I've heard of converting to standard SBC heads for reverse flow applications(LT1), but can you do that backwards? My bro aquired an '85 Monte Carlo SS and we're looking at putting some LT1 heads on its existing SBC(355) setup. It already has a stout bottom end w/ a mild cam similar to the cc305 and some DART Iron heads with really minimal porting. If I'm not mistaken the heads are the 170-180cc version with some crappy springs. From what I've heard these heads flow pretty much nothing. We're thinking about going with some ported LT1 heads to raise the compresssion substantially, a converted Vic Jr. and a pretty big hydraulic roller. It should work well with the TH350/4.56 geared combo, plus its gutted, so it really doesnt need much bottom end. So is possible to convert LT1 heads to use on a standard SBC using a converted single plane? Also is it possible to keep the reverse flow cooling since I've heard that helps keep detonation in check with higher compression? Basically we want LT1 power without the opti LOL!!!

THanks!

 

Why not use some L98 aluminum heads instead? That way you don't have to convert LT1 heads only having to convert an intake. Seems like a bit of wasted money to me...

 

I agree, that makes no since to convert to LT1 heads only to convert back to a SBC intake. That's a lot of wasted money. Just spend the money on some Gen1 heads and save yourself $400+ on a converted ported single plane.

 

Well, Im not an old school SBC guy so I really dont know much about them except that most if not all of the heads on em suck. The car already has some DART iron heads but I looked up the flow #'s on em and I think stock LT1 heads flow as much if not more...LOL!!! Also, if it didnt work then I could throw em on my car, HA HA!!!

 

There are some really great SBC heads out there that can be ported and work very well. Before the aftermarket for LTx heads started to grow here recently with Dart, AFR, TFS, Edel, and I think Brodix is coming out with something as well, some guys were converting them to use on the LTx, so they can't be ****. If they were then people would be sticking with ported stockers.

 

Just stay w/ the iron eagles. A mild port job on them will support over 400 hp easy. Either that or trade up to some Track 1's. Thats just a lot of effort for what would essentially be a fairly tame "built" motor after its done.

 

are you totally set on using aluminum heads? If not go find some vortec heads get them machined and ported and you'll have some nice flowing heads, iron vortecs flow more out of the box than LT1 heads with the same basic design as far as combustion chambers and they are 64 CC's

 

if i was you, you can convert the LT1 heads and have them ported out from AI or e-portworks, and run a carbed LT1 intake manifold. that would work well

but i agree, there are some better choices out there

 

interesting set up i came across:
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tp...eads-gen1.html

I have honestly never seen this done or even read about it before now. I've seen converted LT1 intakes for gen 1 heads though.

 

I have also seen GEN I intakes used on LT1 heads.

 

Just get the darts ported.....shoot me a PM if you need them done

 

Yeah, thats pretty easy to do though you just put a dust cap on the thermostat opening and let it go.
The guy in the link i posted put a considerable amount of effort into something that could have fail miserably and ruined his short block.

 

GEN I intake doesnt bolt up to LT1 heads, you need to drill and tap the heads for new bolt holes or modifiy manifold holes...its not all that easy either

but yes, LT1 head conversion is tough to do and requires alot of skilled work

 

Hey,
Does anyone happen to have the old string that tells about putting LT1 heads on a Gen 1 block? I bookmarked it a year ago and now all the pictures are off of it.
Thanks,
Bill

 

as far as stock GM castings, Vortecs or the GM L98 (8113 castings) are what you want. There are lots of choices for some inexpensive heads for conventional SB Chevy so converting LT1 castings is not the thing to do at all.

Heck, LOTS of LT1 owners would love to be in your shoes . . . . greater selection of heads, single plane intake bolts right on, etc. Several LT1 guys have spent alot of $$$ getting these heads to work on there LT1 blocks so you are actually better off the way you are.

Lloyd