Gen 5 LT1 conversion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 180
Likes: 20
Gen 5 LT1 conversion
I have an opportunity to purchase a used (15k?) built first gen LT1 /385 HP for $2k. sitting on a pallet. OR... I could invest that money toward something new. Looking into the GEN 5, 6.2 LT1. I know it won't be easy but its it worth the extra $?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,686
Likes: 753
From: NEwhere Ohio
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 80
From: Hawaii
Crate engine LS376/525, connected to a ZF6, with a dana44 with some 373 gears.
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19370413.html
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 499
Likes: 63
From: Arkansas
I installed a new GM performance LT1 ZZ4 Fast Burn wit ha hot cam crate engine in 2001.
No Opti Spark, but with the new Doug Nash I had under a bench. also complete new Diffy re-build with 3.73 gears. What a blast to drive.
I made the mistake of using the old oem ECM and retaining the VATS,,, hate them both. Next I'll delete the VATs by going with a LS3 ECM and engine wiring harness from a crashed C6. No Opti, new modern ECM with sequential injection !!
I think that end of the Cams are different, re the Opti Cam drive fitment..
No Opti Spark, but with the new Doug Nash I had under a bench. also complete new Diffy re-build with 3.73 gears. What a blast to drive.
I made the mistake of using the old oem ECM and retaining the VATS,,, hate them both. Next I'll delete the VATs by going with a LS3 ECM and engine wiring harness from a crashed C6. No Opti, new modern ECM with sequential injection !!
I think that end of the Cams are different, re the Opti Cam drive fitment..
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 762
Likes: 94
From: Airdrie Alberta
I vote to use the gen 5 LT1 corvette crate engine if you have the wallet, hard to wrong using a brand new GM engine. The new engine is just awesome, I cant wait to see what the gen V LT2 495HP sells for.
I grab one from wrecker, just cause I'm a cheap skate.
I grab one from wrecker, just cause I'm a cheap skate.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
If you can get a warranty and/or a cheaper price on the built older LT1, and would be satisfied with that power level, I would go that route. It's more straightforward and you'll be on the road quicker.
If you have the time and money for an LS conversion, do that.
If you have time and money to burn, get the new LT1 crate motor... and let us know how it goes.
If you have the time and money for an LS conversion, do that.
If you have time and money to burn, get the new LT1 crate motor... and let us know how it goes.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
A few questions about the options,
Is the LT1 385hp a true first gen. ie:92-97 block?
Was the 385 hp on a chassis dyno with the motor in the car?
If so, and again, this is just my opinion. but in reality that is more like a
450 gross hp, (at the flywheel with all accessories, exhaust etc.)
or 500+ net hp, (at the flywheel with everything optimized)
Keep that in mind when comparing to advertised hp of crate engines.
Also, keep in mind none are going to be cheap or easy.
On the first gen LT1 there will be headers and tune at a mim. in my opinion.
On a LS series, well there is plenty of articles already out there, Read them and consider whats involved.....
Is the LT1 385hp a true first gen. ie:92-97 block?
Was the 385 hp on a chassis dyno with the motor in the car?
If so, and again, this is just my opinion. but in reality that is more like a
450 gross hp, (at the flywheel with all accessories, exhaust etc.)
or 500+ net hp, (at the flywheel with everything optimized)
Keep that in mind when comparing to advertised hp of crate engines.
Also, keep in mind none are going to be cheap or easy.
On the first gen LT1 there will be headers and tune at a mim. in my opinion.
On a LS series, well there is plenty of articles already out there, Read them and consider whats involved.....