I'm already set on swapping an LT1 intake to replace the tpi on the 350 I'm installing. Since the motor is out car my original plan was to port out the stock iron heads and modifying the LT1 intake. But now I'm thinking about getting a set of LT1 heads and modifying them to work with my setup. I've seen a couple of other members have attempted this before. Are these the basic steps that are involved:
1. block off large coolant passages on the underside of the head and drill steam holes.
2. Run coolant lines from the front of head to the radiator.
3. Run crossover tube on rear of heads? or can these openings just be blocked off?
4. For the intake the only mods would be to mount the distributer, block off egr, and adapt fuel lines.

Am I missing anything? I'm on a tight budget, but I think that I can get the LT1 heads and intake for about $350. What are your opinions?

Thanks,
Chris

 

I am going to have the same thing done as soon as I get the LT1 heads from my friends car. They will be going on my 305 Formula.

Are you going to modify them yourself or have a machine shop do it? If a shop is going to do it, can you let us know what they charge.

 

2&3, you dont need a crossover or anything, you just have to run lines from the front or rear coolant outlets in the heads to a remote thermostat housing, not the radiator. The front or rear remaining ports can be blocked off.

 

I'm going to do most of the modifications myself. I have a friend that can weld the aluminum plugs for me. I might have to take them to a shop to get cut.

Yes, running the coolant lines from the heads to the remote thermostat makes sense.
Why did the factory LT1's use the a crossover tube?

 

I have another question. How will I route the coolant lines to the remote thermostat without interfering with accessory brackets? Since brackets are usually flush to the head, I'm assuming that they would cover the exit for the coolant lines.

 

run the lines from the back of the heads to the remote thermostat housing, possibly mounted on the driver's side inner fender by the radiator inlet.

One coolant crossover seems to work for the small block chevy, i don't see why you can't run the LT1 heads without a crossover tube.