1969 350/350 v 1970 LT1
01-18-2010, 04:32 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
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The main difference is the LT-1 is a mechanical lifter engine with higher lift cam, higher profile intake manifold, higher compression, came standard with the K66 transistor ignition system and a few other details. It was basically a high rpm race engine in a street car.
I think one could make the argument the '69 350/350 was probably a better street engine...smoother running and less maintenance with hydraulic lifters, it's cam profile made for torque at a lower rpm range more suitable for the street. If you lived at high rpms, the LT-1 was unquestionably superior.
When you get down to it...the driver probably makes the difference.
As far as setting a 350/350 up as an LT-1...probably cost too much to be worth it. The cost of the cam, intake and proper carburetor, high compression pistons, plus you would need a big block hood for clearance, the ignition upgrades, etc. I think you could do better to use modern parts such as intake, carb, cam, heads, ignition, etc., and do even better, but you wouldn't have an LT-1 clone, if that's what you're after to start with.
Just my opinion...if you want an LT-1, find one and buy it. You can probably do more for less with your current engine using modern technology and parts.
I think one could make the argument the '69 350/350 was probably a better street engine...smoother running and less maintenance with hydraulic lifters, it's cam profile made for torque at a lower rpm range more suitable for the street. If you lived at high rpms, the LT-1 was unquestionably superior.
When you get down to it...the driver probably makes the difference.
As far as setting a 350/350 up as an LT-1...probably cost too much to be worth it. The cost of the cam, intake and proper carburetor, high compression pistons, plus you would need a big block hood for clearance, the ignition upgrades, etc. I think you could do better to use modern parts such as intake, carb, cam, heads, ignition, etc., and do even better, but you wouldn't have an LT-1 clone, if that's what you're after to start with.
Just my opinion...if you want an LT-1, find one and buy it. You can probably do more for less with your current engine using modern technology and parts.
01-18-2010, 06:50 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
The main difference is the LT-1 is a mechanical lifter engine with higher lift cam, higher profile intake manifold, higher compression, came standard with the K66 transistor ignition system and a few other details. It was basically a high rpm race engine in a street car.
I think one could make the argument the '69 350/350 was probably a better street engine...smoother running and less maintenance with hydraulic lifters, it's cam profile made for torque at a lower rpm range more suitable for the street. If you lived at high rpms, the LT-1 was unquestionably superior.
When you get down to it...the driver probably makes the difference.
As far as setting a 350/350 up as an LT-1...probably cost too much to be worth it. The cost of the cam, intake and proper carburetor, high compression pistons, plus you would need a big block hood for clearance, the ignition upgrades, etc. I think you could do better to use modern parts such as intake, carb, cam, heads, ignition, etc., and do even better, but you wouldn't have an LT-1 clone, if that's what you're after to start with.
Just my opinion...if you want an LT-1, find one and buy it. You can probably do more for less with your current engine using modern technology and parts.
I think one could make the argument the '69 350/350 was probably a better street engine...smoother running and less maintenance with hydraulic lifters, it's cam profile made for torque at a lower rpm range more suitable for the street. If you lived at high rpms, the LT-1 was unquestionably superior.
When you get down to it...the driver probably makes the difference.
As far as setting a 350/350 up as an LT-1...probably cost too much to be worth it. The cost of the cam, intake and proper carburetor, high compression pistons, plus you would need a big block hood for clearance, the ignition upgrades, etc. I think you could do better to use modern parts such as intake, carb, cam, heads, ignition, etc., and do even better, but you wouldn't have an LT-1 clone, if that's what you're after to start with.
Just my opinion...if you want an LT-1, find one and buy it. You can probably do more for less with your current engine using modern technology and parts.
I could be wrong but, I don't think you'd need to add the high compression pistons (depending upon the year of engine we're talking about).
01-18-2010, 11:48 PM
#5
Advanced
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11 to 1
I have a 1969 L46 Corvette and as far as I know the '69 and '70 L46 had 11 to 1 compression just like the '70 LT1 motor. The L46 was also available with TI as mine is equipped that way.
I could be wrong but, I don't think you'd need to add the high compression pistons (depending upon the year of engine we're talking about).
I could be wrong but, I don't think you'd need to add the high compression pistons (depending upon the year of engine we're talking about).
01-19-2010, 12:09 AM
#6
Le Mans Master
I have a 1969 L46 Corvette and as far as I know the '69 and '70 L46 had 11 to 1 compression just like the '70 LT1 motor. The L46 was also available with TI as mine is equipped that way.
I could be wrong but, I don't think you'd need to add the high compression pistons (depending upon the year of engine we're talking about).
I could be wrong but, I don't think you'd need to add the high compression pistons (depending upon the year of engine we're talking about).
01-19-2010, 08:34 AM
#7
Team Owner
The cam, lifters and the induction system are the major differences; but if you want it to rev like an LT-1, you would be wise to put in better quality pistons and stronger rods, too. And, if you're going to all that trouble, why not stroke it to 383?
