New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc

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Dec 31, 2008 | 10:59 AM
  #1  
Ever since I saw tpi_roc post I have been wanting to do this so here goes.

Complete LT1 Intake $75.00
Complete LT1 Heads $100.00
Camaro TPI accessory brackets including AC pump, alternator, PS pump, and pulleys. $40.00
Had the heads, intake, and brackets bead blasted $50.00
New stainless 2.02/1.06 valves, left over from another build

For under $300.00 I have the basic parts to make a very nice MPFI top end, that can support over 400 hp if I want it too.

You have to use the TPI accessory brackets to clear the TB. The factory TBI brackets get in the way.
I originally thought about just converting the LTI intake to run on the SBC heads but that would be to much hacking on the intake. Since I want aluminum heads for weight saving and better heat dissipation I figured why not do a full conversion. This will be a full roller stroker ,383, 396, or might get crazy and make a 408 :dunno: I have a lot of LT4 parts that came out of my Vette so if i want to stay cheap I may go that route. I really dont have anything to put it in other than my truck so I am not real sure which way I am going to go with it.

In order to make it work you have to cut a hole in the back of the intake for the distributer, you also need a spacer. For the heads to work you have to weld up the outer most coolant passage on the deck of the heads. If you dont, these ports are open to the lifter galley and will fill the engine with coolant. To get the coolant to the radiator I am going to drill and tap the back of the heads to 1/2" NPT, then run hose to a remote thermostat housing mounted on the inner fender. Check it out..


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Dec 31, 2008 | 11:04 AM
  #2  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
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Dec 31, 2008 | 11:40 AM
  #3  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
That's about as compact as it gets!! I could actually use something like that instead of the TPI rig I was about to start gathering parts for. A little bit of fabbing and you have a real cool setup.

Which ECM are you going to use?? Where does the density sensor go??
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Dec 31, 2008 | 11:42 AM
  #4  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
nice glad someone else is going for it!
after looking at your pics i stared at the disttributor spacer for a minute,it looks a little bit tall and does not have the small angle on it but it is difficult to tell...now you have to fill in the coolant passages and redrill those holes at any rate great job!!!!!
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Dec 31, 2008 | 04:10 PM
  #5  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
I used to run the LT1 intake on my TA with standard dart sbc iron ealge II heads and it ran great. I then pulled it off and installed the holley stealth ram intake to clean up the engine compartment and boy did it make my engine come alive. I am glad I switched because it really gave me my lower end torque back. But that was my engine and others may respond differently. I haven't heard about anybody using LT4 heads bout it sounds like a good combo. You'll have to let us know how it runs.
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Dec 31, 2008 | 06:38 PM
  #6  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
Subscribed. I was going to go the very same route, but run an EDIS ignition setup with MegaSquirt ECM, in place of the distributor. Still have all of the stuff too, so maybe this buildup will give me the inspiration to finally finish it....

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Jan 1, 2009 | 08:38 AM
  #7  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
Quote: That's about as compact as it gets!! I could actually use something like that instead of the TPI rig I was about to start gathering parts for. A little bit of fabbing and you have a real cool setup.

Which ECM are you going to use?? Where does the density sensor go??

What ever I decide to put it in I will be using a 16196395 or 16197427 out of a 94 - 95 C/K Truck, Van, 4.3L, 5.7L & 7.4L running $0D code. These ECM's are great because you can use them to run TBI and MPFI, they also control 4L60E trannys. This is the same ECM I have in my 94 Blazer so I am very familer with tuning it as well. The map sensoer is mounted on top of the intake.
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Jan 1, 2009 | 08:43 AM
  #8  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
Quote: nice glad someone else is going for it!
after looking at your pics i stared at the disttributor spacer for a minute,it looks a little bit tall and does not have the small angle on it but it is difficult to tell...now you have to fill in the coolant passages and redrill those holes at any rate great job!!!!!

I just stuck it on there to take the picture. I used a 1/2" piece of aluminum to make the ring. I am going to a Friends house this Friday to tig weld the ring on to the intake and to weld up the heads. After the ring is on we are going to mill it down to the correct height and angle.
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Jan 1, 2009 | 08:51 AM
  #9  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
Thanks!! That's exactly what I wanted to know because my next project might be changing. My Tahoe is getting a bunch of miles and I am considering putting something trick back in it. This would be an eye popper. I'm anxious to see how it goes.

oh yeah... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
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Jan 4, 2009 | 10:22 AM
  #10  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
Here are some pictures of the progress I made yesterday.
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Jan 4, 2009 | 10:24 AM
  #11  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
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With the intake in the mill I cut into the EGR mount for distributer clearance which exposed a passage that I had to weld back up. I welded up all EGR passages. I also cut the distributer ring down to the correct height and angle. I used an old intake to get all my measurements from, the distributer fits perfect.
I still have to drill and tap the distributer boss I made.
After the heads are milled I will have to drill a small hole in the same area where I welded the big holes up. I will use a head gasket as a template. Gen 1 sbc's still have a coolant port in this area just not as big as the LT1 heads. When I get a set of head gaskets I will show you what I am talking about.


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Jan 4, 2009 | 10:48 AM
  #12  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
The fit of that dizzy could not be any better.
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Jan 4, 2009 | 07:55 PM
  #13  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
Lookin good bro!
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Jan 5, 2009 | 07:26 AM
  #14  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
Really nice work that is for sure,
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Jan 5, 2009 | 12:09 PM
  #15  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
do you do lt1 intake conversions?

im looking for someone to do one properly and welding the intake....not jb weld the parts like other people.

also, i am using the gen 1 heads so the egr port area on the intake needs welded up and milled to meet the port on teh gen 1 head so that the exhaust gases do not build up in the lifter valley
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Jan 5, 2009 | 12:45 PM
  #16  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
Quote: do you do lt1 intake conversions?

im looking for someone to do one properly and welding the intake....not jb weld the parts like other people.

also, i am using the gen 1 heads so the egr port area on the intake needs welded up and milled to meet the port on teh gen 1 head so that the exhaust gases do not build up in the lifter valley
I sent you a PM
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Jan 19, 2009 | 07:18 AM
  #17  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
Well..????
I'm anxious and 96LT4, you're VERY patient.
How's it going... Running yet??
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Jan 20, 2009 | 06:30 AM
  #18  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
No, I have a little set back. I burnt the band up in the tranny in my truck so I have to rebuild it first.
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Jan 25, 2009 | 04:44 PM
  #19  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
That looks great from what I can see. I was going to do this, have heads and intake and all, but decided to go a different route. If anyone interested in these parts, let me know. Keep us posted on how it runs. Interested in the numbers from it.
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Jan 25, 2009 | 05:17 PM
  #20  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
Quote: No, I have a little set back. I burnt the band up in the tranny in my truck so I have to rebuild it first.
Sorry to hear about the tranny. That's what has derailed my project as well. Stuff happens...
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Jan 26, 2009 | 06:36 AM
  #21  
Re: New project, LT1 top end on gen 1 sbc
Quote: Sorry to hear about the tranny. That's what has derailed my project as well. Stuff happens...

Thanks, I am building my tranny to hold up behind this motor......hint.....its probably going in my truck.
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