95LT1ZF

The 95 has been down for a couple months so I could fix the standard LT1 front engine leaks. I also replaced most of the ignition components including the optispark, coil, plugs, wires, etc. What I don’t want to do is install the new water pump and coolant just to have to take it back off and spill fluid everywhere if there is a no start issue. Is it feasible to start the car without the water pump installed or at the very least without coolant for short amount of time to make sure the car is going to start and run? I have done this with other cars over the years, but this is my first LT1 and I want to make sure I won’t hurt anything.

pacoW

I've done it, twice. Had no issues, just wanted to start it up to make sure ignition working properly. Just a couple minutes.

PatternDayTrader

I wouldn't run it for more a few seconds. Maybe 10 seconds.

383vett

I agree with Pattern. Just a few seconds to make sure it fires. I wouldn't run a car with no coolant for a couple of minutes.

pacoW

There's quite a bit of coolant still in the block, it's just not being circulated.

PatternDayTrader

Yeah but not in the heads, which is where it needs to be.

All bs and joking aside, if you really ran your car for minutes without the pump installed, consider yourself lucky you didn't damage something.

95LT1ZF

Thank you for the input. I would agree that several minutes would be out of the question. I figured 20-30 seconds would give me a good indication that the ignition parts are doing their job. I don;' like doing double work.

SJW

You'd be foolish to NOT run it for a few seconds to ensure good ignition, given what a PITA it is to dig down to the distributor on these engines. Crank it up, verify a smooth idle, and shut it back down. Finish putting it together, fill and bleed, and call it done. You'll have no regrets.

Live well,

SJW