Junkyard LT1... what do you think?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 792
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From: Palatine
Junkyard LT1... what do you think?
I can't afford a crate engine...and I think thats the best way to go. but I was rippin off a bumper from a old taxi for my caprice, and noticed the LT1. The junkyard dude said $300, but wasnt sure if it started. Is it worth "cleaning" it up (without rebuiling etc.) and putting it in my 77. I think i know the answers, but ...u know..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
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From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Re: Junkyard LT1... what do you think? (Blues77)
Caprice LT-1's are cast iron heads and are pricey to install. Go with a rebuild kit from PAW or Summit. You can probably stay on budget that way.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
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From: Moon Township PA
Re: Junkyard LT1... what do you think? (Blues77)
I don't know about the other years but the LT1 engine in my 72 is a 3970010 casting which was used in hundreds of thousands (?) of cars and trucks. How do you know it was an LT1? You can easily make an LT1 clone with the right parts and just about any four bolt main 350 will do. Don't buy an engine unless you know its heritage and what the guts are like.
Gary
Gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Junkyard LT1... what do you think? (Blues77)
A lot of those Caprices had the mini-LT1 in them, 4.3 liter I believe. They look just like a 5.7 from the outside. One of our guys was sold one as a 5.7 last year. So be careful.
