engine swap question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,437
Likes: 1
From: Gainesville Fl
engine swap question
has anyone ever swapped out their lt1 for a new one? or a lt4? im curious if one had a late model c4 with a TON of miles on the engine how technically difficult it would be to swap in a new lt1. or would rebuilding the old one be a better way to go? i would think having a brand new engine would give you a lot less reliability problems than a rebuilt one. but myabe thats just me. please respond with comments on this subject. also where is a good place to find new engine blocks if i wanted to build my own new lt1/4?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 1
From: Enter Post Count Here
Re: engine swap question (1996man)
Rebuilt=Tight
in most cases. Where-as a new motor will not be to your specs and may not be as good.
Anyways, swapping a motor isn't hard, but do allow yourself about 18 hours for it the first time.
in most cases. Where-as a new motor will not be to your specs and may not be as good.
Anyways, swapping a motor isn't hard, but do allow yourself about 18 hours for it the first time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park KS
Re: engine swap question (1996man)
I'm not an expert by any means, just answer the following questions and that will help us give you the right answer...
1) Ton of miles = (I wouldn't be worried until around 150K but a dyno will let you know if you have lost some power).
2) Looking to restore power or increase it?
As long as your engine has not been abused you should be able to re-use many of the parts such as: block, heads, crank, intake, and much more. Buying a new LT-1/LT-4 will probably cost you double what it would cost to have your current block machined and rebuilt with a mild cam, 1.6roller rockers and other higher performance parts. If you would rather, you can convert your LT-1 to an LT-4 for a little over $2k (doubt that includes labor) but would be cheaper than buying a new LT-4 block. This is the time when many on the forum upgrade to a 383... :cool:
1) Ton of miles = (I wouldn't be worried until around 150K but a dyno will let you know if you have lost some power).
2) Looking to restore power or increase it?
As long as your engine has not been abused you should be able to re-use many of the parts such as: block, heads, crank, intake, and much more. Buying a new LT-1/LT-4 will probably cost you double what it would cost to have your current block machined and rebuilt with a mild cam, 1.6roller rockers and other higher performance parts. If you would rather, you can convert your LT-1 to an LT-4 for a little over $2k (doubt that includes labor) but would be cheaper than buying a new LT-4 block. This is the time when many on the forum upgrade to a 383... :cool:
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: engine swap question (1996man)
also where is a good place to find new engine blocks if i wanted to build my own new lt1/4?
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Re: engine swap question (CFI-EFI)
It depends what you want to do with the car. If you plan on keeping it, rebuild yours and modify it however you want. If you plan on selling yours, swap engine and do what ever you want to it, and you'll have the original to put back in later so the numbers match.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,437
Likes: 1
From: Gainesville Fl
Re: engine swap question (CFI-EFI)
there is a lt1 manual for sale im looking at but it has a hell of a lot of miles. and instead of having the down time to take the origanal engine out and rebuild it i was wondering since i might get this car for cheap if i could run the lt1 that is in it into the ground while i am building a seriously souped up lt engine to drop in it when the stock engine finally dies
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