LT1 swap? Is it worth it?

80vettel82 · 11-02-2009, 06:37 AM

So like in my other posts, Im still trying to decide what to do for a motor swap. My 3 main choices are, New Crate, Build up what I have already, or do a FI swap (LS1/LT1).

My question is, if I do a FI swap Ive mainly been looking at LS motors, LS1/LS3. But, would a LT1 be a good choice? I know there good motors, but if Im going to all the trouble to do a modern swap would it make sense to do an LT1 vs and LS motor?

The reason Im considering the LT1 is theres a guy I work with who has a 95 Z28 that just blew the heater core so hes gonna sell the car (dont ask me why, it otherwise runs fine :lol

Anyways, I was talking to him and I might be able to pick up the LT1 and 6spd for like $1500!

What do you guys think? As far as I know the motor has edelbrock Cam, intake and heads...but either way Id be stripping it and starting fresh.

rjent · 11-02-2009, 08:22 AM

I personally am an old school guy, probably because I grew up in the 50's and 60's and these cars were the "norm" for me. I like carburetors and distributors. Once you put a computer on it, you lose some control and you gain some control. I know an oxymoron.

If you are street driving carburetors and distributors will do fine. Do you build reliability with the electronics? In a word, yes. But, the only times I have really been let down by my vehicles, and was stranded by them, was in a FI computer controlled POS!

If I was you, look into rebuilding your own Block.

One question, is your block the #'s matching? If so, get a crate.

Just my .02

69MyWay · 11-02-2009, 08:32 AM

The LT1 is the bestEFI performance model in the standard old school V8 format (same basic exterior as your stock engine)you can find. Other than having to be careful how you set up your accessories to clear the frame...and doing all the standard fuel pump/line/computer stuff...it will fit in - hook to your exhaust...and run like a monster under that hood.

The LT1 is superior stock for stock to any of the late C3 platforms.

The weak link is teh intake maifolds are known to leak where they bolt to the engine (front and rear) and the opti-spark doesn't do well when introduced to moisture - and is expensive to fix.

Since it is a 1995 - it is an OBD I system - kind of a stuck in-between model. However, you have great options on aftermarket wire harnesses that can make it really easy to install.

Since you have the whole car - you are way ahead. Or, pick up the Z cheap - enjoy it...and look for a take out for your Vette.

80vettel82 · 11-02-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjent

I personally am an old school guy, probably because I grew up in the 50's and 60's and these cars were the "norm" for me. I like carburetors and distributors. Once you put a computer on it, you lose some control and you gain some control. I know an oxymoron.

If you are street driving carburetors and distributors will do fine. Do you build reliability with the electronics? In a word, yes. But, the only times I have really been let down by my vehicles, and was stranded by them, was in a FI computer controlled POS!

If I was you, look into rebuilding your own Block.

One question, is your block the #'s matching? If so, get a crate.

Just my .02

Yah Ive always been the same way, I always planned on keeping the car carb'd. However, recently as Ive been thinking of swapping to a 6spd Ive been toying with the idea of the LT or LS.

No, unfortunately the motor is not numbers matching. I recently ID'd the block as a 70 or 71 010 block , so I do have a good block to build up from. Im not sure what else has been done to the current motor, but when I got it it definitely looked like the original L82. I havent gotten the head numbers yet, so Im not sure if just the block was replaced and stock heads reused. But someone went to a lot of trouble to make it look like the original L82....the block was painted blue over the orange to make it period correct for an 80, it had the L82 valve covers etc etc..

rjent · 11-02-2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80vettel82

Yah Ive always been the same way, I always planned on keeping the car carb'd. However, recently as Ive been thinking of swapping to a 6spd Ive been toying with the idea of the LT or LS.

No, unfortunately the motor is not numbers matching. I recently ID'd the block as a 70 or 71 010 block , so I do have a good block to build up from. Im not sure what else has been done to the current motor, but when I got it it definitely looked like the original L82. I havent gotten the head numbers yet, so Im not sure if just the block was replaced and stock heads reused. But someone went to a lot of trouble to make it look like the original L82....the block was painted blue over the orange to make it period correct for an 80, it had the L82 valve covers etc etc..

Then in that case, I would just rebuild. 400 HP/TQ is relatively cheap, and easy with a head/intake/cam setup. Balance the engine, throw a carb and dist it in and enjoy.

Oh, BTW, if you are going 6 speed, make sure your engine is efficent at 1500 RPM's or so. Easy to do. Cam timing and intake/head design is paramount. Just a heads up. But you probably already knew that!

ZZ71s · 11-02-2009, 04:19 PM

This is what I wished I would have done to begin with get a ZZ4 short block put on some after market heads and get a match intake and cam.
There is enough engine work here to make you feel good but you used all new parts with some kind of warranties.

72LS1Vette · 11-02-2009, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80vettel82

So like in my other posts, Im still trying to decide what to do for a motor swap. My 3 main choices are, New Crate, Build up what I have already, or do a FI swap (LS1/LT1).

My question is, if I do a FI swap Ive mainly been looking at LS motors, LS1/LS3. But, would a LT1 be a good choice? I know there good motors, but if Im going to all the trouble to do a modern swap would it make sense to do an LT1 vs and LS motor?

