94 LT1 to Carb Conversion Help Needed
You know, this is going to be a lot more difficult than it sounds. While you could easily make these changes and drop the engine in a hot rod, you want to keep the normal operation of the F-body you have it in. Removing the opti will cause havoc with the system. With the reference signal from the opti, the computer won't turn on the fuel pump. If you overcome that you'll have a constant SES light and problems with the transmission shifting when, and if, it wants.
It seems like a lot of problems to overcome just to eliminate the opti....
It seems like a lot of problems to overcome just to eliminate the opti....
Since most optis fail on the hi-voltage side, why not try one of these....
http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...egory_Code=C51
That eliminates the high voltage side and allows normal use of everything else...
http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...egory_Code=C51
That eliminates the high voltage side and allows normal use of everything else...
Its not just the opti its also that I like carbs better than FI when it comes to power, not only that but the tunability and limiting the number of problems that could arise. I have the OBD1 cable that I can hook upto the laptop, can't I just eliminate the codes with tunercat? Am I going to need a new fuel pump? I thought I just needed a new fuel pressure regulator to limit the pressure down to like 6psi?
Its not just the opti its also that I like carbs better than FI when it comes to power, not only that but the tunability and limiting the number of problems that could arise. I have the OBD1 cable that I can hook upto the laptop, can't I just eliminate the codes with tunercat? Am I going to need a new fuel pump? I thought I just needed a new fuel pressure regulator to limit the pressure down to like 6psi?
The existing computer doesn't turn the pump on until it is told the engine is cranking...the opti provides that signal. If it doesn't get a signal, it doesn't turn on.
Modern FI is pretty trouble free and is extremely tunable. Add improved driveability and better emissions to that and you have a package that's hard to beat. I'm not saying that you can't do this, I'm just suggesting that it'll be a lot of trouble...
I don't know if you can tune out all the codes you'd get with tunercats...maybe someone like Injuneer can help you with that question.
So if I were to do this I would need the following
The Carb Intake
A Carb
(I assume a new intake or some kind of filter)
A 95 Timing Cover and a block plate/ or turn the front of the motor to a gen 1
A Harmonic Balancer with a timing mark
A Fuel Pump and fuel pressure regulator for a Carb Motor (is there one that fits in the stock tank?)
A new ignition box and hei distributor with a low profile to fit under the cowl (I assume different style of plug wires are needed too)
Is this all thats required?
The Carb Intake
A Carb
(I assume a new intake or some kind of filter)
A 95 Timing Cover and a block plate/ or turn the front of the motor to a gen 1
A Harmonic Balancer with a timing mark
A Fuel Pump and fuel pressure regulator for a Carb Motor (is there one that fits in the stock tank?)
A new ignition box and hei distributor with a low profile to fit under the cowl (I assume different style of plug wires are needed too)
Is this all thats required?
I want to know what kind of drugs you are smoking/injecting, f/i is way better, than carbs, that is mainly the reason the automakers stopped using them, don't be lazy and dumb trying to remove the opti out of the picture, just learn how to work with a computer.
Re: 94 LT1 to Carb Conversion Help Needed
Ok I have a Working model. 1993 LT1. Carb Conversion..I got my intake from Jegs and my opti-spark block plate there too. Here is the deal on the cover plate.. they come with a 1 1/2 plug that goes into the timing cover. which you can buy a 1995 timing cover off ebay for $35 or so.. but in my case I didn't know that. so I put a 1" freeze plug in the hole with a tiny bit of silicone. and had to grind a tiny bit off the edge to get it to fit the timing cover opti-spark hole. "the opti spark spline just pulls straight out" SO I took my grinder and ground off the plug off the cover plate and it worked perfect. IF you don't change the harmonic you can just put the #1 piston top dead center and make a paint mark on the harmonic next to the timing mark on the cover plate. IF you change like i did you have to first put a key in the crank and buy a zero balance harmonic. then build a 1" stop plug to keep the harmonic from running into the cover plate which I also counter sank the one bolt on the cover plate that was in my way for deeper penetration of the harmonic into the timing seal. I also added roller rockers. I have pictures on Steven Ross | Facebook and would be glad to talk to anyone on the fact that it KICKS butt better then you think.. as for a cam my man.. GM makes a Hot Cam Kit for LT1 and LT4 moters Look it up on Jegs part number. 12480002 It comes with 1.6 roller rockers and Valve Springs ya just have to see. I don't think you need it just Roller rockers and a good MSD Distribitor thanks .. Steve. Oklahomeboy
Last edited by oklahomeboy; Sep 6, 2012 at 10:56 PM.
Re: 94 LT1 to Carb Conversion Help Needed
OH and keep this in mind. Old School is nothing to make fun of.. Even my friends 1800 hp boat moter has carbs.. " lol fuel lines that look like garden hoses but still lol" Carb give you the Ump in your moter.. Fuel injection gives you good gas mileage and a excuse for the GM and Government to control how much you use and that the police have faster cars.. nonsense.. My LT1 Carb hits redline faster and quicker then anything I have ever seen. Just gear it up real high and get your gas mileage and your tires won't keep spinning so much.. Got to out smart the fools.. "not so hard" .. all you need is a good moter.. a Level 3 700R4 and 3.27 gears in the rear end.. and you got it all.. including top end and since the carb has more power then the fuel injection you can get there faster too.. enjoy.. lol this has been a Oklahomeboy Confession.
Re: 94 LT1 to Carb Conversion Help Needed
You know, this is going to be a lot more difficult than it sounds. While you could easily make these changes and drop the engine in a hot rod, you want to keep the normal operation of the F-body you have it in. Removing the opti will cause havoc with the system. With the reference signal from the opti, the computer won't turn on the fuel pump. If you overcome that you'll have a constant SES light and problems with the transmission shifting when, and if, it wants.
It seems like a lot of problems to overcome just to eliminate the opti....
It seems like a lot of problems to overcome just to eliminate the opti....
Re: 94 LT1 to Carb Conversion Help Needed
Thats not true. ITS too simple.. You just get rid of it all. go with it like any other 350.. rear distribitor and all.. Just cover the opti-spark and don't think of it.. Just build the moter.. It will out run all computer moters badly.. Just add roller rockers and Shake, Rattle, and Roll on down the road. I got a working model.. And pics on facebook as oklahomeboy
Re: 94 LT1 to Carb Conversion Help Needed
Thats not true. ITS too simple.. You just get rid of it all. go with it like any other 350.. rear distribitor and all.. Just cover the opti-spark and don't think of it.. Just build the moter.. It will out run all computer moters badly.. Just add roller rockers and Shake, Rattle, and Roll on down the road. I got a working model.. And pics on facebook as oklahomeboy
Out run all computer motors? Really?


