What woudl it take to put a Carb on an LT1??
05-06-2011, 01:33 PM
#1
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What woudl it take to put a Carb on an LT1?? I was Just wondering what it would take to Convert a LT1 to Carb....Can you keep the Optispark still? What all in the Harness can you do away with then??
05-06-2011, 04:49 PM
#2
I don't think you can run an opti without using the computer. Also you wouldn't be able to adjust timing.
To run a carb you really need to get the GM LT1 Carb intake. Otherwise you have to modify an edelbrock for the intake bolt holes and upper intake flange fitment. Also the front timing cover will have to be epoxied or plugged where the opti was, you can buy a GM cover that has that done already, along with a timing mark. After that you just take out that patic oil pump drive and stab it with a distributor, run the wires, and bolt on the carb. Also you should use a keyed balancer and establish top dead center. The timing mark on my engine aligned to the top so I moved the mark to the side and made my own pointer so that I could get a timing light at it easier.
To run a carb you really need to get the GM LT1 Carb intake. Otherwise you have to modify an edelbrock for the intake bolt holes and upper intake flange fitment. Also the front timing cover will have to be epoxied or plugged where the opti was, you can buy a GM cover that has that done already, along with a timing mark. After that you just take out that patic oil pump drive and stab it with a distributor, run the wires, and bolt on the carb. Also you should use a keyed balancer and establish top dead center. The timing mark on my engine aligned to the top so I moved the mark to the side and made my own pointer so that I could get a timing light at it easier.
09-16-2011, 07:08 PM
#7
I know this is an old thread, but I have wondered the same thing. I am doing an LT1 6spd swap in a 84 firebird and thinking of using a carb. I have everything to go FI (93 donor car), but like doing things different. I think it will still work as long as you use a tps sensor (they make them for Holley carbs) and retain the map sensor. I like the idea because it would clean things up a bit, no dist in the back. I can still have full control over timing using the autoprom. I have even wondered if you converted the front cover components with sensors to use an LS1 PCM then just use the msd ignition for ls1 carb applications and coil packs. Does anyone know if this would work?
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09-16-2011, 07:18 PM
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I don't think you can run an opti without using the computer. Also you wouldn't be able to adjust timing.
To run a carb you really need to get the GM LT1 Carb intake. Otherwise you have to modify an edelbrock for the intake bolt holes and upper intake flange fitment. Also the front timing cover will have to be epoxied or plugged where the opti was, you can buy a GM cover that has that done already, along with a timing mark. After that you just take out that patic oil pump drive and stab it with a distributor, run the wires, and bolt on the carb. Also you should use a keyed balancer and establish top dead center. The timing mark on my engine aligned to the top so I moved the mark to the side and made my own pointer so that I could get a timing light at it easier.
To run a carb you really need to get the GM LT1 Carb intake. Otherwise you have to modify an edelbrock for the intake bolt holes and upper intake flange fitment. Also the front timing cover will have to be epoxied or plugged where the opti was, you can buy a GM cover that has that done already, along with a timing mark. After that you just take out that patic oil pump drive and stab it with a distributor, run the wires, and bolt on the carb. Also you should use a keyed balancer and establish top dead center. The timing mark on my engine aligned to the top so I moved the mark to the side and made my own pointer so that I could get a timing light at it easier.
but, you also could just leave the opti attached instead of plugging the holes or buying a new cover. not the best option, but it would work if your budget was tight
personally, i welded mine... just be sure you leave enough clearance for the cam pin....lol i found that out first hand.
09-17-2011, 10:27 PM
#9
I ran my 389 with an 880 carb on 104 Sunoco. Since I didn't want to mess with the opti I just put an old blown up up on the front of the motor, you can see it in the video. I have a front cover that I has two custom plugs in it for the wp and opti. Press fit with epoxy on the back. then ran a Bridgeport over the back to remove the extra casting. Used a GM LT1 manifold, had to cut just a bit on the intake bolt holes. The machinist used a Sunnen Valve seat cutter to do it really quickly. Since we were on the dyno I wasn't worried about the dizzy height. Made some good power till the exhaust band blew off.
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