i'm new to all this lt1 stuff. i was wondering if i could put an older sbc in my 95 z28. what mods would i have to do?

thanks

 

use the search function, lots of fairly recent threads on this

 

You could put a Cummins in there if you wanted too bad enough.

What do you THINK you are going to gain taking a step backwards?

 

Agree with above ^^^^^^^^

 

It all depends on his goals. There are better flowing heads for the standard cooled sbc that can be be less expensive not to mention the aftermarket blocks for big inch motors available.

If you want to use a carb it would be fairly easy, some fuel system changes and a little massaging of the cowl/hood. If you want to go EFI you would need an aftermarket engine management system. The stock pcm would work but you would have to use one of the products that eliminates the opti.

If it's a 6speed a different clutch assembly for a push style.

 

Depending what I had in mind, if I wanted to swap a non-LT1 into a 4th gen., I'd be looking at an LSx and not a Gen I. Or even a big block. Not that the Gen I wouldn't have advantages as well. As Dwayne said, what are you hoping to accomplish?

And to answer the question, sure it can be done pretty easily. See what Dave and Dave said in their posts.

Rich

 

Perhaps a huge array of aftermarket heads that outflow LT1 castings so bad that it's not even funny Perhaps getting away from LT1 waterpumps which seem to love to go bad and dump your coolant all over the ground (or opti)

Since besides cooling passages the LT1 block and bottom end interchanges parts with gen I small blocks, the only real physical difference are the heads and fuel injection system. You can look at it this way- you make power with the top end of the motor, and because of the reverse flow design the LT1 limits your choices in this area.

If he's serious about making power I don't see how him opening up his choices to a lot more parts is taking a step back. However, if he's got a blown motor or something and needs to replace it with "just another V8" then I think he's going to go through a lot more frustration getting it in the car and working properly.

 

A lot of people step into modding ASSuming the computer is a hinderance and if anything it is a HUGE help in making lots of power DRIVABLE but does have limits. Those limits though are some few of us will push.
The better gen1 heads can be fitted the the LT1 block. The LT1 opti and waterpump everyone loves to hate are not bad, the waterpump is actually fairly efficient and the beltless drive means you can remove the serpentine for racing and not have to spin the other accessories. The opti, the MSD rotor LOOKs to have solved that issue for basically the cost of a generic cap and rotor plus the special Torx tool and it includes a simple Torx tool so I call it a decent buy even if time proves it only as good as stock but most will agree we THINK it will be an improvement. That not a good enough solution there are several other alternatives, you can even use an HEI from a Gen1 on an LT1 if you want. Speartech was working on grafting the otpical part onto an HEI which would give use CHEAP reliable caps and rotors.

 

the computer thing scares me and i would like to put a 427 sbc in it and the older heads flow better. bigger valves.

 

Fearing the computer means your just scared of change. Look at the power the LSX engines and Ford's 4.6's are making. Computers is what allows these small engines to put up big numbers and still be streetable.

 

You're kidding right most of the reputable porters are getting 260+CFM out of lowly stock LT1 castings but doing it with tiny 2.00/1.56 valves so they must be crap right. A real man needs big valves to make up for his small.............................. . Stock the LT1 heads outflow a lot of aftermarket Gen1 stuff and only get better with porting. Like we said too the truely good gen1 stuff can be adapted to the LT1 as well.

Do a lot of reading and begin asking questions again once you have a clue. There are a few vendors here that can deliver 400+RWHP through an automatic on a stock shortblock nothing exotic just quality components. For the money you would spend on a 427 SBC you could be further ahead with a 383 LT1 by sinking more into the topend and less into the block.


The VAST majority you will find swapping out LT1s for gen1 do so out of pure ignorance and refusal to learn, those capable of learning spend less go faster and enjoy their car a whole lot more. The ONLY way I see a carb as a real option is for a track only car spinning past 7200rpms.

Do some research on what guys can make that evil computer do and you just might be convinced to try to work with it rather than against it.

 

i was gonna put a sbc 400 in my 95 z28. began the project build, continued to research. and as u can guess, decided LT1 remains. am now concluding an Lt1 383 build and am more comfortable and more confident.

 

Carbs are cheaper. That's one reason. And as much as we all like to say spend this or that the fuel injection will end up more everytime.

I understand all of your points and consider them very valid to the discussion. The CPU cars being street driveable is a huge factor!! However, as usual on the board, we have to tell a guy how stupid he is for this or that decision....

Let me tell you why I decided to go carbed, with a big block no less.

As I spent the better part of last year buying bits and pieces to go with my project, which started as a 355LT1, then a 388 LT1. Then a 388LT1 with Trick Flow heads I found all along the way that there were tons of headaches involved and a lot of expense. When I told my builder I was getting collector plates we started talking about carbed motors. He told me for the same money he could build me a 500+ cubic inch big block with dart heads and a 1050 carb for the same money!!!!! Of course the builder is a friend of my dads and he is doing this cheap for me so the money may not be the same for a guy who does not personally know a builder, but it's still a valid point. Not to mention I have been parting out my CPU FI parts and will be able to buy a brand new trans from the profits.

I have spent about 7k to date and have to spend a little more before I'm done but when it's finished I will have a hell of a lot more motor for the money. Now, this car will BARELY be street driveable but it will be a pleasure/track/show car so that's ok. That's a factor!! NO ONE should kid themselves about how they want the car to behave on the street. I don't think a carb swap is for many of us. Cutting the cowl, losing your wipers, etc.. may not be a good idea for a daily driver

But, for what my car is gonna be I am happy about the direction it's going and will feel much better about the money spent.

Thanks,guys. Just wanted to give an opinion from the other perspective.

 

Ya can make ANY SBC head and intake work on a LT1. The heads that really make power are spendy for either $5000.00+.

 

I agree Racerdude. I think my Dart heads going on my motor were 2300 WHOLESALE!!!

It does get pricey either way.