Hi, I'm totally unfamiliar with the LT1 engine and am seriously considering doing an LT1 engine swap into one of my cars. Can you point me to any/ALL good web sites/forums with info about the LT1? Any resource is appreciated!

Thank you
Sam

 

What kind of info do you need about the LT1?? Late model LT1 or 70's?

 

Quoted from engine swap vendor:
>>
Any 283-350 Chevy small block V-8 will work, but the LT-1 is arguably the best motor for this application. These Chevy V-8 engines generally produce 250 horsepower and above, with streetable performance levels approaching 500 horsepower. The advantage of choosing the V-8 over the V-6 is a smoother running engine with less vibration and greater power. To further the advantages, the LT-1's out of a Camaro or Firebird actually have a compact enough fuel injection system and serpentine belt assembly that they fit under the stock hood without the use of a hood scoop.
<<

I would think a late model LT1 based of them saying F-body.

Thank you
Sam

 

There are a few guys in the C3 section that have done that swap. I would post this question there. What car are you planning the swap for?

 

I'm not so concerned with the mechanics of the swap itself, as learning as much about the engine and mods as possible.

Here's my detailed post from another forum:

I'm seriously considering doing an LT1 swap into one of my cars, and was wondering if you could provide any links to good basic engine information on the web. I'm doing my research now and trying to learn the engine.

Quoted:
>>
Any 283-350 Chevy small block V-8 will work, but the LT-1 is arguably the best motor for this application. These Chevy V-8 engines generally produce 250 horsepower and above, with streetable performance levels approaching 500 horsepower. The advantage of choosing the V-8 over the V-6 is a smoother running engine with less vibration and greater power. To further the advantages, the LT-1's out of a Camaro or Firebird actually have a compact enough fuel injection system and serpentine belt assembly that they fit under the stock hood without the use of a hood scoop.
<<


At this early stage, I'm specifically trying to find pictures or a good description of the actual differences in the FI/serpentine accessories that make me consider the LT1 only. I'm also looking into costs, for a couple different levels of performance, from a basic stock-power-level engine to an aggressive streetable motor. If you could provide a basic list for each price level, that'd be great for me to follow up and research. Last I'm looking into durability - I'd like to be able to rev, and the car will be seeing a lot of DEs and road courses, so durability over many track weekends will be a big factor for me. Any advice you can provide on a wise sequential approach is greatly appreciated, or just give me any web links you have and I'll read.

I am in AZ - can you recommend local shops that have LT1 expertise?

As for why I'm considering the engine swap? I'm swapping into a Porsche 944 Turbo. The stock engine makes nearly 300whp if chipped, any more and costs go way up, like 2k at least for 350whp or so. Want 400hp? Give up any torque until 4k RPM and pay 5k to start. It's a slug waiting for turbo spool below 3k RPM. A barebones rebuild costs nearly 2k on that engine. I want the increased power, increased torque, lower costs, and greater reliability of the Chevy small block. Especially with the car being built for DEs and road racing, I would like to keep long-term maintenance costs down.

I'm not totally new to the Chevy V8s, family has a 2000 Vette, some of you may have spotted me over at CorvetteForum, but this engine is totally new to me.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Sam

 

The LT1/4 based engines are fairly unlimtied in how crazy you want to go. They aren't as vastly aftermarketed as the early SBC's but they have lots of stuff out there, you just have to ask/look. For instance I am currently in the middle of stroking out my LT1 from a 350cid to 396cid motor. Still waiting on AFR heads to show up on the door step but the bottom end is all buttoned up and ready. I got all my lower end parts from www.cnc-motorsports.com I worked with Comp Cams and Summit to get the small base circle cam for the motor and I even used SVO 30lb. injectors. So you see how many places I collected my stuff from, I had plenty of options while shopping around and so far I'm in for about $4500 including those AFR heads. So price is still in par for a SBC build-up of this degree.
As for your quote about reliablity and ease of maintenance. I would agree totally, I have even seen an article in a magazine once where some guy used an LT1 to power his airplane!
For a good source of hotrodding tips and hints on these motors get TPIS's book "Insider tips and hints to L-98/LT1" I believe the web address is www.tpis.com