I'm about to put my new engine together...

...a friend of mine suggested that if i'm going to use an LT-1 Intake conversion on my L98 setup, I should use the heads as well because they flow better than previous designs, and there will be no mating issues between the intake and heads.

He also said that the lt-1 heads have ports in the back so that coolant can exit there and then be routed to a remote thermostat housing and on to the radiator.

Are there any other issues that should be addressed before I investigate this any further?

 

LT-1 (asuming the 93-up LT1) heads are reverse cooling and require some modifcations to coolant passages. For most, it's not worth the effort.

 

tpi_roc is doing the LT1 intake and heads conversion. Here's a link to how he converted the LT1 heads.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=178262

His conversion is based on the magazine article here.

http://www.lt1intake.com/LT1_retrofit.htm

As far as it being a waste of time, it may be for some people. Think about the combo you'll have for next to nothing. LT1 heads are going for $250 on ebay right now. Even adding $100 to rebuild them and you're still starting cheap. Used complete LT1 intakes are around $120. Cheap is the reason. Fast is the result.

 

A good set of SBC Gen I heads would be cheaper and would be less work with the same output. I would say that it isn't worth the time or money, but sometimes that just makes some people want to do it all the more.

 

LT1 heads are also aluminum though, no?

 

Where can I find a good set of aluminum SBC Gen I heads for $250? LT1 heads flow better then any previous GM design anyway.
Also, if you are going to do a LT1 intake conversion it seems only logical to use LT1 heads too if you can. Makes it very easy to convert a LT1 intake when all you need to wory about is the distributor.

 

They are unless you got them from a Caprice, Roadmaster, Fleetwood, etc......all those big cars used iron LT1's.

I believe only the F-bodies and Y-bodies got the aluminum LT1 heads.

 

Oh, okay, because I know my buddy has aluminum ones on his '97 Z, but that makes sense if it was only the F and Y-bodies

 

I came across an LT1 out of a 94 roadmaster today.It was very clean.Do these motors also have reverse cooling??I know they are down a little in power(260 vs275) but the price should be a little cheaper( hopefully).

 

I have a set of 624's that flow 225cfm for $300 so iron heads that flow well are available for cheap

I was thinking of doing the lt-1 heads because i could get away with a bit higher compression and nicer chambers

but i'll probably end up sticking with the 882's im having done

 

As long as it's a 5.7L LT1 it is reverse cooled, it only has iron heads instead of aluminum and a smaller cam.

Be aware there are 4.3L L99's (still a V-8) that look exactly like LT1's.

 

John,was the 4.3 available in the roadmaster in 94??It has that written across it.Where will 5.7 or 4.3 be stamped on the block??Its in a building with a hundred other motors.

 

I don't think the 4.3L V-8 was available in Roadmasters, only Caprices. Never know though unless you know the engine is orginal.

What does the engine have written across it? 4.3L? You didn't say.

 

I am not sure it had what size the motor was but it had the big piece of plastic on top that covers the engine and it said buick or roadmaster or something like that.Wish i would have paid more attention.

 

all the 4.3 engines have 4.3 cast into the bellhousing flange where the casting numbers used to be.

 

im not a head expert or anything but ive heard alot of horror storys i believe about the 882 heads. maybee a set of 416 or 601 heads would be better if you could dig them up. just a suggestion.

 

how much hp did these mighty 4.3 v8s put out anyway?

 

he is correct. The 882's are smogger crap pieces. Their 76cc chambers EASILY offset the performance from work done to them. Get a set of 416's, 601's, or other comprable head and have at them. They can be found easily at the junk yard. Avoid TBI heads.

 

Lighter
Higher compression
Better flow
Perdy
Cheap
Seemless LT1 intake install

Can't lose :lala: