Roadmaster LT1
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7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Rockville MD
Roadmaster LT1
I hope you will tolerate a C5 owner (2002 Mag Red Convert) asking a question in the C4 Forum - on a Roadmaster no less. I have a pristine 95 Roadmaster wagon with a 265HP LT1 that has been less than reliable. While it is a great road car, it recently has started losing power, stumbling, and now has developed a distinct internal "knock" at idle. It has 93K miles and has been well cared for. I have been told by two "experts" that the engine is shot and to unload the car. My question is a) take the experts advice, b) rebuild the engine, or c) get a replacement engine from the General and have it installed. I really like the car (next to my Covette). Any and all advice is welcomed and appreciated. Ideas on engine sources are also welcome. Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 681
Likes: 2
From: Newton (Wichita Area) Kansas
Re: Roadmaster LT1 (harper@pressroom.com)
Your other option is to sell the car to me for cheap! :D
Since you can't exactly haul kids in a C4 I've been looking around for one of those wagons like yours.
Since you can't exactly haul kids in a C4 I've been looking around for one of those wagons like yours.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
Re: Roadmaster LT1 (harper@pressroom.com)
I like the big LT1 powered cars. My grandmother owned a 95 Caprice with the same motor-it would get up and go for a very large vehicle.
GM High Tech magazine did some testing to a high mileage expolice car. Got it in the 13's by adding 3.73 gears and stall converter-perfectly streetable but cut quite a bit of et with those additions.
To answer your question, I think having the engine rebuilt to stock specs or little hotter is the way to go-with gears too!
Little surprised that the engine is bad though-sure it ain't exhaust leaks or something else?
Good Luck!
:)
GM High Tech magazine did some testing to a high mileage expolice car. Got it in the 13's by adding 3.73 gears and stall converter-perfectly streetable but cut quite a bit of et with those additions.
To answer your question, I think having the engine rebuilt to stock specs or little hotter is the way to go-with gears too!
Little surprised that the engine is bad though-sure it ain't exhaust leaks or something else?
Good Luck!
:)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 8,540
Likes: 1
From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff
Re: Roadmaster LT1 (harper@pressroom.com)
Not an LT-1 guy, but have you checked the opti-spark? Get the engine wet recently? Water pump leaking? I would check the opti before you dive into a rebuild. No reason a well maintained LT-1 would give up the ghost with so little miles.
Good Luck and let us know what you find.
Pete
Good Luck and let us know what you find.
Pete
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 2
From: San Angelo TX
Re: Roadmaster LT1 (PeteL)
My bet is on the optispark. With that kind of milage on the engine the symptoms sound like a bad unit.
It will need replacing even if you rebuild the engine so might as well do it first to see if that is the real problem.
80% sure it is since these motors are very reliable besides the opti
It will need replacing even if you rebuild the engine so might as well do it first to see if that is the real problem.
80% sure it is since these motors are very reliable besides the opti
