First post here, so sorry if i didnt do it right lol...I bought myself an 88' Formula shell a couple months ago and I got a 350 longblock and tranny with it a few weeks ago. So long story short, a mechanic that I know is offering me all the accesories, intake, tbi and injection, sensors, radiator, distibutor, computer, and harness for $250 off an LT/1 from what I believe is a 96 T/A. My question is will this, with the tbi and all, work on my Gen I 350 (I believe its from 72-74 by the block numbers)? I'm on an extremely tight budget so this is quite a deal for me if it will work. Its my first car and i hope to have it running by the time I get my license. Any help is appreciated!

 

not tbi just throttle body, and no the heads are different but if you want a machining project can be made to work. LT1's are reverse cooled engines, the cam, valve covers might work, and crank might but other than that no

 

Pull need the heads and the intake I believe

 

Interestingly enough LT1 intake will work on Gen 1 350SBC, but there is a bit of modification required to make it all work. LT1 is not a TBI system, but it takes it design roots from TPI L98 setup. However, LT1 intake will not bolt on onto gen1 heads - modifications are required. To mount the LT1 intake on GEN I cylinder heads, you need to drill the holes in the intake flange to match heads (use intake manifold gasket as a template). As a finishing touch use J-B weld to fill the stock holes in the intake flange, sand and paint. Another option to look into is to use a set of stock LT1 cylinder heads on Gen 1 block. Again, some modifications to the head deck surface will be required, as the LT1 cylinder heads are reverse flow and have different water jacket. Gen 4 LT1 heads are aluminum, flow fairly decent, and can sometimes be found for less than $300 used, this may be a viable option if you are starting with factory cast iron heads and are working on a budget. I would suggest to check all possible options before committing to this adventure.

For more information checkout and read this article:

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tech/0803phr_tpi_intake_conversion_ls1/index.html

 

I see...so basically I'm better off either waiting for an opportunity to get an lt1 or just finishing my 350 and fight with emissions? Machining it is definitely out of the question for me with my lack of experience and equipment.

 

Given your situation I would wait for a 50% off sale at your local pick - your part yard (4 of July is coming up!) and pull a complete 350 truck intake (with TB) + harness, dizzy, sensors, ECM and drive accessories. This would become a bolt on job. Make sure that you select TBI friendly cam shaft for your 350 short block!!! The only modification you'll need is to file 4 inner intake bolt holes - it is a simple modification to match TBI intake to pre 86 heads. Look for 87 to 92 C/K truck or burban (vans also). Not every single truck came with 350 - there are plenty of 305 out there as well. The 93 to 95 trucks used PCM which can be adapted to work with 700R4, but this may not pass emission visual and ALDL interface check. I simply do not know if they check ALDL interface in your area.

//RF

 

or get a 96-99 vortec

 

if you keep the vortec system youll need the computer and wiring, if you just want the heads because careful because IIRC some crack easily, and you cant run a regular sbc intake on them

 

they crack if you try porting them, stock your fine.

 

then how would a stock junkyard engine come up with cracked vortec heads?

 

Guess ill wait for a good deal to pop up at a junkyard or on Craigslist then then. Thanks for the help guys!