blew up LT-4
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: PA
blew up LT-4
can anyone help? LT-4 motor recently broke in bottom end, connecting rod sticking out oil pan, I'm sure other stuff broke inside, not sure if heads are okay but I am sure the block is not. was trying to find a used LT-4,,, ha ha,,, found one for about 3k, just wondering what options are there,,,, was looking at finding cheaper LT-1 and putting heads on it, what about computer issues then? also thought about LS-1 swap but doesn't seem to easy with mounts, computer, etc.? I'm a back yard mechanic (lol) and was hoping to do this the easiest way possible, like everyone else I don't have a lot of money or time, maybe I should just sell it like it is but the car has some sentimental meaning. I'm distressed, can anyone help?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
well,
my sympathies on the dead LT. Its painful to relive the trauma whenever you look at the rod sticking out the bottom....
To find a good used block search Craigslist in your town. Might try FleaBay but what you find will usually be halfway cross the country...but there ARE blocks & whole motors there at reasonable prices.
As long as you stick another LT in there with the same heads and sensors the computer won;t know the difference. Its what the sensors see is what matters..As long as the engine is the same as the last one its ok.
my sympathies on the dead LT. Its painful to relive the trauma whenever you look at the rod sticking out the bottom....
To find a good used block search Craigslist in your town. Might try FleaBay but what you find will usually be halfway cross the country...but there ARE blocks & whole motors there at reasonable prices.
As long as you stick another LT in there with the same heads and sensors the computer won;t know the difference. Its what the sensors see is what matters..As long as the engine is the same as the last one its ok.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
can anyone help? LT-4 motor recently broke in bottom end, connecting rod sticking out oil pan, I'm sure other stuff broke inside, not sure if heads are okay but I am sure the block is not. was trying to find a used LT-4,,, ha ha,,, found one for about 3k, just wondering what options are there,,,, was looking at finding cheaper LT-1 and putting heads on it, what about computer issues then? also thought about LS-1 swap but doesn't seem to easy with mounts, computer, etc.? I'm a back yard mechanic (lol) and was hoping to do this the easiest way possible, like everyone else I don't have a lot of money or time, maybe I should just sell it like it is but the car has some sentimental meaning. I'm distressed, can anyone help?
You're cheapest alternative is to find a running '96 Corvette LT1 engine. A simple reflash of the PCM and you'll be good to go. You *might* be able to find one for ~$1500 but I'll bet you'll be closer to $2000. Generally people sell the engine with the PCM, so that will save you the cost of the PCM reflash.
Frankly $3k for a good running used LT4 isn't bad if it comes with everything including the accessories, wiring harness, and the PCM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: PA
well, high speed driving school wasn't favorable this year, the car was really running great, passing everyone,,,, until I was doing 135 at 6000rpm and boooommmm..... talk about smoke, my brother in law said there were flames coming out the back about 20'... wish I at least had that on video.
QUOTE:: You're cheapest alternative is to find a running '96 Corvette LT1 engine. A simple reflash of the PCM and you'll be good to go. You *might* be able to find one for ~$1500 but I'll bet you'll be closer to $2000. Generally people sell the engine with the PCM, so that will save you the cost of the PCM reflash.
Thanks for the input.... so best bet is probably just putting an LT-1 in... get the LT-1 motor, PCM, wire harness,,,, and it should all just basically be plug and play?? with any luck finding one from a 96 that's probably the way to go...
the LT-4 I was looking at was just complete motor, no pcm or harness.
QUOTE:: You're cheapest alternative is to find a running '96 Corvette LT1 engine. A simple reflash of the PCM and you'll be good to go. You *might* be able to find one for ~$1500 but I'll bet you'll be closer to $2000. Generally people sell the engine with the PCM, so that will save you the cost of the PCM reflash.
Thanks for the input.... so best bet is probably just putting an LT-1 in... get the LT-1 motor, PCM, wire harness,,,, and it should all just basically be plug and play?? with any luck finding one from a 96 that's probably the way to go...
the LT-4 I was looking at was just complete motor, no pcm or harness.
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From: Glenbeulah Wi
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From: NEwhere Ohio
I know you are looking ahead, but let's look back at what caused this.
If the situation that caused this is not corrected, it could possibly happen again..
Oil system?
Fuel system?
Bad pcm? Or spark control?
How many miles on it?
Any mods?
Can you share with us what caused this?
I've been on this forum 10+ years and catastrophic bottom end failures are rare.
If the situation that caused this is not corrected, it could possibly happen again..
Oil system?
Fuel system?
Bad pcm? Or spark control?
How many miles on it?
Any mods?
Can you share with us what caused this?
I've been on this forum 10+ years and catastrophic bottom end failures are rare.
Racer
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From: Providence RI
Race Director
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From: Texas
Step one...tear it all down
Step two...have the heads looked at
Step three...figure out what needs to be bought.
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
He can....but how many times do rods exit the engine and there not be any cylinder head damage?
That motor probably has shrapnel everywhere in it up to the TB.
If the heads were intact he should buy a lotto ticket. They maaay be repairable though. Sometimes worth it sometimes not.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
The LT4 has a different crank than the LT1....a different GM part number anyways...along with all the top end stuff. Not sure about the pistons/rings/rods.
There is a chart somewhere on the web that lists all the differences between an LT1 and LT4.....now where did I see this at????????????
There is a chart somewhere on the web that lists all the differences between an LT1 and LT4.....now where did I see this at????????????