Replacing LT1 Engine
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2008
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From: Michigan
Replacing LT1 Engine Sorry for being a beginner here but I'm changing out the LT1 in my '97 Trans Am Firebird Formula and need a couple of pointers. I've found a used LT1 out of a caprice for $450 and plan on using the one with the cracked block for spare parts (and will canabalize the oil pan). Can anyone give me some (low cost) pointers on some minor changes (to enhance performance) and things to look out for during this job. This is my first time pulling an engine out the bottom of a car.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7
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From: Michigan
Can I use the Cam out of the TA to replace the caprice one? My feeling (with only the radiator/battery/tranny cooler pulled so far) is that the block is cracked. Would that have damaged the CAM? It didn't get real hot, I think the block damage was from the first time the wife overheated it and blew the head gaskets.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2006
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You will want to repost this question in the lt1-lt4 forum, first off, if you have to replace your motor, I would redo the bottom end, even if it is just the basic rebuild. The caprice motor has different heads and cam, you can swap your whole top end on to that motor. But if your heads are slightly warped from overheating, then you probably need new heads, or those machined. You never want to use a used cam that has alot of miles on it, the lifters have been broken in with that cam so it will never be perfect. You should get a new cam and lifters, pushrods, and some roller rockers. It will save you a headache in the long run if you buy new parts. Pulling the motor looks like a bitch, and people have many pictures on how they did it. I myself have not done it yet, but will do it myself if the motor blows up. A basic rebuild is not that much money and will give your car a new life.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7
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From: Michigan
Thank you Thanks for advice. I've reposted it there. Not enough money to do too much in the way of upgrades, but i'm taking to opportunity to clean up some surface rust, do some cleaning of parts (transmission, clutch) switch out the shifter and one or two cheap mods on the engine to make it a little faster.
