Alright ya'll....

Since I have been introduced to this wacky world of LS1, I have a major bug now. As some of you know, I have the pleasure of driving a modded LS1 at work each day. It's been a blast having sponsors get it running great and I thoroughly enjoy my work days. I've had so much fun with the work car that I want to go racing now.
About a year ago I found a 93 (stripper) Z28 down in Miami. Running, driving LT1 car with light, front right damage. Trailered it back to Ft.Worth and have had the body redone. The car now looks like a 02 SS, complete with spoilers, hood, etc. Wolfe put in a 6 point cage, SFC's and did some trick aluminum interior stuff. Car has leather seats (now taken out and waiting for decisions.)
OK, finally, my questions:
The motor has 109 K on it but smokes (only a little) but is otherwise stone stock right down to the factory exhaust. The car was a one owner, bought new in Miami and sold to me. Car is only going to be used for drag racing and for PR for the department (school drags, shows, etc,) What should I do for a motor? (1) Get an old school SB and do basic mods, a.k.a. 355?
(2) Rebuild the LT1 and use what I already have?
(3) Find an LS1, all the parts I need, and go from there?

I have been looking at the parts section and see lots of odds and ends. A block here, a crank there, etc. Just don't have enough experience or smarts to know what I should be looking for. I've read the battle between the LT's and the LS's and know the LS's breath way deep up top. The cost is definately also a factor but, If I can piece a LS together, get a little sponsor help, and put it in a really light car...well...that's why I'm asking for opinions.
Everyone here has always been extremely helpfull and there is a MASS knowledge base on this site.
Please chime in with your thoughts, and even if you have some parts that I may be able to look at.
Also, I have a trans, a convertor, and am working on a rear so...it's really a motor and I'll be set to go.
Thanks for any input,
Kev

 

since it is an LT1 it will obviously be more to go to an LS1 wiring harness... computer ... etc etc. and im sure there are more headaches trying to get the wiring setup so gauges read correctly.

as far as short and long blocks go .... prices for LS1s are still somewhat higher than LT1s ... but not by much... since it is straight drag car u have to worry about emissions and ac and powersteering and that BS... But I would look into doing a th400 if you are serious about racing. Either way u go... and a 12 bolt spool at least.

You can get a new
6.0 l block to your door for about 700
Pistons Pins/Rings - 800$
Stock Crank - 500 or eagle crank 900
Rods - 500$

Viola - whats that 370ci or 400ci Nitrous Monster ?
whats that between 2400-3000 roughly in hard parts, something like that
plus head/main studs... etc etc...

just figure out how fast u want to go ... price goes up if u need to get better parts...

and if u can get them cheaper online even better... dont forget headers/exhaust etc...

How radical do u want to go? Cause Im DEEEP into my car

Maybe get a couple extra drug siezures to help pay for the car !

 

I've been told that I can get a new factory harness for about 400.00, I might be able to scrounge a computer from a local wrecker for a 100.00, and there's a fellow here in DFW that has 2 LS blocks selling for 150.00. I'm just really stuck on the question about, 'Can I sell the LT1 for a resonable amount', I really don't want to have to deal with the Opti...but then there is the problem of How many $$$$ to make TH350/400's work on an LS...etc, etc,
As for wiring, I was planning on doing the whole stripper routine and having the guys at Thunder do the harness. Just use what I need and then wire in any gauges I might need on a case per case basis. I have the whole interior for a 02 SS and I was just going to hollow out the dash and mount the basic cover and frame.
I was getting so excited about the whole idea tonight that I almost went out to the garage and started ripping the dash and wiring out....then I realized I'm a Tard...and I might need to drive the car around abit until I get farther into the project. As for drive, I mean into, out of garage and onto trailer....Man, I got the fever hard....darn LS1 tech...lol

 

My car is a drag car... Running all autometer gauges and a ARC ProStock Control Panel... No key ignition etc... Big Stuff 3 etc etc...

as far as getting the Th400 to work... my buddy just put one in his 396 SR LT1 ... its not a big deal. Except for getting the tranny Crossmember setup for it... Sphon TA, and a longer DS... if u have an auto u can use ur stock shifter... Madman can hook you up with everything u need in one big ole package too.

If you have any question PM me you number I will give u a call and I can go over what I know with you and point u to some people that have helped me out as well.

Let me know how far u want to go with ur car.

 

imo kevin i would ditch the lt1 have thunder put you a wiring harness for a ls1 with a manual trans and take that $150 dollar block, thunder probably has a stock crank laying around and spend about 2000 on rods and pistons and have jason build you a strong bottomend. then get steve to put some of his heads on there he has been making and a custom grind cam. back that with a th400 and 12bolt 4.10 or 4.56gears, 26 or 28" drags,spool, 5000 converter and some suspension goodies and go run some low 10's all day long.
since you have the hookup for deals on parts and labor thats the route i'd go/will be heading down the road.

 

If its for drag racing.. Big block all the way. you know the saying:

Big Block... Big ****...


No, but seriously. A big block will make the power much more reliably.. not only that.. it'll sound better

Good Luck,
Josh