C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

LT1 into a 86 vette

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Old May 19, 2008 | 12:06 PM
  #1  
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Default LT1 into a 86 vette

OK, I am new with this. I am having trouble finding info. on what all would be involved in swapping a LT1 motor complete into my 86 vette. I was interested in the LT1 intake conversion, but I decided to just swap the whole motor
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Old May 19, 2008 | 04:36 PM
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Way more work and expense than it's worth! Just get yourself a crate engine!
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Old May 19, 2008 | 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Road Agent
Way more work and expense than it's worth! Just get yourself a crate engine!


Jake
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Old May 19, 2008 | 07:33 PM
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It would be way more cost effective to build the motor you have or to build another generation 1 s.b.c. This swap can and has been done before though. I persoanlly do not feel it is worth it however. If you want to do something ambitious a LSX engine swap would be worth the effort as the aftermarket supports them much better.
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Old May 19, 2008 | 08:08 PM
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I did it for my 84 and it was about 3k for the entire swap including rebuilding the motor and having the heads ported. Whats so expensive? I did the harness myself (Free), LT1's can be had for next to nothing, The stock MM, Exhaust and trany will all bolt up. The only real expense is the Assys and they are not that bad. If you not good with wiring Jim's performance will convert the LT1 harness to a three wire setup for a few hundred $$$$. Now if you don't really like to work on cars and want someone else to do all the work I agree it could get real expensive but so could just rebuilding the motor. Remember Built not Bought


Here is a shot of the completed project

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Old May 19, 2008 | 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by FD2BLK
I did it for my 84 and it was about 3k for the entire swap including rebuilding the motor and having the heads ported. Whats so expensive? I did the harness myself (Free), LT1's can be had for next to nothing, The stock MM, Exhaust and trany will all bolt up. The only real expense is the Assys and they are not that bad. If you not good with wiring Jim's performance will convert the LT1 harness to a three wire setup for a few hundred $$$$. Now if you don't really like to work on cars and want someone else to do all the work I agree it could get real expensive but so could just rebuilding the motor. Remember Built not Bought


Here is a shot of the completed project


Looks nice !!
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Old May 20, 2008 | 09:07 AM
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Thanks all for the comments and insight. I guess I have some more thinking to do. I'll keep you posted on which way I decide to go.
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Old May 20, 2008 | 09:15 AM
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Screw the LT1, its a waste of time. Either build up a Gen 1 block (you've already got one) or go LSx.
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Old May 20, 2008 | 11:27 AM
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Demonic85, I think you are right. I believe it is time to just build up what I already have.
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