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

Which year LT1 would you buy???

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Old Apr 1, 2004 | 09:29 PM
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Which year LT1 would you buy???

I'm selling my car to build a stroker on gas.. I've had enough of forced induction and I'm looking to tune something new.

Now, I know I'm definitely getting another LT1 Camaro, my question would be, which year would you guys get? I'd prefer a '95 since it's got the vented opti and OBD1, but the 93s are decent too, with the speed density and PROM-style computer...

I will be building a stroker, but I plan on keeping a bolt-on car for now since I'm really strapped for cash... so let's hear your opinion, guys!
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 09:36 PM
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94/95.
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 09:38 PM
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Originally posted by ibanez6rg
94/95.
Why?
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 09:52 PM
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1993's sound interesting to me since they are dif then the rest of the lt1 cars. For durability im not sure though since i dont own one yet 95 might be best bet since it has the better opti but that can be changed on an older car, just depends what you find and if price is right to me. If you are gonna end up stroking it you will be replacing alot of stock parts anyway. The only thing I have heard is 93's some of them had block problems since they were rushed to be built, and the transmissions cant hold as much tq (50 less for the m29 compared to a t56).
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 09:54 PM
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They fixed everything they messed up on the 93s... OBDI + vented opti (95). All T-56s came with 3.42 gearing stock. 96+ have dual cats, OBDII... 2(?) more O2 sensors, that would need to be simulated. CPS in the timing cover, which people seem to be having problems with when converting to a double-roller chain. Just a few things to name.
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 09:54 PM
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Originally posted by FiefSS
1993's sound interesting to me since they are dif then the rest of the lt1 cars. For durability im not sure though since i dont own one yet 95 might be best bet since it has the better opti but that can be changed on an older car, just depends what you find and if price is right to me. If you are gonna end up stroking it you will be replacing alot of stock parts anyway. The only thing I have heard is 93's some of them had block problems since they were rushed to be built, and the transmissions cant hold as much tq (50 less for the m29 compared to a t56).
Yeah I realize that it won't matter once the transformation starts, but I'll be driving it as a DD for around a year before I start building her (I need to be able to afford a beater car before I can start, or I'll be SOL getting to work...)
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 09:58 PM
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Well, now that we've figured out exactly what's needed for the double roller chains on the 96-97 cars, it's pretty simple. And an OBD1 conversion eliminates the need for a CPS or O2 sims, not to mention the fact that it makes tuning much easier. I like my 97 personally, LT1/borg warner 6 speed with the interior of a LS1 car. Very cool/unique.
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 10:00 PM
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Originally posted by 97WS6SCharged
Well, now that we've figured out exactly what's needed for the double roller chains on the 96-97 cars, it's pretty simple. And an OBD1 conversion eliminates the need for a CPS or O2 sims, not to mention the fact that it makes tuning much easier. I like my 97 personally, LT1/borg warner 6 speed with the interior of a LS1 car. Very cool/unique.

Didn't think about the interior... that's a good point. The 93-95 interior is ugly as ****. How much is the OBD1 conversion for the 96-97 cars?

Also, don't you have to upgrade to a vented opti to use a double roller chain on a '94?
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 10:04 PM
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Originally posted by enisguy
Also, don't you have to upgrade to a vented opti to use a double roller chain on a '94?
Correct.

IMO, I like all the years interiors. Both Pontiac and Camaro, with Pontiac having the edge.
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 10:06 PM
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Ion is pretty reasonable with price for an OBD1 conversion...

$225 -- OBDII to OBDI Conversion Kit for all 96-97 LT1s. Absolutely Plug and Play! Includes a modified OBDI PCM to work with your OBDII knock sensor(s) and custom programming. Free updates for a period of 3 months after the initial purchase (you pay only return shipping) then $40 plus shipping afterwards.

If you would like to trade in your OBDII, you will receive a $60 credit towards the purchase.
The only thing you need to do to a 96-97 to run a double roller chain is to grind down the timing cover a bit, disable the CPS (not needed if you do the OBD1 conversion), and use a pre 96 crank hub.

I forgot, you will also need an electric waterpump.

Last edited by 97WS6SCharged; Apr 1, 2004 at 10:15 PM.
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 10:10 PM
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The '96-'97s sound pretty nice, but I'd really wanna have as much money as possible (ie: get a great deal on an LT1), so I can begin modding right away. I'm looking for all years LT1 for under 7 grand, with under 75k on the clock...
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 10:11 PM
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Originally posted by enisguy

Also, don't you have to upgrade to a vented opti to use a double roller chain on a '94?
Sure do... along with the timing cover, elec connector, and vac lines, and elec waterpump.
Old Apr 1, 2004 | 10:33 PM
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Get a 95 trans am, then you get the good looking interior and all the benefits...plus I think 95s had hardened pushrods didn't they?
Old Apr 2, 2004 | 07:06 AM
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i have a 93 and it has a t56 in it not a m29...
Old Apr 2, 2004 | 07:12 AM
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Originally posted by showen04
i have a 93 and it has a t56 in it not a m29...
M29 is just the RPO code that tells what gearing is inside your T56. There were 2 different available in 93 I believe.

I would just buy whatever year LT1 that you find the best deal on. You can work around most other stuff. I got a 96, but it was because I found it wrecked and for one hell of a price.



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