Well I decided to stick with the Gen 2 platform for my Impala and brought home a fresh LT1. 187k miles in a '96 9C1 Caprice, smoked when pulled. Cost me a whopping $200. Will be doing a 383 most likely with the torqhead system all N/A. Figured I will just go ahead and do a build thread for the car on this board as well, don't know if I'm allowed to show anything other than engine stuff though(?) let's be real this is the LT1 board everyone would enjoy that
Took me a while to decide between LT and LS but I was out at a car show the other month and I thought it was pretty sweet that the cars were running period correct engines. I know I'll never compete with an LS but that's why I have my truck.


Here she sits currently


I did put some clear corners on and don't have any photos.

Currently I have a 135k LT1 with FLP long tube headers and a Clear Image Automotive CAI with a tune by Solomon. I am not sure when I will get around to actually working on the new engine as I just finished up the header install and need to put a 4-link in my truck. It will probably be very slow with very minimal updates.

Please direct questions, comments, concerns down below

 

Well I am also partial to the 96 Impala SS....mine is also a 383. I bought a Golen Engines 383 short block and went from there. Running LT1 AL heads that are ported and have 2.02/1.6 Ferra SS valves and Lunati valve springs with a Comp XFI cam.

IMHO the Impala is a real fun car with a 383/T56

12.87 @ 106mph

 

I believe it. I'm glad to finally have it back on the roads to drive on the nice days.

 

Nice! I love the B/D cars of that era with LT1 power. I still kick myself for not going to 396 cubes on my Vortec build though. Minimal difference in money and the 3.875" stroke makes even more torque.

 

396 seems to have zero information on how to machine the block to fit everything. I do like the 396 idea but I just can't find a whole lot of stuff on it. I guess the machine shop would know but I like knowing exactly what is going to happen before I get it there.

Got the engine on a stand and pulled the plugs last night. Little moist

 

Oh yes I also should list my goals and things I understand I guess lol
I will add to this list as I feel necessary or if I think about anything.

• Shooting for 450 HP. Never will put boost to this, nitrous is doubtful.
• Streetable. I don't drive this car in the rain and it is not a daily but I would like the option to pile into it and take it on a road trip if I so desired.
• Budget probably around $10,000. Lower would be awesome higher is no problem. I'm not building it in a day nor a month nor a year so I am relatively flexible and realize that number can and will most likely go up.
• Supporting mods will need to happen. 4L60 vs 4L80 is my "dilemma" at the moment and I will continue thinking about it. I do not plan on running the stock transmission after the dyno. I don't think it will survive.
• Suspension for me will be coil overs all around. Just waiting on my current stuff to start getting wore out. Needs brakes anyway so I will be doing those sometimes this year or next.
• I'd like to reiterate that the point of the 383 over an LS 416 swap or what have you is honestly period correctness. Torqhead does slightly take away from that but I don't think it does too much.

I am sure everyone has some thoughts and opinions so please feel free to chime in!

 

450 hp...to the wheels?

if so yeah the 4L60E "stock" will fatigue quickly behind that kind of power. IMHO these B body LT1 should have come with the 4L80E

 

@****** Yes wheels, would be nice.

I agree it won’t last lol and one of those uber beefed 4L60s probably won’t either.

 

There's really nothing different between a 396 and 383. Your only concern will be your pan rails and whether or not they can be clearanced without breaking through a water jacket/or if you don't care and will partially fill the block. I was lucky to have a very talented builder who was able to clear the rails and use low profile rod bolts. Short block was built in 2005 and the block has be fine since.

 

Yeah I am not particularly interested in filling the block. It is a lot to think over and I need to get with some machine shops first and foremost.

All things equal the 396 will just produce the torque lower and have a slight bump in power. Most important thing is probably the heads and cam. Intake and throttle body are two pieces I am not real sure on yet either. I hear a lot of terrible things about aftermarket TBs and the only intake I can really find is the Edelbrock one and I have heard it isn't that great either. Ported stock intake probably is the ticket methinks. I am fortunate enough to have Lloyd Elliot about an hour away from me.

 

Make your life easier and LS swap

 

Stop harassing me!



That is what Dan tells me to do too lol

 

I would just stick with the 383 and forego the 13 extra cubes.

For the trans, you could look at 4l79.com to beef up your 4l60.

 

@MuhThugga I will be building the trans myself. Never seen that site but will check it out

 

About 20 years ago, I built a 9C1 with a 157K SBE LT1, using a pair of hand ported ( by me ) aluminum Corvette heads, a mild cam, long tubes, 3.73 gears and a 2500 stall with a fresh 4L60E and ran 13.42@106 at 4770 lbs. race weight. I miss that car. Good on you for not being tempted to go LS, even though I'd yank that LT1 for an LQ4 in a heartbeat! Lol.

 

@LS1Formulation Thank you sounds like a fun set up!
I have a 99 Silverado that has an LQ4 and tons of other goodies. That is my LS machine to quench that thirst. Will get boost and a goal of low 11s high 10s.

 

You're posting in the heterosexual section. You're in the wrong forum. Try the Elton John/George Michael forum.

 

In something heavy I would not waste my time on a LS. Without boost or being geared and stalled to rev to the moon they are gutless.

 

I would go with a 6L80E or 6L90E myself. My L31 based 383 is about to get a 6L90E behind it. That 4.03 first gear and tall 0.667 overdrive are worth the added cost compared to a 4L80E. Currently have a 4L85E and 3.73s. The 6L90E handles more power and higher rpm than the 4L80E, stock for stock. 2nd gear on the 6L is like first gear on the 4L80E.

As I said I kick myself for going with the 383 rather than a 396. Almost identical cost to build and it is only 13 cubes but it is 30-40 ft/lbs more at lower rpm and peak torque happens lower in the rpm range all things being equal. I used a street fill on my 383 anyway. When you are pushing a stock block over 500 hp it adds rigidity to the block especially in the bores and main cap area. I run the factory oil cooler in the radiator and have not seen elevated oil or coolant temps.

 

I have thought about the 6L80 but unless I can get the car completely factory style. I have yet to see anyone complete the 6L80 swap with that 6L80 swap controller.

Also pictures!!!