluminum heads allow higher compression ratios for more power. It's a very good motor.

Check out LT1intake.com or the mirror site for it is on my site Generation-3.com in the store if lt1intake.com is down. It doesnt say anything about heads or block, but you can put an LT1 intake on our (old) style small blocks.

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Omega - The ignition system on the LT1 really isn't superior if you ask LT1 guys. The optispark distributor constantly misfires when wet, and the distributor itself dies quickly when exposed to moisture.
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Markolc , I think this is all a big myth.Everybody says the same thing I haven't heard any real story that. So far, I had my car sitting outside for 6 months in the snow without running, blew 2 times the waterpump and leaked maybe 4 gallons of coolant on the optispark . I have to say it's d*mn strong and it never failed. Never had that misfires problem .

anyway, :confused:

Also have to mention that I don't know how to write ! ;)

Matt you have been lucky. Optis suck. I have had probs with mine twice already.
Kory

I've had opti trouble once already, and so have all of my friends who own Z's. Opti failure is not a myth, you have just been lucky!

argees with Kory and Mark, the Opti-spark is a complete piece of trash. If it rains very hard, I might as well not even drive my car it misfires so bad. just after I put the engine it, it was almost undriveable, but somehow its gotten better and hardly does it any more. but I still have problems with it. I hate the damn thing

gnan gnan . mine's better *knock on wood*

:D

YOU LUCKY BASTARD!!!! j/k, but really, you must be one of the lucky ones matt, I know just about everybody has some kind of problems with theirs, but then again there are the few that dont.