New LT1 owner saying hello
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 103
From: Battle Ground, WA
New LT1 owner saying hello I decided that while drag racing is fun, I want to build a street car, row some gears, and do some road racing.
So I picked up a 97 Z28 1LE for a great price.
Completely stock, and a 2 inch thick folder with all the repair records from the single previous owner.
The black paint is in OK shape for a 200k mile car, but it will be getting new paint over winter.
SS hood and LS SS spoiler is ordered. (eBay)
Just finished the c5 z06 front brake upgrade, Founders LCAs, PHB, and STB and BMR safety loop.
Removed AC compressor, lines, condenser. (It had a leak apparently)
On3 cat back
Solomon tune (basic stuff)
I am not sure where I am going long term as far as engine, so I am keeping the mods from the Tranny back. Until I figure that out, I am going to enjoy the car and focus on restoring it.
I thought I would drop an LS in it, but the LT still feels strong and does not burn oil.
LTs are all new to me so I will be around asking questions. Appreciate any help.
So I picked up a 97 Z28 1LE for a great price.
Completely stock, and a 2 inch thick folder with all the repair records from the single previous owner.
The black paint is in OK shape for a 200k mile car, but it will be getting new paint over winter.
SS hood and LS SS spoiler is ordered. (eBay)
Just finished the c5 z06 front brake upgrade, Founders LCAs, PHB, and STB and BMR safety loop.
Removed AC compressor, lines, condenser. (It had a leak apparently)
On3 cat back
Solomon tune (basic stuff)
I am not sure where I am going long term as far as engine, so I am keeping the mods from the Tranny back. Until I figure that out, I am going to enjoy the car and focus on restoring it.
I thought I would drop an LS in it, but the LT still feels strong and does not burn oil.
LTs are all new to me so I will be around asking questions. Appreciate any help.
Yea the LT1 power curve is different which is why it feels stronger. In the mid to higher Rpms is where the LS shines and pulls away. Both good motors with some work. Like many here I've owned a few of both and depending on goals the LS1 will probably get you there easier.
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 114
Likes: 7
From: Sarasota FL
Congrats, and welcome. Being a 1LE, I would keep the build more mild and enjoy the car more for what it is. I don't doubt it burns zero oil...my LT1 doesn't either. Yet my 40k mile 5.3 in my Impala has used a quart in 2,200. Go figure!
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 103
From: Battle Ground, WA
Will get pics shortly and a video of Catback.
This project keeps growing.
Got the SS hood on. Looks like ****. Stay away from cheap eBay stuff. Will be going to body shop for final fit. May end up having to trash this POs hood and get a VFN one.
The SS spoiler was a different story. It actually came in nice.
New issue: Scored 17 by 9.5 chrome zr1s for cheap.
Put them on for test fit.
Can only get 3 turns on the lugs I got. Unsafe.
Ordered a different "shouldered" set.
If I can't get 8 turns minimum, I am going to have to go to longer studs all around.
Finally got the brakes bled. Been a battle for the past week.
This project keeps growing.
Got the SS hood on. Looks like ****. Stay away from cheap eBay stuff. Will be going to body shop for final fit. May end up having to trash this POs hood and get a VFN one.
The SS spoiler was a different story. It actually came in nice.
New issue: Scored 17 by 9.5 chrome zr1s for cheap.
Put them on for test fit.
Can only get 3 turns on the lugs I got. Unsafe.
Ordered a different "shouldered" set.
If I can't get 8 turns minimum, I am going to have to go to longer studs all around.
Finally got the brakes bled. Been a battle for the past week.
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On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 124
Likes: 3
From: "U aint frum round hur ar ya boy" Texas.
I shall be monitoring this thread. Not only do I too own and like the LT1 but im not interested in drag racing. im just looking for more umph on the highway. ive been lurking for quite a while and the task of learning and forming a list seems daunting since, well, everybody wants to be set up for drag (lots of how to's for sub 11's cars.) found an article for a 97 LT1 that's a 500hp DD, which is exactly what I want, but its from 1998...so I think there has been some technological innovations since then so the ref's in there might be dated.
don't share the same desire to make the car look pretty but mine is a lot more gone than yours it sounds, so if you got it, flaunt it. but like Enzo says,
"I don't care if the door gaps are straight, when the driver steps on the gas I want him to **** his pants"
looking forward to pics and details so I can see how to go about my. Good luck bud.
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