hey guys. i've finally decided that as much as i love my c3, it is in desperate need of a heart transplant. i'd really like to go with an LT1 type platform because i want those modern conveniences. i'm concerned that i will run into some problems with that though, the most obvious is the optispark, followed by reverse flow cooling. the main reason this is a problem is i intend to build my own engine and just use the gen 2 controls. so my questions are:
will the computer know or care which way the coolant is flowing?
can a conventional distributor work with an LT1 engine management?
my other option would be go with an L98 engine management and use a ramjet type intake. if buying a whole new intake is not a restriction, can i get LT1 performance from a conventional 1st gen SBC with L98 controls?
i'd like to find a complete donor car so i can salvage window motors, door locks, wiper controls, etc. fortunately, there should be plenty of appropriate donors without sacrificing a corvette. i figure i have f-bodies and full sized caprices. any other suggested donors to look for?

 

You will need the controls, hi pressure fuel pump and fuel lines along with the controller.

If you go with a late L98 setup you can install either the TPI intake for good low end grunt or an aftermarket setup if you want high rpm use.

With the modified TPI setup you can get close to 400chp; with some aftermarket setups you can top 400chp.

Of course you could always stroke out your SBC to a 383 for some real grunt.

 

thanks, i figured L98 was probably more likely. now if i found a good donor car, what aftermarket manifold uses the same controls as the L98 but doesn't sacrifice that high end.
something else i've been interested in knowing, do the accel or lingenfelter intakes that use that giant plenum on shorter runners overcome the inherent high RPM breathing problems of the L98? isn't there a ramjet (LT1 style) intake that replaces the L98 long tube style?