91 Roadmaster Questions

cuberts supra · 02-11-2005, 06:06 PM

well..since i go through cars like nothing...im considering picking up a 91 wagon...its got 135k on the 305 motor (pleh) but its mint and i can pick it up for 1500 bucks. Now im under the impression that the wood trim can be taken off with relative ease. Correct me if im wrong? I also believe that a set of 17 (or possibly bigger) inch rims should fit under it without problems. The big question, the LT1....i know its possible to get one under the hood...but is it a drop in deal? obviously id need the Lt1 computer and stuff....but what about the tranny? Im looking to make a crusier with a little punch behind it....nothing rediculous....any help would be great

*edit* the more i look into it..the more it seems like buliding the 305 would be the better choice..if the chevy and buick 305's are the same..somebody verify please...help the dumb import guy out

tman · 02-11-2005, 08:38 PM

Not sure of the removal of the paneling, I'd leave it, it's sexy.

I've seen roadmaster rolling on 20's before, just make sure that the tire size matches by going to tirerack.com and using their converter. We also have a wheel/tire forum that is cosponsored with tirerack.

The LT1 was available in the roadmaster, so it should drop in with original motor mounts. The airbox on that motor looks like home plate from a baseball diamond. Ot can be removed, and I recall a website that outlined a custom CAI from lowes for about $10.

cuberts supra · 02-11-2005, 08:51 PM

i probably should leave the panel...cops would pay even less attention to me. For the wheels im gonna look around for pictures of the big ol wagons with different sized rims to see what i like. If the LT1 was to go in itd probably be a while from now..the toughest part im thinking is gonna be finding the motor. Id probably be best off finding a wrecked 9C1 or something to that nature so i have everything i need right there...possible even do a rebuild before i swapped. Right now im trying to get a basic idea of things to do. I think what really draws me in is the badass moonroof in the backseat..heh

gn1220 · 02-19-2005, 05:35 AM

Just put a TBI 350 in it because it's a MAJOR hassle to convert to an LT-1. Yes, they are both small blocks but that's about it. Wiring is different, fuel lines, accessories. Just much easier to leave the TBI or buy a wagon with the LT-1. All wagons built 94 and later had the LT-1.

As for the wood, the car is painted underneath and the trim and wood pulls right off but there is 60+ studs and holes left to deal with. If you plan on doing a lot of body work it wouldn't be any big deal but it isn't a one day job.

Sportin' wood · 08-29-2005, 01:05 PM

*edit* the more i look into it..the more it seems like buliding the 305 would be the better choice..if the chevy and buick 305's are the same..somebody verify please...help the dumb import guy out[/quote]

I hope this helps.... There is no "Buick" 305 in 91. After the early 80's all GM cars rolled with "Corporate" engines (aka chevy) so a 305 in your Roadie is the same exact engine as a Caprice or Camaro with a 305. I have the TBI in my 91 and I looked to putting in a LT1, but I've changed my mind. The LT1 is nicer looking and probably more powerful, but the TBI is a fine fuel injection system and it can be made to provide plenty of punch for your wagon. Do a search for "Gofaster.com" and make your way through the pages until you find "SPO". This guy is a TBI fanatic and there is much good information there. Don't believe somebody squawking about rated horsepower from the factory. The torque numbers are nearly equal and can be better with simple mods. The LT1 is a great engine, but I don't think it's worth the cost and crazy effort considering the gains. One of the bigger A## pains in the exhaust. Our wagons have single exhaust down one side. LT1's have dual exhaust and our crossmembers don't have room for it. So you have to buy a new tranny crossmember and have all new exhaust put on. You could use your old exhaust, but the performance gains would be limited. Then there is the wiring......

gn1220 · 08-29-2005, 02:43 PM

Crossmember and exhaust are easy, it's the notching of the frame for the A/C compressor and all of the wiring that makes it difficult. And yes, the LT-1 is much better with 90 hp more from the get-go.

Sportin' wood · 08-30-2005, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gn1220

Crossmember and exhaust are easy, it's the notching of the frame for the A/C compressor and all of the wiring that makes it difficult. And yes, the LT-1 is much better with 90 hp more from the get-go.

Yes, Crossmembers and exhaust are easy... if your checking account allows it. I'll admit to being a cheap guy, but I'd sooner spend money on improving what I had then swapping engines for 90 freakin' horsepower. C'mon...... Does this even make sense? Even a 305 can grow horsepower for less than an LT1 swap. If I had an LT1, I'd be pleased. It's a great engine. But, for about the same money as a swap, you could dump the old lower end for a 383, put on some fabulous heads and a 454 TBI and roll easy my brother. Remember what I said about people quoting factory specs? Just improve what you got... you'll be better for it.

gn1220 · 08-30-2005, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportin' wood

Yes, Crossmembers and exhaust are easy... if your checking account allows it. I'll admit to being a cheap guy, but I'd sooner spend money on improving what I had then swapping engines for 90 freakin' horsepower. Just improve what you got... you'll be better for it.

Don't get me wrong, I totally agree. I wouldn't want to swap in an LT-1 either, but it can be done. Personally, I would start with a 350 instead of the 305 though. 305 heads are junk, the motor is smaller. Just find a 350 donor motor and build that into a 355, 383 or 406, whatever your wallet allows. Everything bolts up just the same and nobody will ever tell the difference. Until you step on the gas! Also keep driving the car while you build it.

Sportin' wood · 08-31-2005, 08:52 AM

I wouldn't want to swap in an LT-1 either, but it can be done. Personally, I would start with a 350 instead of the 305 though.

I think that's a good plan too. The TBI 350 could be found in good condition for about the same as rebuilding the 305 and all the expensive stuff bolts on.
Do you have any suggestions for putting a cowl induction set up on the older (91) wagons? I'm thinking of finding something off a firebird or Camaro and grafting it onto the hood. Were any Grand National hoods made with cowl induction? I started a thread, but I've got no responses yet on this subject.

gn1220 · 08-31-2005, 02:56 PM

GN's didn't have cowl hoods, just a big bump in the middle for looks. I plan to graft a set of 70-72 GS scoops into my stock hood to complete the Gran Sport look that I have going. I don't really care if it's functional or not. I did think of putting a late 70;s early 80's Camaro scoop on there, the long skinny one with the flap in it, that I might be able to use with a cowl induction air cleaner to make it functional. Just a thought.

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