How Smooth does your LT1 idle?
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 603
From: I-L-L-I-N-O-I-S
Re: How Smooth does your LT1 idle?
Originally Posted by Randy L
I was wondering if I have a problem or if it was normal. I notice that my '97 LT1 doesn't idle "smooth as butter". The tach shows a steady 800RPM, but I can sense a slight "roughness" in the idle, which may be interpreted as a slight miss. I recently changed the Opti, serpentine belt, plugs and wires, and water pump all at the same time. It idled the same way before the service. It doesn't sputter or try to die on me..I just never really noticed that it idled "rough". No SES codes are on either.
While at speed, it runs great.
While at speed, it runs great.
I have a 111,600 mile '95 A4 Z28 (bolt-on only) that runs perfectly, but the idle is a bit rough. Like you, my tach reads steady, but the car does have a slight "shake" to it (especially when fully-warmed up). Although, it never feels like it's going to sputter or die like you said. And I've had all the usual service done too (plugs, wires, fuel/intake flush, opti, etc.). But yeah, it always idled the same way even before I had all that stuff changed too.
Personally, I just think this is typical of LT1's in general. I've also heard many people say this about this motor. Think about it, it is a Small Block 350.
It's not going to idle as smoothly as the newer designed V8's of today. And honestly, the LS1 in my sig idles noticeably smoother. In fact, the LS1's were designed to have a smoother/quieter idle than LT1's had. If the car drives perfectly and holds a solid/steady idle (and does not show any misfire codes), then don't worry about...
Mike
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 249
Re: How Smooth does your LT1 idle?
Originally Posted by BUBBA
If your "tach" is reading 800 and the tachs usually read a couple hundred high, I'd guess that you might actually be idling too slow. My pcm is progsrammed to idle at around 950 with my little bitty cam and if idles quite nicely.
However, if I was reading 950 on my tach, I would, in reality, be idling around 750 which would probably mess with my idle. (M-6) JMHO
However, if I was reading 950 on my tach, I would, in reality, be idling around 750 which would probably mess with my idle. (M-6) JMHO
, i love the sound !!!!
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 444
From: Tulsa, OK
Re: How Smooth does your LT1 idle?
noticed tonight that my car idles crappy as hell. I mean it idles at 500-600 with an occasional quiver. ... what could be the problem?
new opti,wires,plugs,coil,fuel filter..
new opti,wires,plugs,coil,fuel filter..
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 198
Re: How Smooth does your LT1 idle?
What got me to wondering if I actually had a miss was that even though the tach showed rock steady, I felt that SLIGHT shake and the oil pressure gauge jumped up & down noticeabley. Could be that the OPG sending unit is a little dirty.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 249
Re: How Smooth does your LT1 idle?
Originally Posted by Randy L
What got me to wondering if I actually had a miss was that even though the tach showed rock steady, I felt that SLIGHT shake and the oil pressure gauge jumped up & down noticeabley. Could be that the OPG sending unit is a little dirty.
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