I was wondering if an lt1 head could be turned back into a standard sb head by opening the water port's back up.

 

Not likely, nor would there be any benefit.

 

Yes. You can convert the LT1 heads to the Gen1 SBC cooling system. The 3rd Gen guys like it because its a cheap upgrade. The LT1 top end is a huge improvement over the L98's limited breathing Used to be a shop that converted the LT1 intake to a standard distributor as well. All the benefits of the Gen 1 Vortec head, without the added weight of the cast iron.

 

*eats words*