LT1 Swap

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Sep 26, 2010 | 06:15 PM

RogueLT1

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Launching!

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From: Ann Arbor, MI

LT1 Swap

Alright guys, Got an even bigger question than usual. The time has come for me to get back to my baby. My 85 TA has a 5.0L 305 TPI motor backed up by a 700R4 auto trans. I have been running through a lot of options for a motor swap: 350 TPI, carbed 400, LT1, LS1, or an LS2. I think I've decided on swapping in an LT1, so now I need to know what I'm going to need and how to do it. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks Guys!

Sep 26, 2010 | 06:39 PM

brucer

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if i were going to do a transplant like your referring to, i would use a gen1 roller block (1pc rear seal) and an ls computer setup..

parts list for gen1 sbc fuel injection setup:
12200411 PCM (LS1, Truck, S-10, Blazer, Express, others)
Wiring Harness for 12200411 pcm (must follow Vortec L31 schematics)
Vortec 305/350 Distributor (has camshaft sensor in it)
Vortec 305/350 Harmonic Balancer
Vortec 305/350 Timing Cover
Vortec Reluctor Ring (goes behind timing cover)
Vortec Crank Position Sensor
Vortec Ignition Module
Vortec Coil
Knock Sensor (2001 Express Van w/ 5.7 engine)

i surely wouldnt transplant an lt1 into anything if i had other choices... i dont care for the reverse flow cooling and the optispark distributor of the lt1, the distributor makes it a bastard platform (crank signal is unique to the lt1 only)...

Sep 26, 2010 | 06:54 PM

lt1-xjs

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: centerville, ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogueLT1

The LT1 is a great motor. My swap is almost 10 years old and still runs like the day I put it in, only better.

Sep 27, 2010 | 09:43 PM

RogueLT1

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Launching!

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From: Ann Arbor, MI

Well, I kinda wanted to use an LT1 because it's the same setup that's in my 94. Obviously I'm going to need the motor, the pcm, and the wiring harness. What else am I going to need? Will the motor bolt up to my 700R4? I had that rebuilt right after I bought the car (back when I had planned to keep it all original). It was built to handle some power and it has a shift kit in it, so I'd like to stick with it if possible. Are the motor mounts the same? will my accessories bolt up to it. It was explained to me at one point (though this could be completely wrong) that the LT1 is essentially an aluminum copy of the TPI motor that's in my car now, just with the optispark and a few other modifications. So what all will I have to change over to get an LT1 under the hood on my 85?

Sep 27, 2010 | 10:29 PM

Nomind

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From: Elizabethtown, KY

Thirdgen.org has a great article regarding swapping an LT1 into a thirdgen F-Body. I would highly recommend reading it. It will give you all the information that you need regarding the swap.

Sep 27, 2010 | 11:45 PM

tricked94camaro

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From: Burlington, WI

whatever you do make sure you buy a fully assembled lt1 along with the harness and pcm unlike me i bought a short block and now im scrambling for every single little part it needs like the heat sink and throttle cable brackets. its way cheaper to buy it fully assembled.

Sep 28, 2010 | 07:34 AM

RogueLT1

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Launching!

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From: Ann Arbor, MI

Thanks for the tip on the article Nomind, I'll be sure to check it out. And I was planning on buying a fully assembled motor, but thanks for that advice too, Tricked.