LT1 modding

I'm buying an LT1 this summer and I want to have it ready to drive by the fall. I don't want it stock because I'm going away to college and want to improve heads, cam, maybe internals? for around 420 hp and 470 tq. I've been reading about the LT4 conversion, how some say it works and others say it isn't worth it. Is it or isn't it? I heard Jegs had a conversion but I can't find it.

I want to know if I have to take the engine out to do this work, or how much I have to take apart. How long might this take by an amateur? will be my first time with the LT1.

well im not and all out gear head (yet ;) ) but yes if your going to mess with the cam and other internals your deffently going to have to take the engine out will take prob you and a couple of buddys and if its your guys first time it will prob take a good chunk of your day just remember to label everything!! as the lt1 modding sorry cant help dont mess with those types hope i helped somewhat

well im not and all out gear head (yet ;) ) but yes if your going to mess with the cam and other internals your deffently going to have to take the engine out will take prob you and a couple of buddys and if its your guys first time it will prob take a good chunk of your day just remember to label everything!! as the lt1 modding sorry cant help dont mess with those types hope i helped somewhat

It's the spirit that counts, and thanks for the bump to the top

Ahh if you are planning on doing the work by yourself I hope you have alot of experience with working on cars, cause the LT1 block is not even remotely easy to work on.

That said here's the link you are looking for for the LT1 to LT4 conversion:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=NAL-GMP3287-1

Ahh if you are planning on doing the work by yourself I hope you have alot of experience with working on cars, cause the LT1 block is not even remotely easy to work on.

That said here's the link you are looking for for the LT1 to LT4 conversion:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=NAL-GMP3287-1

It says not available and the picture's gone. I think GM discontinued it. I want to work on the engine before I don't have the time to anymore. There must still be LT4 conversions out there but is that the best way to go?

Huh, I just clicked on the link again, and it works for me. I think you need to enable your cookies. The kit is still for sale from what I read.

Here, I know what will work. Rather then copy and pasting it, right click on the link I provided, and copy the image location. From there just insert it in a page. Then again I read that the kit is no longer available.

OK, go here. Pretty cheap kit actually:
http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?action=catalog_start&catid=3473

(Remember, copy image location, don't just cut and copy).

Just read through it, and it appears that the heads are no longer for sale. No matter, from what i've read you can get just as much power from porting your LT1 heads.

Huh, I just clicked on the link again, and it works for me. I think you need to enable your cookies. The kit is still for sale from what I read.

Here, I know what will work. Rather then copy and pasting it, right click on the link I provided, and copy the image location. From there just insert it in a page. