LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Building an Lt1?

Old Jul 24, 2008 | 08:13 PM
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Default Building an Lt1?

Hey guys i need some Tech help...there are a ton of you Ls1/Lt1 smart freaks on here i'm hoping i can get some of your help, i posted in the newbie tech section but i think its better off here...

So here it goes....

I have a little less than $7000 (Just say $7000)

I have have abosolutely nothing in means of a roller or a body yet, but im looking to make this a semi-easy build of a 93+ Trans AM or Camaro to hit about 400rwhp... No plans for me to do anything mjor i.e rebuilding an engine, (i would rather just buy a engine/trans) i have found a few good Lt1 engines locally completely rebuilt for $2500 - 3000 with 400-500 hp. but i just dont know how much money a swap and such would cost me.

Is it possible to get this with a car thats looks good and runs good or is $7000 just not enough?
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Old Jul 24, 2008 | 10:06 PM
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It's definitely possible. For 7k I'd think you could get just about any street worthy LT1.
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Old Jul 24, 2008 | 10:14 PM
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7K will buy you one if you are patient enough. I guess it just depends on how picky you are. If you don't mind what color/options/interior I don't think you'll have any problems.

I'd sell you mine for that 7K
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Old Jul 25, 2008 | 07:35 AM
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Your best bet for the money is to either buy a build one, or buy a decent one that's close to stock and juice it. Otherwise it's gonna be hard to get a car all together for that price.
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Old Jul 25, 2008 | 08:36 AM
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You should be able to find a decent stockish one right around the 4-5K range if you aren't picky on the year and then slap AI or LE H/C/I on there you'd probably be where you want to be. Keep in mind you'll need tuning money as well as money for supporting mods if the car doesn't have them already.
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Old Jul 25, 2008 | 08:52 AM
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true, what about buying a really cheap lt1 and swapping in a built lt1 engine?
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Old Jul 25, 2008 | 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by sping012
true, what about buying a really cheap lt1 and swapping in a built lt1 engine?
I've been working on my LT1 for a few years now.. I don't make much money but a little here, a little there.. I just try to be patient and buy quality parts as I go.. I just got back from the shop, installing my brand new Moroso CAI and brand new GM MAF.. What a pain in the butt.. I had to shorten my Moroso plumbing a little. As a matter of fact, i just finished shortening the Moroso, but took this "before" picture:


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Old Jul 25, 2008 | 09:07 PM
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oh, very nice! I figure i could possibly find a 93+ V8 body/trans, and look for a local built lt1 engine and do a swap, buying a engine harness/stand.
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Old Jul 25, 2008 | 09:14 PM
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i hope your car is yellow dude.
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Old Jul 25, 2008 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by texas94z
i hope your car is yellow dude.
Yeah.. Green, yellow and dark grey..


(not trying to high-jack the original posters thread).. but if this helps, maybe it will give ya a few idea's on your LT1 build..






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Old Jul 25, 2008 | 09:30 PM
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you must have a very bright looking car sir.

on topic... sping can you clarify your goals some more?
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Old Jul 25, 2008 | 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by texas94z
sping can you clarify your goals some more?
Sure! and thanks for all your interest/help guys.

Ok Looking to make a Street Lt1 car in the range of 380-440 hp.

I was thinking if i could buy a cheap lt1 firebird or camaro with a good trans, and JUST swap in a built 400hp LT1 with a tuned computer, wouldn't that be the most ideal way of going about this?
Theres a few Lt1's in the area that are like new with "engine problems" i.e. knock, or leak but the rest of the car is built to handle a lot. (they have rebuilt trans/built suspensions)
Just people looking to get rid of the car cheap becuase of engine problems.

I'm not looking to race/beat on this car yet, so the rear-end/suspension would be needed to just basically handle a normal driving street 400hp car.

I dont know the cost of or much on swapping engines which is why im here

Looking more into swapping ONLY the engine? This i figured would be the cheapest way...

Goal: 400hp Street ready LT1, i plan on adding on in the future but for now im just looking for the best way to get a car going...drivable and the cheapest way, since i am on a budget.
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Old Jul 26, 2008 | 07:26 AM
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I just purchased a 93 Firehawk with 19,000 orig miles on it. It has a fresh 383 ( I finished the install and was the first to start it) with Callies crank, H beam rods, JE pistons, ported heads and intake, Arizona Speed throttle Body, Arizona Speed headers, Built 4l60 with Stall, Torque arm and etc, etc. for what I consider cheap. The car runs and pulls very stong.
Maybe I was lucky to find this car. However, they are out there and available and I paid under $7,000 for it.
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Old Jul 26, 2008 | 07:55 AM
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Wow
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