ok..on the 350 blocks that take the distributor up top..can you use one for an lt1 or is it a totally different block?? i was given one and he said it would work, but he doesn't know what year it came out of..its already setup for a 383 but i didn't know if since mine uses an opti if it would work or not..i don't know what/what not to look for on these motors. if someone could let me know if it will work or not i'd appreciate it.thanks
mike

 

No, LT1 blocks look very similar, but are quite different in many ways. It won't work.

 

not questioning your answer, but why won't they work?? just so that i know how would i know if it is the right year to work in my car

 

Casting number 327 will work in your vehicle.

 

The LT1 (Gen 2 SBC) differs from the Gen 1 SBC block:

-front end casting different to accept the Opti

-front end casting different to accept the reverse flow routing of the coolant pump

-internal coolant passages revised to accomodate reverse flow cooling. Gen 1 SBC coolant passages do not correctly match the coolant passages in the LT1 heads. The LT1 heads do not accomodate the coolant flow through the intake manifold that the Gen 1 SBC uses.

-The thermostat housing on an LT1 engine is "external", not in the block.

 

Thanks Fred

 

thanks for the info injuneer..this if my first camaro so just trying to figure this stuff out.

 

Here's a little background info that helps understand the LT1 vs. Gen 1 SBC:

http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/ar/ar99928.htm