Shared lessons from my LT1
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,655
Likes: 24
From: Charleston SC
Shared lessons from my LT1
Just thought I would share some of the lessons I learned while installing my LT1 into my 84.
First, let me say thanks to all the members who have helped with either advice or Parts (lots of parts) to help me complete this installation. :cheers:
1. A LT1 will bolt right in to a 84 with no problems
2. The stock 84 hood will not allow clearance for a newer style radiator and air cleaner
3. Wiring a LT1 harness to an existing harness is a giant PIA
Now on to the more useful (or perhaps not) information
1. Collector bolts for the LT1 exhaust manifolds are 10mm not 3/8 (ask me how I know, I bought a set of headers off the forum with all 6 bolts striped out)
2. When having fuel lines made it is much cheaper to use your local rubber and gasket store. (It cost me less than $40 to have them make up two 60’’ H/P braided fuel lines with #6 A/Ns on one end and quick disconnects on the other, I supplied the quick disconnect fittings)
3. Beware of new machinist if you are not sure of their work. (I had to spend $$$$ and time taking my heads back off and having new valve seats installed because the idiot installed 2.02 valves in my heads without new seats)
4. An 84 radiator can be modified to have the steam vent inlet for the LT1.
5. LT4 rockers will work on a stock LT1 with a LT4 Hotcam as long as you use the LT4 studs. (They are ¾ turn past zero lash when they reach the torque specification, about a ¼ turn more then I would normally go but good enough.
6. In order to install the newer style F/P I had to modify the F/P bracket a little so the new pump would fit.
Once again thanks to all that helped.
:cheers:
First, let me say thanks to all the members who have helped with either advice or Parts (lots of parts) to help me complete this installation. :cheers:
1. A LT1 will bolt right in to a 84 with no problems
2. The stock 84 hood will not allow clearance for a newer style radiator and air cleaner
3. Wiring a LT1 harness to an existing harness is a giant PIA
Now on to the more useful (or perhaps not) information
1. Collector bolts for the LT1 exhaust manifolds are 10mm not 3/8 (ask me how I know, I bought a set of headers off the forum with all 6 bolts striped out)
2. When having fuel lines made it is much cheaper to use your local rubber and gasket store. (It cost me less than $40 to have them make up two 60’’ H/P braided fuel lines with #6 A/Ns on one end and quick disconnects on the other, I supplied the quick disconnect fittings)
3. Beware of new machinist if you are not sure of their work. (I had to spend $$$$ and time taking my heads back off and having new valve seats installed because the idiot installed 2.02 valves in my heads without new seats)
4. An 84 radiator can be modified to have the steam vent inlet for the LT1.
5. LT4 rockers will work on a stock LT1 with a LT4 Hotcam as long as you use the LT4 studs. (They are ¾ turn past zero lash when they reach the torque specification, about a ¼ turn more then I would normally go but good enough.
6. In order to install the newer style F/P I had to modify the F/P bracket a little so the new pump would fit.
Once again thanks to all that helped.
:cheers:
