So about two hours run time after my car swap, my connecting rod decided to let go on the highway and completely trash my motor. Being aluminum heads, they didn't fare so well and the shortblock is basically scrap now. I've been throwing around the idea of an LT1 swap instead of putting another SBC in. Yes, obviously I'd rather put an LSx into my car, but the cost of the swap is tenfold, so for now that's out. I know the LT1 will bolt up, I can (apparently) use my existing rad, although I'd need to fab up some electric fans. I've been told it uses all SBC bolt patterns, so it will bolt right to my motor mounts, transmission and exhaust.
I'm wondering if there's anything I'm missing that I'll need to buy or make sure the LT1 has on it when I buy it. Will my flywheel work?
I plan to do a little work to it before I drop it in (cam, 1.6 rocker arms, etc) My biggest issue that I'm on the fence about.. is do I slap a 4 barrel on it and call it a day.. or do I keep the FI and figure out some sort of electric pump option. Can I run an inline electric fuel pump, or do I have to get a new tank with an in tank pump?
Obviously FI is superior in terms of MPG and I have a friend who does tuning on GM's, so I'm not too worried about getting it set up properly.. but to be quite honest, the pictures that I've seen of LT1's in first gens look super ugly. There's a ton of wiring everywhere and the computer is big and bulky...
Most people I talk to, seem to be under the impression of LSx or nothing, even though the LT1 is a pretty capable motor. A friend of mine made 341RWHP on a dyno, on a stock bottom end LT1, with just a cam, upgraded springs, headers, 4bbl intake and a Holley 750.
So basically, my question is. Should I keep the FI and live with the hideous wiring? Go carb? nix the LT1 idea all together?
I'm wondering if there's anything I'm missing that I'll need to buy or make sure the LT1 has on it when I buy it. Will my flywheel work?
I plan to do a little work to it before I drop it in (cam, 1.6 rocker arms, etc) My biggest issue that I'm on the fence about.. is do I slap a 4 barrel on it and call it a day.. or do I keep the FI and figure out some sort of electric pump option. Can I run an inline electric fuel pump, or do I have to get a new tank with an in tank pump?
Obviously FI is superior in terms of MPG and I have a friend who does tuning on GM's, so I'm not too worried about getting it set up properly.. but to be quite honest, the pictures that I've seen of LT1's in first gens look super ugly. There's a ton of wiring everywhere and the computer is big and bulky...
Most people I talk to, seem to be under the impression of LSx or nothing, even though the LT1 is a pretty capable motor. A friend of mine made 341RWHP on a dyno, on a stock bottom end LT1, with just a cam, upgraded springs, headers, 4bbl intake and a Holley 750.
So basically, my question is. Should I keep the FI and live with the hideous wiring? Go carb? nix the LT1 idea all together?
