I recently decided that I want to build a pretty insane streetable Z. Im uncertain of which generation Z i want....so I figured I know what engine I wanted to play with. So I called my local supplier bone yard and requested a 94 or newer LT1. My engine is coming tomorrow 'complete'
Now I haven't been on the up n up with GM/ american cars since 1993. I specialize in *** cars(im a mechanic). I've helped friends build several 350's in past...So I do know what Im doing....anyways ... I need a little help.
After a week of reading forums and websites (camaroz28 and z28.com) I've learned quite a bit.
1.)My question is did all LT1's in camaros come with aluminum heads.
2.) Anyone know of any sites that will help me identify what yr LT1 I have and what it came out of? My supplier misplaced the paperwork?!? i doubt it..I didn't even ask the milage on it cause they all seem to come with 60k on them LOL
3.) Should I have requested 95 or newer (opti issues in 94) thats if it is
As for the aluminum heads..just would like to have a set floating around.. Im going for the AFR heads..i think

I plan on building a 383 with over 500hp to the rear wheels... I would like to pickup a 93-97 Z...but several people I talked to said just toss the engine into my 1986 camaro thats been rusting in my driveway since 1997...the last time i drove it was 1993. I sold it to my father and he doesnt want to sell it so I could have a shell for nothing....

Anyone know of any websites with some 'parts info on a 383' ie someone that is pushing 500+ hp at the wheels and listed whats done to the LT1?
I don't plan on using NOS or a supercharge..but would like to build something that could handle a supercharge...sometime down the road
thanks for your time.
set

 

Try for a 95, if you get something newer, expect to convert to OBD I to save money. If you get a 94, you can upgrade the Opti setup.

However, I dont know that alot of this matters, because a junkyard LT1 block is not going to be "insane," it may handle 500HP or so, but there is no blown 700HP on stock bottom end insanity to be had on these cars

 

Dr.Mudge
Thanks for your input. I don't plan on keeping the stock bottom end. I plan on building a 383.
When this engine arrives tomorrow, is there an easy way to tell if its OBD II. Like I stated above.. I don't even know what exactly is being dropped off at my shop tomorrow.. It might get sent back If I don't like what I see.

 

I have a 93z28 for in the forsale forum for 2200, i have never tried to start it.. As far as sites go this is the one. Get friendly with the search tool. I must say 500rwhp+ hp would be much easier with a NOS or a blower 383 and not all motor. projecttransam.com has a lt1 forum and so does ls1.com. Good Luck!

 

If the timing cover has a mysterious bump to the lower left (facing) then its OBD II, 96-97 LT1. My point was really that, things like timing cover, new opti, are cheap (other than adding up all those small items) when compared to building up the engine for what you may intend. So if your only going to use the block, intake and heads, not alot of reason to care about the rest.

From there you could adapt your harness to OBD I if needed, and get an OBD I PCM in which case programming is alot cheaper.

 

http://csce.uark.edu/~jgbertr/rb/4th_gen_tech1.html

Spend some time reading on this site. 93-95 are OBDI. However, 95's have an OBDII ALDL. I can't remember where in this site, but there is way to tell what year engine you have by locating the stamp on the engine and knowing the code to identify the year. Good luck with your endeavor.