LT1 swap, and cost

[hgffrank]

What is the going rate for an LT1 engine complete with wiring harness? I posted a wanted add locally and a guy replied that he has a 95 LT1 complete with harness that he pulled from a camaro to put in his sand rail buggy, and he claims he just ran outta time, whatever that means. So he says he'll sell it to me complete for $500. That seems to be a killer deal and I think I am going to be all over it, I already called and left a voicemail and emailed him back expressing my interest, nothing back yet.

but I do have a few questions since I wasnt planning for this turn of events:

What other mods would I need to do in order to run this engine, assuming he has computer and everything. I know I'd need a fuel pump, but not much else. As far as the distributor, I know the opti's are a PITA, so would it be possible to run something like an MSD or Mallory ignition box and bypass the distributor with its junk opti sensor? Also would I run into any snags if I went carbed with this engine? How about headers, Can I used LS1 headers on the 3rd gen or do I have to get a custom set? How about y-pipe. Also considering I would only be paying $500 for the engine, what mods could I do to get the best gains with the 1500 to 2000 I will have left to spend on it. Engine mounts same? Also will my 3 point edelbrock stb clear the lt1 with carb, or the stock ltq intake? I think the ltq tb would be right in the way, so I kinda already know that but wanna be sure, just cant be cause I know the lt1 intake sits lower to engine than the tpi intakes so in a 3rd gen this is something I dont know.

Well thanks for any and all advice and hopefully I'll be hauling ass pretty soon like the rest of the pimps around here....lol

[Thedon619]

hey frank been a while, first off swap that LT1 in your 3rd gen would be a *****, youll have to use the opti dist. but msd makes a top for it that is better than stock, and its possible to make it carbed but just more work, LS1 headers will not work with the LT1 but should fit fine in the 3rd gen body, it will need new mounts i belive im not sure about you STB clearance sorry. Hope i could have been some help for ya.

[hgffrank]

hey frank been a while, first off swap that LT1 in your 3rd gen would be a *****, youll have to use the opti dist. but msd makes a top for it that is better than stock, and its possible to make it carbed but just more work, LS1 headers will not work with the LT1 but should fit fine in the 3rd gen body, it will need new mounts i belive im not sure about you STB clearance sorry. Hope i could have been some help for ya.

not sure why I wrote LS1 but I meant LT1 headers anyway. I read on the thirdgen.org board that the mounts will work without AC but not with. And supposedly the engine will bolt right up to my T5 although the tranny wont last long..lol

Please keep the info coming.

wouldnt it be possible to set up a crank trigger system with ignition box, and delete the dizzy? As bad as the opti's are, I would certainly think someone would have came up with a solution by now, especially for carbed applications

[JoeliusZ28]

I would use third gen headers instead of LT1s. its possible they will fit, but no way to be sure. headers made for a third gen will fit any SBC, and an LT1 fits into the latter category.