I have a '95 with a leaky front main or rear main seal. I want to replace both seals but I was thinking "How hard would it be to convert the engine to an LT4"? Has anyone done this and how do I start?

What are the best reference books, how long will it take, how much should I budget, etc. BTW, I would like to do most of the work myself, that is except for the machine shop work, i.e. porting, etc.

Thanks

 

There are or were kits but I think you are better off talking to LE.

http://www.eportworks.com/

 

Done by many, not a big deal. Basically swap to LT4 heads/valvetrain, and the LT4 cam (although many will make the move to the LT4 HOT Cam). Obviously the rotating assembly will still be different...pistons, crank, timing chain...but you'll be 90% of the way there.

Figure $1.5k-$2k for parts, gaskets, fluids if you shop around. Remember, it's all the nickel/dime stuff that adds up quick! If you're good at spinning wrenches you can start Friday night and be running by Sunday. Book time for a head swap as I recall is in the 14-16 hour range +/- a couple hours to account for my poor memory

The car will run fine on the stock tune, but having it tuned for the new parts will net you more power. Figure $300 for a mail order tune or an hour on the chassis dyno.

The other option is what Ch@os alluded to...have your stock heads reworked, add an aftermarket cam and tune. About the same cost.

To really go "all in", AFR makes some really nice heads and the sky is the limit as far as cams and other parts.

It's a VERY slippery slope, so the best thing you can do is plan what you want in advance, do lots of research, and then shop online to find the best deals. As I mentioned above....don't forget the little stuff...Intake gaskets, head gaskets, timing chain cover gaskets, timing chain, exhaust manifold gaskets, oil pan gasket, front seals in the timing cover, valve cover gaskets, AIR System gaskets, throttle body gasket, head bolts (factory bolts are TTY and not reuseable), etc.

 

If I wanted an LT4 I would just trade up. 30 horsepower is too easy to buy and install to worry about specific LT4 parts.

 

AQUILA
do you mean buy an LT4 engine or do u mean buy a different car?

 

Just do a heads and cam package from http://advancedinduction.com/ and be done with it.

 

What I meant was there are alot of good parts out there that could easily get you 30 horse power. Please don't take it wrong but I would rather save the special vehicle specific parts for the cars they go to. There are people trying to make their special optioned Vette original. LT-4 was a one year only car. Please don't use the parts up. Please don't be offended.

 

GM sold lots of LT4 kits so there are more LT4 heads and intakes than LT4 cars, so no worries about using up the parts, especially since heads and intakes are not WEAR parts that one uses up and throws out. Heads can be refurbished.

There was a shortage of LT4 intakes since a lot of aftermarket cylinder heads use LT4 intakes. But every LT4 came with an intake and there is no wear on an intake so once again no drama


For the OP for the money that an LT4 conversion costs you could build a more powerful one using AI or TEA.

Mike.

 

Thanks AQUILA and thanks Mike. I'm now thinking I might keep the LT1 since it is original and just buy an LT4 engine and replace the LT1. More expensive, but I would like to stay as original as possible.