LT1 to LT4 ... is it worth it??
LT1 to LT4 ... is it worth it?? I've been kickin around the idea of possibly doing a conversion to an LT4.
But, since I'm new to the game, I do have alot of questions :
1)What kind of power gains would I expect to see?
2) Even worth doing it?
3) On a scale of 1-10 how hard would the swap be?
4) Anybody have any link to all the parts needed to do this?
Thanks!
But, since I'm new to the game, I do have alot of questions :
1)What kind of power gains would I expect to see?
2) Even worth doing it?
3) On a scale of 1-10 how hard would the swap be?
4) Anybody have any link to all the parts needed to do this?
Thanks!
TECH Regular
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 444
Likes: 1
From: Bahrain
1- It would make 330-350 rwhp with the supporting mods and a tune.
2- Depends on future target, proffesionally ported LT1 heads with the right cam can produce more than that 380-400 rwhp for less than the amount paid for the conversion, but again ported LT4's are better than ported LT1's.
3- Not very easy for a first timer, for the regular backward mechanic maybe 7 of 10.
4- http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...=egnsearch.asp.
The intake gasket in that kit is the original LT4 and will not lineup to the ports propperly, get GM PN 12367777 which is a revision over the original one.
2- Depends on future target, proffesionally ported LT1 heads with the right cam can produce more than that 380-400 rwhp for less than the amount paid for the conversion, but again ported LT4's are better than ported LT1's.
3- Not very easy for a first timer, for the regular backward mechanic maybe 7 of 10.
4- http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...=egnsearch.asp.
The intake gasket in that kit is the original LT4 and will not lineup to the ports propperly, get GM PN 12367777 which is a revision over the original one.
depends on your goals.... if you want 400+ rwhp skip the "conversion" and go buy a golen 383 bottom end and some AFR 210cc heads (bare castings). Have heads ported by Lloyd or someone and stick em' on. easily 400+ rwhp and the torque would be insane...
this is similar to what i plan to do (if/when i have the $$$)
this is similar to what i plan to do (if/when i have the $$$)
I did the swap on a 94 Lt1 I had in a 89 S-10. I believe something was wrong w/ mine since it only made 275 rwhp. The hot cam sounds nasty though.
I would suggest going w/ ported heads / cam route to be honest, save your money.
When I did my lt4 swap I also got svo injectors, bbk 52mm tb (pos), and some other goodies. The LT4 intake they send looks like crap, the top ribs looks like someone slid it upside down across the floor. I think you would be happier spending less money on ported heads / cam and make the same if not more power. Although I am biased and had bad results, someone could probably come on here and have different results.
All the ads claim 425+ hp, but if you read the article they tested this on, it was done in a speed shop down in Charlotte, NC, they had the block completely machined w/ all the tricks and also had a FAST injection system running the motor, so your chance of bolting up 425 from the start is very unlikely.
here's the article: http://moreperformanceinc.com/lt4_350_top_end_425.php#
and here's the truck I built, yes I sanded down the red powdercoated intake and sprayed it hugger orange, the red was too type r for me:
http://southernboyztoyz.frknlo.com/the_beast.htm
I would suggest going w/ ported heads / cam route to be honest, save your money.
When I did my lt4 swap I also got svo injectors, bbk 52mm tb (pos), and some other goodies. The LT4 intake they send looks like crap, the top ribs looks like someone slid it upside down across the floor. I think you would be happier spending less money on ported heads / cam and make the same if not more power. Although I am biased and had bad results, someone could probably come on here and have different results.
All the ads claim 425+ hp, but if you read the article they tested this on, it was done in a speed shop down in Charlotte, NC, they had the block completely machined w/ all the tricks and also had a FAST injection system running the motor, so your chance of bolting up 425 from the start is very unlikely.
here's the article: http://moreperformanceinc.com/lt4_350_top_end_425.php#
and here's the truck I built, yes I sanded down the red powdercoated intake and sprayed it hugger orange, the red was too type r for me:
http://southernboyztoyz.frknlo.com/the_beast.htm
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
I was in your shoes not long ago, lol. I decided against purchasing the lt4 "kit" and built the kit like i wanted it. I went with the lt4 heads and intake, but bought comp springs, rockers, locks, retainers, guides,lifters, and went with a much larger cam. The car made 408rwhp and 447ftlb with a generic tune so it would stay running, lol. The car used to make power from 3000 rpm until around 5000. Now it makes power from 1500 rpm through 6500. Just do your research. Find exactly what you want. You are the one that has to live with the decision you made so dont regret it 
. If you want to hear it, i think i have a few videos of it somewhere, just let me know .
Good luck and be safe,
Rob
. If you want to hear it, i think i have a few videos of it somewhere, just let me know .Good luck and be safe,
Rob
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TECH Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
From: Arlington TX
Originally Posted by 94lt4
I was in your shoes not long ago, lol. I decided against purchasing the lt4 "kit" and built the kit like i wanted it. I went with the lt4 heads and intake, but bought comp springs, rockers, locks, retainers, guides,lifters, and went with a much larger cam. The car made 408rwhp and 447ftlb with a generic tune so it would stay running, lol. The car used to make power from 3000 rpm until around 5000. Now it makes power from 1500 rpm through 6500. Just do your research. Find exactly what you want. You are the one that has to live with the decision you made so dont regret it . If you want to hear it, i think i have a few videos of it somewhere, just let me know .
Good luck and be safe,
Rob
. If you want to hear it, i think i have a few videos of it somewhere, just let me know .Good luck and be safe,
Rob
Thats what I plan to do. Go with my own valvetrain and then just get the heads and intake ported and matched. End up costing me about 1200 and I'll get exactly what I want. It also allows me to stage the project since I seem to have trouble saving up money. Theres always some part that comes along that I just have to get.
Originally Posted by wicked_95z
Two words.....Lloyd Elliot. That is all
I think I recognize your car. Were you at Bowling Green for the Camaro/Firebird reunion? I love that car. I was the tall, slim guy wiht black hair wearing the white LS1-LT1.com shirt.
Originally Posted by METALBEAST
I think I recognize your car. Were you at Bowling Green for the Camaro/Firebird reunion? I love that car. I was the tall, slim guy wiht black hair wearing the white LS1-LT1.com shirt.
