LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

LT1 distributor conversion

Old Apr 7, 2008 | 09:36 PM
  #1  
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LT1 distributor conversion

Does anyone know where I can get my intake converted for a distributor? Also, does anyone know if Scott at www.lt1intake.com is still in business?
Old Apr 7, 2008 | 10:25 PM
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Yea theyre still in business. I know a guy (on thirdgen.org) who just had his done for his TPI about a month ago. Unless something since then has happened. Also I believe there is a sticky on thirdgen about it. Might wanna check it out.
Old Jun 13, 2008 | 08:00 AM
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On third gen his user name is aholzhaus and you can send your manifold to him to save $
Old Jun 13, 2008 | 08:22 AM
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I've tried emailing him on several occassions and finally just did the conversion myself...no biggy. thx ct
Old Jun 13, 2008 | 08:57 AM
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How did that turn out? You engine runs good w/ it?
Old Jun 13, 2008 | 02:30 PM
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"No biggy" for the modification but haven't installed it yet. Will do so this weekend. Will post photos when complleted.
Old Jun 13, 2008 | 04:05 PM
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Any special tools other than a die grinder and drill?
Old Jun 13, 2008 | 08:04 PM
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It would be cool if you could do this with to an LT1 engine....no more coolant/moisture issues.
Old Jun 13, 2008 | 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by MarcR94v6
It would be cool if you could do this with to an LT1 engine....no more coolant/moisture issues.
It is an LT1 engine!
Old Jun 13, 2008 | 11:50 PM
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Originally Posted by brand-x
It is an LT1 engine!
so where are the pictures then?
you gonna use a SBC1 dizzy i presume? really would be interested in seeing this and how it works.
Old Jun 14, 2008 | 12:33 AM
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Originally Posted by LOW-LIFE
so where are the pictures then?
you gonna use a SBC1 dizzy i presume? really would be interested in seeing this and how it works.

I see you're from Ft. Worth...I just moved to Denton. Do you ever get out to Keller's?

Here is the requested info (cut and paste from another forum):

I thought I would post some photos of my LT1 optispark to distributor conversion in case someone in the future decides to do something similar and would like to see what they are getting themselves into.

You need a TPI intake so you can make a template before drilling the hole in your intake. Bought a cheap hole saw from Harbour Freight
($25) and made the cut...the easy part.

In order for the distributor to sit (depth) properly, you have to build up the manifold approximately 1/4". The built up area needs to be on a taper (approxmately .200" higher on the passenger's side than the driver's side). I grabbed a piece of aluminum and turned it on the lathe to make the spacer/shim (.050" on one side and .250" on the other side).

Welded spacer/shim into place and built up an area next to it for the distributor hold down post and to ensure proper height for the distributor clamp. Welded the egr and air ports closed.

The conversion is not difficult but did require countless test fittings, measurement, and a little grinding on the back of the intake to allow the distrib to clear the manifold.

Here are the photos of work in progress:









Last edited by brand-x; Jun 14, 2008 at 02:43 AM.
Old Jun 14, 2008 | 07:16 PM
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I'm confused then, I thought this was for older SBC engines using an lt1 intake. So I can do this on my lt1? If so, could be my next project.

Though I'm not sure it's a much better location because of washing cars and the rain you could be in the same boat as far as moisture....but it may be worth it for ease of opti swap.
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 09:55 AM
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Generally, guys with pre LT1s do this as a performance upgrade. They use their Gen 1 block and heads and have a LT1 intake drilled and modified to fit. I haven't considered the thought of someone changing their Optispark setup to a regular old style distributor.
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 10:22 AM
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What PCM are you going to run? Did you move the optical module to the new distributor?
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by brand-x
I see you're from Ft. Worth...I just moved to Denton. Do you ever get out to Keller's?
yea i make it that way i have a couple of good friends that live over there one of which works in roanoke so i do get out that way.

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