LT1 into an '89 vette
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 4
From: Hawthorne NJ
LT1 into an '89 vette
Got a chance to buy a strong, stock, LT1 out of an Impala SS ( 65K ). How involved would this swap be as far as computer, wiring harness, sensors, etc. into my '89 coupe???
Has anybody done this, could you shed some light on the work and parts involved. I would be doing it myself and don't want to pass up an oppotunity if it's worth doing. Help, I'm seriously considering this, but have to act fast. Thanks
Has anybody done this, could you shed some light on the work and parts involved. I would be doing it myself and don't want to pass up an oppotunity if it's worth doing. Help, I'm seriously considering this, but have to act fast. Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Re: LT1 into an '89 vette (joseph p)
stock LT1 out of an Impala SS is only a 250 HP engine, so it won't be impressive, about the same as your L98 motor. It can and has been done, even into an 84. Most any of the tuners can give you info on the swap. Used to be an article on internet dropping into an 84 but I can't find it anymore. Don t know if it is worth it, you can build your L98 to just as strong< lingenfelters 383 LT1 and L98 motors sell for the same $ and put out same HP, that tells me a conversion may not be worth the money, but it is your project, go with what you want. The LT1 in Impala SS has cast iron heads, so you are not gettin aluminum heads on an Impala Ss motor Good Luck
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 1
From: "Drive like Hell, you'll get there faster." Tucson AZ
Re: LT1 into an '89 vette (joseph p)
I'd have to agree. I wouldn't even bother changing it only because i's probably gonna be more of a problem in the long run. With the LT-1 you got Opti F***-ups to worry about. Not exactly cheap to fix. The L-98 on the other hand can still be modified with rams to what the LT-1 puts out anyway. Plus you;d have the work of installing the new engine and removing the old. I wouldn't bother cuz the rewards arent even close to work that has to be put in to actually replace it. If you haven't had any problesm yet, just spend your $$$ on modifications. L98's may not be top of the line in power when they're bone stock, but they can be monsters when they're modified correctly. My stepdad thought the same thing...putting an LT-1 in his camaro but I told him about the optis and he changed his mind fast. Dont get me wrong....LT-1's are still alright, but I wouldn't mess with em unless they actually CAME in your ride off the assembly line.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 4
From: Hawthorne NJ
Re: LT1 into an '89 vette (MaSTeRofDZaSTeR)
Thank you so much!! Those are exactly the concise, detailed, answers I wanted in this short decision time I was given. Once again this board comes through! Thank you.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
Likes: 1
From: Framingham MA
Re: LT1 into an '89 vette (joseph p)
You can also modify a LT1 intake to fit your engine. http://www.lt1intake.com
