I plan on installing a 92 LT-1 Corvette motor in a 77 Corvette this winter. I'm using a GM performance intake manifold with a Holley 650 Avenger carb & HEI ignition.

My questions are:
1. Being a reverse flow water pump, does the radiator hose from the thermostat cover connect to the bottom of the radiator?

2. Since I am using an HEI distributor, how would you suggest sealing off the hole in the timing chain cover from the optispark gear?

3. What would be the best choice of electric fans? (I have A/C.)

Lastly, there are no timing marks on the harmonic balancer, How do I time this thing?

 

Dual Spal 11" fans are always a good choice, although other LT-1 conversions have used fans from LT-1 Camaro and Firebirds.
As for the timing marks, you are going to have to find TDC, and add a mark yourself, then you should be able to put a timing tape on the balancer.
The other questions will have to wait for one of the guys who have done this conversion. There are several here on the forum, so hopefully one of them will offer some answers.
OBTW, Welcome to the Corvette Forum, we can always use new blood!
:seeya

 

Charlie C- Good choice for a conversion. I would recommend that you stay with the stock fuel injection of go with an after market set up.

1.The radiator hose from the thermostat cover connects to the top of the radiator.

2. "Since I am using an HEI distributor, how would you suggest sealing off the hole in the timing chain cover from the optispark gear?"
I don't have an answer for this one.

3. I used stock '95 Camaro dual electric fans. You will need to modify the fans so they clear the upper control arms and sway bar. There are aftermarket kits out there that will work fine. When I’m in traffic on a hot day I can engage my fans and they will keep my engine temp below 200 degree. :cool:

4. You first want to make a reference pointer off the timing cover or engine. Then you will need a TDC finder (brass plug) and install it in the #1 cylinder and rotate the crank CW until the #1 piston comes up to the brass plug. Mark the harmonic balancer (HB) where your reference pointer is. Next, rotate the crank CCW until the piston comes up to brass plug and mark the HB where the reference pointer is. You then take the center of the two marks. This is your TDC. You can use a timing light with degree pot or use a HB timing tape to help reference to adjust the degree of advance. Check out my web page, it might be of little help. Good luck! http://www.vetteworksonline.com
Dan
:cheers:

 

Hey dan......did the motor drop right down on to the mounts, or did you have to reposition them? If so what were the measurments for the relocation?

 

(97Z)-The LT1 engine has standard Chevy mounts. The big change for the small block engine mounts came with the LS1 engine.
Dan




[Modified by vettedan, 4:56 PM 9/14/2002]

 

Allright THANK YOU, ive heard conflicting stories. Im just wanting to be sure before i start the project. Mike

 

I installed a 93 LT1 with the GM Manifold and a Road Demon in a project car.

Besides the top hose going to the Radiator, you should also take the water tube hose that comes from the back of the heads and bring that to the rad also. I had a rad shop build the rad and weld a nipple on to connect it.

I also added a 3/4 inch inlet to the bottom of the rad for the other line off of the water pump. I will email you a pic of my rad setup in case you can use it for reference.

For the opti-spark, I just left it on and painted it black. I stuff some rubber nipples into the spark plug holes.

You may want to find TDC while you have it apart and make a little tab for a timing mark. The harmonic balancer and block do not have one.

GM Makes a block off plate for the LT4, but not the LT1, and they are slightly different.

Also, with the GM Mainfold, make sure you get the GM Head Gaskets for the mainfold.

Can't even see the Opti-spark here.

 

I just want to thank those people that have responded to my posting.with your help I just might pull this off.