Converting to an LT1
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 20
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Converting to an LT1
I have an 86 auto that has a rebuilt engine in it. The engine is a 96 short block with the stock cast iron 86 heads on it. I was wondering if i could get a set of LT1 heads and intake manifold what else would I need. I am assuming I would need headers injectors and a custom tune. If anyone could point me in the right direction or tell that its a bad idea any input would be appreciated
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
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From: Austin, TX
I'm assuming your '96 block is not an LT1 block but rather a truck block. Unfortunately LT1 heads will not directly work on a non-lt1 block (and vise-versa).
LT1 heads and block use reverse-flow cooling which meas coolant goes to the heads first, then to the block. Regular small-block chevy's route coolant to the block first, then the heads. They are physical differences in the coolant ports as well as the water pump mounting surface (and some other differences).
It is possible to have LT1 heads / intake convered to work with a non-LT1 block, but it's much more pain / money than it's worth in my opinion.
If you're looking for an upgrade, there are plenty of ported stock aluminum head options or aftermarket heads and intakes that will work on your motor. You'll need larger injectors and a custom tune regardless. It really depends on how much power you're looking for and what you want to do with the motor.
LT1 heads and block use reverse-flow cooling which meas coolant goes to the heads first, then to the block. Regular small-block chevy's route coolant to the block first, then the heads. They are physical differences in the coolant ports as well as the water pump mounting surface (and some other differences).
It is possible to have LT1 heads / intake convered to work with a non-LT1 block, but it's much more pain / money than it's worth in my opinion.
If you're looking for an upgrade, there are plenty of ported stock aluminum head options or aftermarket heads and intakes that will work on your motor. You'll need larger injectors and a custom tune regardless. It really depends on how much power you're looking for and what you want to do with the motor.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
How could i tell by looking if its an LT1 block or not because according to the builder it was out of a 96 vette
And how would i go about getting heads would i get heads for a 96 or get heads for an L98 the motor is hydraulic roller now not flat tappet I would like to keep it fuel injected.
And how would i go about getting heads would i get heads for a 96 or get heads for an L98 the motor is hydraulic roller now not flat tappet I would like to keep it fuel injected.
Last edited by gtnail; Jan 12, 2009 at 01:33 PM.
Team Owner
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From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
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From: Palm Beach
Post a photo of what you have.
How could i tell by looking if its an LT1 block or not because according to the builder it was out of a 96 vette
And how would i go about getting heads would i get heads for a 96 or get heads for an L98 the motor is hydraulic roller now not flat tappet I would like to keep it fuel injected.
And how would i go about getting heads would i get heads for a 96 or get heads for an L98 the motor is hydraulic roller now not flat tappet I would like to keep it fuel injected.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
My main problem is i had this car put back together by a guy who was once a good builder but now is old and does half assed work. The car had spun a rod bearing and the machinist and builder we took it to had a short block laying around that he had built that was bored .0030 and had a cam and different pistons but i was never told what was in it cause the guy that put the motor in the car lost the paper with the specs of everything and now i have a slow car running 14.40 1/4 and getting 13mpg in the city and about 19 on the highway. I would like to get heads and maybe port the plenum and get new runners and intake manifold but I really dont know what to do.
