Well, last couple evenings, I pulled the oil pan, and had the help of Scorpion to get it the rest of the way down. Pulled the bearing cap(s) and determined that the oil debacle that I experienced last season caused me to have to look for a new engine this season. The crank is toast. Because of the bearing damge, the block is likely to be done for as well.

So- after a total of less than 300 miles this season, the near future of cruising looks grim for the vette.

Now- I am faced with a decision. LT1 crate? Used LT1? scrapyard LT1? Stroker moter? LT4(!)?

I have a zf6, I know that bretty much any LT1 will work. I am looking at big dollars here, but I would like to get a crate motor, cause I would much rather a new motor and break it in all by my self.

BUT! WAIT! Is there any sence in my getting some performance under the hood? I could probably scoop up a LT4 for a relatively reasonable price and put IT in...or maybe a 383?
The questions are as follows- does my car have the dana44 or dana36? Either way, the LT4 has a d44, would I be able to run my 93's rear on that powerplant? Any opinions over here?

If I was in the mood to go modification crazy, LS1? I highly doubt that though.


First thing first though - anyone have a (low milage please) LT1 for sale!?? :confused:

 

Your car is Dana 44, I believe all manuals are. I too am considering dropping in a crate motor, or just going all out on my LT1, still researching what would be best for my intentions with the car. Good luck :cheers:

 

I'm saving my $$$ to go to a 396 when it gives up the ghost (not too soon, I hope).

 

All Autos are Dana 36 and sticks are Dana 44. I would go with the 383 looking into one now. Total bottom end from Lunati for $3000 another $600 for port, polishing, blue printing and balancing. Another $600 for valve train and $350 for custom prom should put you in there. :jester

 

brian, any news so far?
i might know where to get some lt4 parts. does anybody know what need to be done to eng. controler or if it would work without any mods to it. are there more mods req. if he puts lt4 components in it?

 

well, I have not made any crutial decisions yet, but, LT4 I do like. How much for what you found? I have heard that summit has a 383 kit. Like $4000, a little steep for my intentions for this car. Although, LT4 could get just as bad, if I am not careful. I am looking at about 1500 for a long block at this point (long block=block, crank, bearings, cylinder heads, no sheet metal (oil pan) I am likely going to start pulling big components this weekend.

Another option- this guy near flint has a corvette specific shop who said that he'd re-work my engine, or replace what is necessarry and that is about 1800. This is rather frustrating!!!

 

give me a call @ 248-224-7934 please

 

Now that I have found a POSSIBLE upgrade replacement of a LT4, there are a few things that I am going to need to know.

Most important: will my ECM need to be re-programed if I go with the LT4 as apposed to the LT1? Does this cost big $$$? Will I have to buy a *NEW* ECM for this project? All suggestions are welcome here!

 

thats a good question...

remember, the LT4 is an OBDII motor, so that changes things. it also has sequencial injection, ours have batch.

The LT1 and LT4 have essentially the same bottom end. The difference was in piston, I think... the heads were much different!

Personnally, I would get your motor rebuilt.

The block is not crap. the heads are ok. the crank may be hurt, but a 383 crank is doable... 1500 or so for the crank alone... then the right rods...

take your heads, get them worked.

see??? not too scary. and yes, you will need a custom prom for that application...

When I do my LT1, I plan on replacing the front of the engine with LT4 parts - cover, chain, opti, etc. The heads are ok, gentle port and 3 angle valve jobs... titanium retainers... springs, etc.

Suspect a hotcam... and contemplate a 383 upgrade or just leave it at 350. A 355, if I remember, is a 350 with a .030 over bore.

 

sounds reasonable to me, exept the block is done. the second main bearing is so badly beaten up, that you wont be able to recondition the block. a very unfortunate situation.... :(

 

Keep it LT1 - re-builld to your specs. It will be better than an LT4 if you do it right. The LT1 platform is better than the LT4. :seeya

 

Well,

I guess that it is decision time for the kid. I think that I will (after MUCH THOUGHT) go with the LT1 because I have all of the parts to do this job. If I go LT4, I am going to have to buy more and more to make it run correctly. That said: I am still looking for a long block rebuild, found one for 1200 with a 1 year unlimited warranty. Core: ~500. Still shopping, but here is the reason that I went with this decision:
I am going to buy a new vette (c5) in the next year or so. If I go LT4, the "value added" portion of the car and all of the work I put into it is lost, and given the amount of work that I am already in for, it just does not seem to make economic sence.
If I am going to buy a new vette, I just don't think that it makes sence to go LT4, unless I intend on owning this car "forever."
OK, I am still open to suggestions; and if anyone may know reasonable and reliable sources to get this motor from, I would appreciate their posting it.

Thanks all.