LT1 ino 96+

[fergymoto]

Just wondering if anyone has replaced their Vortec 5.7L with a LT1. I am looking to go the LT1 route. I was wondering how you guys got your gauges to work and if you continued to use your 4L60E with the LT1 computer. Was this a tough swap to get working right? Would I still be able to have cruise control? I'm not worried about mounting, just the wiring and making everything work. Should I look into the Painless LT1 harness or would I be better off getting my stock harness and LT1 harness made into one? Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks

Dan

[RedHeartbeat]

I had a 93 LT1 in my 92 C1500. It was a simple swap. Regular headers fit fine. I used the stock Corvette wiring harness with a few mods and a chip burned by Street and Performance to delete smog junk and the VATS logic removed. It ran very well. Can't say I would do an LT1 again after doing the LS1. Just the cost of replacing water pumps and ignition units makes me want to

[fergymoto]

How did you get your gauges to work and stuff? Was it pretty simple? I wouldn't mind going LS1, but I don't think I can afford one. Also, was your truck 4wd?

[RedHeartbeat]

used the stock factory gauges without any issues. They are analog, not digital. Screwed the stock water temp gauge in the block and tee'd in the oil pressure gauge into the stock location. It was just all too easy. Even the cruise control would work after tapping into the speedo wiring. You can get an LS1 for the same or lower price of a LT1. Parts are harder to find for the LT1. LS1s are much more common hence cheaper parts and easily located. There are so many LS1 based engines available....4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 truck engines, LS1 5.7 aluminum block from Corvette, Camaro, Firebird and GTO, LS2 from GTO and Corvette, LS6 from Corvette, one of the Cadillacs has an LS1 based engine, also. The sheer numbers will help your prices and availability. Contact a local salvage yard. A 5.3 or 6.0 should be quite affordable. I paid $1400 + tax for a complete 98 LS1 with 4L60E. Check around and also consider that the LT1 was only available from 92 - 97, 6 years only. 97+ Corvettes are LS1, LS2 or LS6.

[fergymoto]

What about cooling? Did you use a stock radiator? How did you route your hoses? I ended up getting a LT1 from a 'vette. I have just about everything, gotta pick up and water pump and a opti LOL

[RedHeartbeat]

I used the stock truck radiator. The steam port is important to get vented properly. The heater hoses are pretty straight fwd. There are two sizes of hose outlets on the pump that fit the std hose sizes. I had a Corvette LT1 also. The accessories work perfectly with my 92 truck. Pretty much everything bolted right in, including the power steering hoses.

[fergymoto]

Do you have any pics of that stuff? I will not see how stuff was routed in the 'vette, so I'm going to have to figure it all out with some tips and guess work. Yours is probably about the same, mine is a '96 with a Vortec. Not to many people on here is there? Thanks for your replies!

[RedHeartbeat]

I trashed the LT1 in favor of an LS1 two years ago. I don't have pics of the stuff installed in the 92. I only have pics of my engine on the stand after R&R for the LS1.

[fergymoto]

I picked up an LT1 from a '94 vette. Will have wiring harness and all accessories too. It seemed like a fairly cheap way to go and I also have a little experience with the LT1 from my '97 TA. If you don't mind, could you email me the pics of your engine after being removed from the truck? That may even be useful. Thanks

email is rgs455@nauticom.net

[RedHeartbeat]

YGM. All the photos of my 106K engine.