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I posted this in mechanical (I'm new here!) and now see the conversion site..so, here's the question: I'm considering swapping out a vortec 350 in my 96 1500 Suburban with an LT1 out of a 95 Caddy I own. Does anyone have any info/advice on this swap? I have both complete cars..the suburban has a broken crank..the LT1 in the Cad runs perfect. any help/guidance for info etc. is appreciated. tks. Bill
The only way I would consider an LT1 is if it's free. They make power but aftermarket is nothing compared to the lsx . I think you would be better off selling the caddy and buying an lsx. My twoDD cents worth.
just replace the crank and call it good. Do that or buy a new crate engine. The caddy LT1 swap isn't a very easy swap compared to replacing a crankshaft. In states requiring emissions testing comparable to CARB regulations, putting an older engine in a newer vehicle is an illegal swap and will not pass testing requirements.
If I had a free LT1 to swap in, I'd sell it and get something better. If I had an LT1 in a car, I'd sell the entire car to fund a swap to something better.
What's wrong with the FW? If you want to sell, go to the Imp SS Forum. I'm sure there are a few guys that would snatch it up! The LT1 is a great engine and has huge potential, but I would think you would be taking a step back swaping into a newer vehicle... My .02.
Poorly designed ignition system and odd-ball cooling system are two votes from me. They also weigh as much as a traditional small block and have a short time of production for finding good deals on parts.
why not just use the intake manifold, the crank and the cam from the lt1 and put it on the vortec thats if your hearts set at sticking with it. you have the intake machined for the dist. plus you wont have to deal with the opti.
Do the coolant passages on the LT1 engine and the Vortec heads match? The LT1 is reverse cooled.
Works fine for me...Quote:
Originally Posted by GasGuzzler
ok, I did this swap in my 1988 chevy. You will have to notch the fram on the passenger side to clear the ac compressor unless you buy custom acc. drive brackets from streetperformance, and they are pricey. you will need to get a fuel pump from a late 80's iroc camaro to handle the new desired 43.5 fuel pressure the lt1 craves. also a wiring harness and computer if you wish to run fuel inj. the swap isnt rocket science. But its not as simple as bolting it in like most other chevy's. If you have any ?'s feel free to ask me. P.S. Lt1's are Awesome motors if taken care of and tuned right!