I have a 97' LT1 formula that spun a bearing and I am looking to just buy a complete motor instead of rebuild it. I am wondering if any other year will be a direct fit not having to change anything, or if need be what I have to change if i use a different year motor.

 

You can use any LT1 engine from 96-97 Camaros and Firebirds. They are identical. That's the easiest solution.

If you don't mind changing over the timing cover and crank hub to install a crank position sensor, you could use a 93-95 engine. If you do that, you would need to swap your 97 timing cover, crank hub, CKP sensor and reluctor gear, and the 97 knock sensor onto the new engine.

There is also an EVAP system vacuum detection switch and hoses that would need to be swapped from the 97 engine to the 93-95 engines. If you get a 93 or 94 engine, you would be losing the vented Optispark distributor that 95-97 has. 93/94 are unvented.

The plumbing for the AIR system is also different from year to year.

Using a 93 engine requires a few more swaps, including the intake manifold, the fuel rails and the injectors, and EGR/AIR plumbing.

You could use the LT1 out of a Corvette, but a lot of the above year issues still apply, and now you need to swap things like the accessory drive, the oil pan, fuel rails, etc.