so I guess LT1 motors are complete junk and I should throw mine away.
02-08-2013, 03:27 AM
#42
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I've had a similar experience. Prices for labor and tuning are substatially higher than for GEN III/IV engines. Emails and Phone Messages left and never returned or the shop flat out states we no longer work on LT1s.
02-08-2013, 03:35 AM
#44
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Harley, what cam are you considering for a upgrade? IIRC your car is a stout runner. With some knowledge and the right tools the LT1 engine is easy to work on. The overhanging cowl is the worst part. If you don't want to do the swap yourself check out your regional forum for a good shop thats not run by a douchebag.
Was considering something along the lines of 23x/
23x on a 112 LSA.
02-09-2013, 12:28 AM
#48
02-09-2013, 12:54 AM
#49
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So Im kinda pissed right now. I went to one of the local performance shops to get a price and a little info on getting a bigger cam installed. The guy that runs the shop basically kicked LT1 motors in the ***** every possible way someone could.
LT1s arent reliable, there not a small block chevy motor or LS1, you could get a 6.0 liter motor out of a junk yard and build it cheaper, your best bet is to put a Ls1 motor in your car. If you put a bigger cam in your car its a complete waste of money and time and your probably going to spin a bearing. You will need a bigger oil pan and oil pump. LT1 computers are basic and no were near as good as LS1 computer.
The list goes on. Also mentioned several times how he absolutely hates working on LT1s because their a pain in the ***.
I walked in feeling good walked out pissed. The way he talked I might aswell throw my motor away.
LT1s arent reliable, there not a small block chevy motor or LS1, you could get a 6.0 liter motor out of a junk yard and build it cheaper, your best bet is to put a Ls1 motor in your car. If you put a bigger cam in your car its a complete waste of money and time and your probably going to spin a bearing. You will need a bigger oil pan and oil pump. LT1 computers are basic and no were near as good as LS1 computer.
The list goes on. Also mentioned several times how he absolutely hates working on LT1s because their a pain in the ***.
I walked in feeling good walked out pissed. The way he talked I might aswell throw my motor away.
02-09-2013, 02:48 AM
#50
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Honestly, I would've built a lt1 had I known about lloyd and AI a few years ago. The amount of performance out of modified stock heads is honestly incredible. I think people put too little faith in the lt1 and too much into the LSx. There's plenty there to work with. Do it right and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
02-09-2013, 03:07 AM
#52
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Honestly, I would've built a lt1 had I known about lloyd and AI a few years ago. The amount of performance out of modified stock heads is honestly incredible. I think people put too little faith in the lt1 and too much into the LSx. There's plenty there to work with. Do it right and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
02-09-2013, 03:55 AM
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hahaha You gotta be kidding me? As if that guy runs a performance shop.. that is pretty effing sad.. I'm a technician at a GM dealer.. you think I like working on Cadillac's? Not a chance, but it's work and the potential to make money.. The fact that he didn't try to even work with you on a proper camshaft build, even if it is an LT1 (which is not that bad of a motor to work on.. trust me there's plenty worse) is pretty pathetic and he probably shouldn't even be working on vehicles. Nevermind doing "performance" upgrades! The thing to keep in mind is guy's who have been doing this for a long time become cynical just because they've had bad experiences.. and those are the guys to stay away from because it's a sure sign they are going to do a half *** job (again trust me I've seen this from experience).. And back to the LT1.. the LT1 is not a bad motor! sure it may not be an aluminum block, but who gives a ****? As for it being a bad motor because of optispark.. that is not to blame on the motor, that is more so to blame on the hopeless ignition system.. which you're best bet from what I've seen so far and which I'm in the midst of doing is the 24x conversion.. expensive if you don't know how to replace terminals and have to buy the "plug and play" harness, but never again will you have to deal with the problems of an LT1.. I agree a bad design but no reason to resort to using your LT1 as a boat anchor. Keep in mind though.. If you do decide to do a camshaft upgrade.. do your research (i.e. do you want low-mid range power or high range power, steady idle,etc..) and go into a proper performance shop with a better idea of what you want and not just say "I wanna go fast!!!!" .. doing an upgrade like this takes preparation and knowledge.. Anyways.. just do some research, check reviews on certain shops, ask around if anyone knows of a reputable speed shop and know exactly what you want out of your car, especially based on the type of drive you usually do everyday. Knowledge is power.. which then creates horsepower. Good luck!
02-09-2013, 03:58 AM
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Oh, and to top it off.. If you were thinking of converting your car to an LS1.. be far more prepared for a much larger investment in both time and money.. and of course some fabrication of motor mounts.
02-09-2013, 01:53 PM
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02-11-2013, 10:55 AM
#57
Heads/Cam/Supporting bolt-ons and tuning and you've got an 11 second car with an LT1. Hell, I've seen a partial bolt-on/150 shot LT1 c4 go 11.60's. How fast for how cheap does a car need to be before it's not junk? Lol.
If you want to buy a car that's 95% the same parts and 200% the price of an LT1 fbody, go for it. But most car owners will never use a platform to its potential anyway. They each have their merits.
If you want to buy a car that's 95% the same parts and 200% the price of an LT1 fbody, go for it. But most car owners will never use a platform to its potential anyway. They each have their merits.
02-11-2013, 11:44 AM
#58
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WOW!!!!!!!!!!I own a H/C/I ls1 ta, ur telling me a cam only ls1 does low elevens with no other supporting mods, holy f..k ? I wasted a bunch of money for no reason apparently.
02-11-2013, 12:11 PM
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I loved just about every minute I had my lt1... except for when I was doing maintenance.
I installed my own cam and top end set up in my back yard with minimal tools and no experience. Give it a try, you will probably be surprised at how simple it is. Going to performance shops are over rated when you can easily do most of the work yourself.
I installed my own cam and top end set up in my back yard with minimal tools and no experience. Give it a try, you will probably be surprised at how simple it is. Going to performance shops are over rated when you can easily do most of the work yourself.
02-11-2013, 12:46 PM
#60
from morons installing cams and dumping dirt in the motor in the process? yes.........from know it all's tuning cars they shouldn't be, them detonating and spinning one? yes...........from pure ignorance like that came out of your mouth a couple pages ago? NO