I don't know the differences between a standard SBC and the LT1 enough to know so school me.

If you were to take say a 400 block and put in an LT1 cam and electric water pump, install the opti with brackets made up, LT1 timing setup with maybe a longer chain?, use SBC heads, convert the LT1 intake to work with standard heads... what else would need to be done to run a 427 or even 454 SBC "LT1" ??

I know the topend can go on SBC motors so why not convert the timing cover area the same? That way you can have a 427 LT1 and it'll work off stock PCM/FI for emissions.

Tell me what I'm missing. Cause I know it can't be done, but why?

 

And if I'm not too far off base, why the hell hasn't this been done?

 

If its not an LT1 block, its not an LT1. Period.

You have to have the head coolant passages converted to put the LT1 heads on a Gen 1 block. But what it the point of doing that? There are any number Gen 1 aftermarket heads and intakes to chose from? Why use an LT1 cam in a Gen 1 engine? Do you mean a stock LT1 cam? Why would you use that in a large displacement engine? What do you mean by "convert the timing cover area"? Do you mean somehow build an adapter that allows you to use the Opti and the LT1 water pump? There are several ways to run a distributorless ignition system on a Gen 1 block - take a look at the MSD CPC, or the EFIConnection Gen 1 conversion to the LS1 PCM.



Read this for LT1 "differences":

http://www.lt1.org/lt1tech.html

 

agree.
I'd use gen 1 heads, converting the lt1 intake for standard cooling.

No, an aftermarket LT1 style cam with the pin for opti, I guess a gen 1 cam will work anyway. I was thinking crank too.

yes, converting it for opti use, and if an electric water pump then I'd use a housing that would work with a gen 1 block.

The idea would be to keep stock f.i. and opti, and pcm due to emissions.



I just think it would be a way to get bigger cubes without losing too much of the stock parts for emissions.

If I wanted to ditch the opti/fi/pcm I'd just go gen 1 with a carb setup.

Thanks for your help so far and the link!

 

Okay, so let me get this straight...

You want to use a SBC block, with SBC heads, an LT1 intake manifold, and a converted front cover, just to use an optispark!? LAWL.

 

Thanks for all your help.

 

wow this thread is funny? not praticle at all go get a used lt1 and call it a day

 

You can't get a used 427 or 454 LT1. (Beside the bowtie block on the smaller end.)

Thanks for the help.

 

You cant run as high compression on pump gas with a gen 1 motor.

 

If this was ever done I'd be looking at a low CR motor for boost.

I guess I'm weird for thinking a 454 fake LT1 that passes emissions without a sniffer would be cool. I'm honestly surprised it hasn't been done/tried with all the people wanting to go big cube retaining stock parts.

 

So what I've gathered, probably leaving a bunch out...

SBC block
SBC heads
SBC/LT1 timing chain
LT1 opti spark
SBC/EWP water pump w/ space/spacers for opti
SBC timing cover
LT1 intake modified for standard cooling
LT1 crank or external balancer?

Are the knock sensors in the same location?
Are the block dimensions comparable?
Mounts in the same place?
Flexplate?
Header fitment would depend on the heads?
Anything else I'd be missing that you can spot immediately?
This is years down the road if it's even possible, I'm just trying to see if it can be done.

 

Dumb

 

you would be better off running an ls computer and coil packs and keeping the opti for a change holder.

 

Super informative post!

Thanks!

When you have a 454ci motor in your car that can pass emissions without popping the hood with no sniffer then you tell me how dumb this idea is.

You don't even have OBD2 so you have no idea.

 

And it's still <400 c.i.