this is a question that has come up a few times and i just like your inpu on the subject
with all the standard sbc conversions going on
converting sbc heads over
converting sbc intakes over
ltcc conversion
or just going old school distributer all together
carb vs fuel injection

where is the point where you no longer really have an lt1.

say i have a 18* sbc heads, super vic with a carb, old school distributer and dont even run reverse flow cooling any more is this still an lt1 just because the block is an lt1

i dont really think its an lt1 anymore ,at least not enough of one to give up spots to it because it is an lt1

anyway i know it sounds stupid but what are your oppinions on it

 

I think if it still has the LT1 block its an LT1.

Why would you do all that anyways? Just use an SBC block....

 

LT1 tech is getting deep and philosophical.

That's a good question and I've never really thought about it. I'd say reverse cooling would qualify an lt1 regardless of other mods, but like Roxy said, its purely subjective.

Any pics of your setup?

 

See I dont even care about reverse cooling. I am also into a project getting some 18* heads. IMHO The core is an LT1 block. So its still an LT1.

 

still lt1 block and core so i would say still lt1

 

What does it really matter? Seems like an exercise in futility.

 

well considering that the original Lt1 was a carbed small block and a solid lift cam,2.02 1.60 valves,4bolt mains with a steel crank,pink rods etc. for the early 70's

the new Lt1 as of 92 is a specific creature itself,aluminum heads that flow more than the previous Lt1 head with less valve size,hydrualic roller cam,more aluminum componets to reduce weight. fuel mileage in the upper 20s on the freeway!

i feel it stops being the "MODERN" Lt1 when the fuel injection is removed and a carbonmaker is installed!

 

Good question - this could also be asked about other inanimate objects, such as a computer.

Personally, I think it's about core components of the engine - i.e. block and heads. So this means there are various levels of purity of the engine. So maybe, if you have Edelbrock heads, you have a 50% pure LT1. So maybe if you have stock heads and block, but all the moving parts are 3rd party, then you have a 100% LT1, because the core of the engine design is still "pure".

However, it *could* be argued that any modification outside of what GM offers for an LT1 would invalidate an LT1.

Who knows ... maybe Nietzsche has a reference to this

 

reverse cool heads, for starters. the debate never ends over the opti though...

 

The LT block with reverse coolant should probably be the defining aspect. Although, here is something to consider.

2nd Gen LT engines as designed are “very unique” and part of the fun and excitement of working on them is learning and mastering all the unique aspects of the LT engine (reverse coolant flow, Opti, EFI, PCM engine and transmission management, Etc.).

Every time I read about someone down-grading an LT to a carb and conventional distributor, I think they’re missing the challenge and excitement the 2nd Gen LT engine offers. Furthermore, if you’re going to do that (down-grade an LT), why not simply “start” with a SBC. As that is what you will end up with down-grading an LT.

I really enjoy having a “complete” 2nd Gen LT as my project car. I’ve worked hard to learn all the LT engine unique gizmos (Opti, water-pump, Etc) and do all my own work (other than building the short-block).

WD

 

well the project isnt mine at all
its just something that has come up
one guy who has the afformentioned set up is asking for spots because he has an lt1 ,like its a handicap, when hes has removed all of the shortcomings of the lt1
but i am enjoying seeing everyones perspective on this subject

i do agree he may as well have started out with a sbc but as it sits it pretty much is nothing more than a standard sbc

 

 

i totally agree with you
i think the lt1 has one of the coolest designs out there engine wise.

 

When is an lt1 not an lt1 anymore?

When it becomes a LS1

 

Because if its not still an Lt-1, then he wouldnt be able to post in the "Lt1/Lt4 Engine Tech" portion of this forum...duh

Hahaha!