I gotta friend who is a LT1 fanatic, he's trying to talk me into building one instead of the basic 305 I'm putting in the convertible, just for a DD. He even offered to give me one of the spares he has lying around that need to be rebuilt. My question is, whats the big deal? I know they have some kind of reverse cooling deal, but other than that, what are(if any)advantages to the LT1? I'm perfectly happy with the old school SBC. I know it and like it. I do wanna build an LS for my next performance build, but between the original and the LT1 whats the deal?

 

Unless you have fat wallet and taste for rare stuff LT1 maybe the option. However, consider that LT1 heads will not fit an early SBC (and reverse is true as well). The LT1 is a reverse flow engine in that coolant flows in the reverse direction. One of the most common problems with LT1 is OEM Opti spark and funky water pump/t-stat housing. Opti-spark can be replaced by aftermarket parts == $$$
Intakes are also big dollar items.

For the same money old SBC GEN-1 can be built with a similar performance (i.e. heads, cam, exhaust)

//RF

 

Well id stick with the 305 IMO

Easier to build, parts are plentiful and you dont have to try and screw with the setup, correct me if im wrong but even if you put in the LT1 youll also need the 4th gen ECM to control it.... more $ and headaches

 

If you want power go with the Lt1. The Lt1 one might cost more to build but as much money as you put in the 305 and put that money into the Lt1 you would have more power. 305 came with 170 hp the Lt1 i think between 275-305 hp. Thats just about double what the 305 has. Just saying the LT1 will kill 99% of the 305's. Their are a few 305's on this website that are running really well but who knows how much money they spent on them to get the hp their getting.
kevin

 

The LT1 swap needs a few swap parts and for the same/less money you will spend on the 305 you could have doubble the hp.

 

The LT1 is the superior set-up hands-down. They are not a big expense to build or install. Rebuilding one is basically the same as rebuilding any SBC. It will get as good as or better mileage than a 305, while having a bunch more power available.

I would only do it if it is "complete", including the PCM. Converting one to carb is, in my opinion, one of the worst things you can do to an LT1. If all he has is a bare engine, you'll have to decide if getting the harnesses, sensors, PCM, etc., it worth it to you.

 

moral of the story is phase out our 305s with lt1s then lol

 

No moral of it is if he can spend the same amount of money that it would take on the 305 on the LT1 and have 300hp and get 22+ mpg. Like five7kid said if he has every thing you need smart choice would be to do it. Or save up for the LS swap you are wanting to do.

 

the only way i would keep a 305 is if i intended to turbocharge it since CI does not matter much.....add a TPI to it and boost the crap out of it!!!!!!!!!


as for the Lt1 swap, not only will you enjoy the performance $4$ but the added fuel economy will put a smile on your face..
as far as the weak points of an Lt1 well the opti has been accused on many instances but i have had great luck with them.
you can also keep the true TPI look with the Lt1 by adding a Stealthram(you will need to modify the bolt holes) no big deal there put a distributor out back use a factory TPI engine harness get a custom chip burned since the factory tune is too soft. add some headers freeflowing ex. a small stall if auto.
no matter what you do to a N/A 305 it will always be low on HP for the mods and money spent.

 

I have three third gens now, I have my 84 with a 383 that is my baby. I have the convertible which I wanna make into a simple good gas mileage cruiser. I think it would be simpler to just drop the 305 in there and put the TBI back on it. The third it a 5spd T-Top that I wanna make a more long term project out of, LS, 6spd, nice paint custom hockey stripe custom interior. Already got the LS sitting on the floor of my garage, but gotta tear it down and get it to the machine shop.

 

Yes it might be easyer to drop the 305 back in it but trust me go with the Lt1 bc you will get really bored with it and want more power! 305 has like 150 rwhp thats nothing. If i was you just get the Lt1 and dont mod it or any thing mabey an exshaust and be done with it. Then when you go out to a car show or where ever you can pop your hood and get respect. To me the 305 is a joke a LS cobolt can just about beat me.
kevin

 

Well I don't care about performance from the convertible, I just want good gas mileage and reliability. I've got the 84 for speed, When done I'll have the LS 5spd for shows, I just want the convirtible for economical top down cruising, and a few trips to the beach. If I knew anything about 4 bangers I'd put one of them in. LOL

 

Ok man just saying stock for stock the gas millage is around the same and i would bet the Lt1 has a better reliabilty review.
kevin