The reason Im considering the LT1 is theres a guy I work with who has a 95 Z28 that just blew the heater core so hes gonna sell the car (dont ask me why, it otherwise runs fine :lol

Anyways, I was talking to him and I might be able to pick up the LT1 and 6spd for like $1500!

What do you guys think? As far as I know the motor has edelbrock Cam, intake and heads...but either way Id be stripping it and starting fresh.

If you can get the motor and trans for $1,500 and if you think the motor will suit your needs then go for it. I'm admittedly biased, but the LT1 and LS1 take about the same amount of effort to install if you are using fuel injection. The LS1 is more technically advanced but the LS conversion would cost considerably more than your LT conversion. My T56 trans alone cost a couple hundred $ less than your whole engine/trans will cost.

Rick B.

AeroDog · 11-02-2009, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80vettel82

So like in my other posts, Im still trying to decide what to do for a motor swap. My 3 main choices are, New Crate, Build up what I have already, or do a FI swap (LS1/LT1).

What do you guys think? As far as I know the motor has edelbrock Cam, intake and heads...but either way Id be stripping it and starting fresh.

I just did this swap (95 LT1 into my 68). One good thing about it is that it bolts right in. Motor mounts, headers bolt in. The hard part was fitting a T56 in. An LS swap would have been harder. Also did a power rack.

rjent · 11-03-2009, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AeroDog

I just did this swap (95 LT1 into my 68). One good thing about it is that it bolts right in. Motor mounts, headers bolt in. The hard part was fitting a T56 in. An LS swap would have been harder. Also did a power rack.

Outstanding, got any pictures?

onevette80 · 11-03-2009, 09:34 AM

The biggest benefit by far is MPG! With my mods and 3.73 gear im still getting close to 30 mpg. My 77 L-82 had half the power and only got 11 mpg!

AeroDog · 11-03-2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjent

Outstanding, got any pictures?

I'm collecting pictures of the whole job which I'll post at the end. Stay tuned.

AeroDog · 11-03-2009, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72LS1Vette

If you can get the motor and trans for $1,500 and if you think the motor will suit your needs then go for it. I'm admittedly biased, but the LT1 and LS1 take about the same amount of effort to install if you are using fuel injection. The LS1 is more technically advanced but the LS conversion would cost considerably more than your LT conversion. My T56 trans alone cost a couple hundred $ less than your whole engine/trans will cost.

Rick B.

I paid $1750 for the LT1 out of a 95 Vette with about 100k miles. The Viper T-56 from D&D was about $2500. Adding bellhousing, clutch (hydraulic throw-out bearing) and custom drive shaft was another $1200 or so.

72LS1Vette · 11-03-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AeroDog

I paid $1750 for the LT1 out of a 95 Vette with about 100k miles. The Viper T-56 from D&D was about $2500. Adding bellhousing, clutch (hydraulic throw-out bearing) and custom drive shaft was another $1200 or so.

If you shop around you can find LS engines or iron-block variants for reasonable prices. I found a 2001 LS1 with ported heads, cam, electric water pump, all accessories, underdrive pulleys, harness and ECU for $2,200. The T56 was another $1,100. Small stuff adds up quickly and can add another $1,000+. It's always disheartening to fork over $100 and get a 4"x6" box in the mail.

The biggest challenges with these swaps is the fuel system and the wiring, and in that respect I don't think there is much difference between doing a LT or LS swap.

Rick B.

AeroDog · 11-03-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72LS1Vette

If you shop around you can find LS engines or iron-block variants for reasonable prices. I found a 2001 LS1 with ported heads, cam, electric water pump, all accessories, underdrive pulleys, harness and ECU for $2,200. The T56 was another $1,100. Small stuff adds up quickly and can add another $1,000+. It's always disheartening to fork over $100 and get a 4"x6" box in the mail.

The biggest challenges with these swaps is the fuel system and the wiring, and in that respect I don't think there is much difference between doing a LT or LS swap.

Rick B.

For wiring and fuel, I bought an Accel DFI. Fantastic system, another $2500. When I finish this project I truely do not want to add up the money (just spent $1700 on Corbeau seats).

J. Hill

ekitch · 11-04-2009, 06:41 AM

I will attest to the LT1. Like any small block chevy, it is a strong motor for it's size. Back in 1996 I bolted a procharger on my '94 Z28. It's when procharger first came out, nobody knew who they were. Well I got greedy with the boost and broke 3 pistons in 1999. It oiled the whole bottom of the car. I rebuilt it with stronger pistons and rods but kept the cast 2-bolt main crank. I have run the snot out of it ever since, and the bottom end has not given up. I wonder how much more it could take. I have the boost set up around 10 pounds, I wouldn't go much higher without a forged crank and 4-bolt main setup.
LT1 parts are plentiful and cheap, LS engines are harder to get parts for and they are a lot more money.
If u do the LT conversion, I would suggest a delteq ignition system. It is a coil on plug conversion which pretty much eliminates the opti spark distributor. It is $300-400 but well worth it.
If u want a lot of torque and don't care about mileage, think about a big-block swap.