Will LT1 heads work on a traditional 1972 SBC400? I have one, and well my LT1 threw a rod, and I need to rebuild the lower half, I figured, why not put the 400 +.030 406 in there... but I'm not sure if it'll work.

 

The coolant passage design makes them incompatible.

 

Chuck that 400 block in the trash. They cylinder walls r very thin. Plus they r externally balanced....but you can use it to make a 383.

 

LT1 and LT4 engines are stand-alone. You can't swap parts between them and Gen-I or Gen-III SBC's. Technically the heads would bolt onto your 400, but like shoebox mentioned, they won't work because of the coolant passages being different (LT1's used reverse cooling, which is backwards from most engines).

 

There are alot of parts that work on SBC motors and LT1s. The LT1 heads arent very good stock anyway, so I dont know why you would want to use them.

 

Yes they will work, but you will have to have the outer passages welded closed and then have the heads surfaced. You will also need to drill steam holes. You will probably need an aftermarket K member to get the older motor to sit in the engine bay correctly. BMR makes one for these swaps.

I see your point about wanting a big inch small block for cheap. Not a bad idea since you already have the heads and the intake. Port and polish them and you have a head that's pretty much on par with most after market heads. Don't forget you will need to modify the intake for a distributor.

 

Okay, I see what yall are saying, I have some heads but they're like 72 Impala heads, 76cc chambers.. so I'm not sure if I wanna use them lol I heard they're like econo type stuff and I should get L98? heads but like he said I have all the parts there so I was wondering if it worked.. Next question.. If I'm right the 400 uses a 3.75 crank could I use that on my LT1? if I put the harmonic balancer on it? or get it internally balanced?

 

The LT1s use a one-piece rear main seal crank-not like the old SBC.

 

Do you have Yahoo or AIM Shoe box? I've got so many questions lol I need someone with a lot of knowledge on SBC and LT1's, if you have time lemme know, my AIM is SoloExceptional1 and my Yahoo is SoloExceptional_1@yahoo.com ..Go figure, anyway lemme know plz