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

wagon LT1

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Old Aug 14, 2008 | 02:05 AM
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ok so I really really want to do an LT1 wagon... dont care which one or anything.... but in general what kind of problems am I going to run into that I didnt on my firebird?? like any parts that need to be specially fabbed rear ends brakes.... suspension??? what are major problems / differences with the two LT1 powered cars.... I know its a vague post but im trying to get my fiance to let me make a wagon into a racecar ... but i dont wanna look like a jackass and run into huge problems that im not even aware of. thanks !
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Old Aug 14, 2008 | 07:38 AM
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Do you mean "wagon" as in Roadmaster/Caprice? If so, just look up "Impala SS" stuff. There's a boatload of HP items out there.
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Old Aug 14, 2008 | 02:26 PM
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Yeah the only problem your going to run into is the extra weight. As described above, people have been making boats fast forever, just look at all the FAST Impalas on this site.
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Old Aug 14, 2008 | 06:12 PM
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Originally Posted by kezy219
ok so I really really want to do an LT1 wagon... dont care which one or anything.... but in general what kind of problems am I going to run into that I didnt on my firebird?? like any parts that need to be specially fabbed rear ends brakes.... suspension??? what are major problems / differences with the two LT1 powered cars.... I know its a vague post but im trying to get my fiance to let me make a wagon into a racecar ... but i dont wanna look like a jackass and run into huge problems that im not even aware of. thanks !
I've been wanting to do the same thing. There's nothing wrong with making a wagon fast. I just wanted a cheap LT1 to play with and not invest a fortune. I thought about true dulas and a ton of spray for the unexpected.
It would definatley be fun and somewhat original. No worries. Go for it.
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Old Aug 14, 2008 | 11:00 PM
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The LT1 wagons come with true duals.

They are basically an Impala SS, little wider in the rear, drum brakes that work as opposed to the joke discs they put on the Impala(drum proportioning valve so they don't work), larger axle bearings. That is the highlights of the mechanical differences.
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Old Aug 14, 2008 | 11:12 PM
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typical possibility of opti issues at some point. nice beefy 8.5" rearend. iron heads that have press in rocker studs IIRC, as opposed to screw in on the aluminum f-car heads.
header selection is minimal for the full frame LT1 cars, last i knew.
other then that, its just another LT1, takes to mods the same way as any.


guy i knew from STL had a Caprice wagon with Impala wheels, lowered and modded some, very cool car IMO. i wouldnt mind having one myself.
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Old Aug 15, 2008 | 12:33 AM
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Ive been looking around for an Impala/Caprice for a "screw around" car like that for awhile, but havent really seen anything I liked for a good price. That boat would be a fun car to mod though, no doubt.... (Even if you have to custom fab some stuff to get F-body parts to fit).
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Old Aug 15, 2008 | 12:51 AM
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Caprice wagons done up right are pretty sweet. There's a guy in my town that has done atleast a few. They're all major powerhouses too. It looked like he had another one that he's getting ready to fix up again sitting outside of his shop now. I say go for it. The problems that you'll run into are probably just your typical LT1 problems. And that it's going to take a lot more to make that boat fast. But, I say go for it.
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Old Aug 15, 2008 | 01:42 PM
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yah im gonna have to go for it... i dont think blowing people away in my firebird will be NEARLY as fun as in a wagon
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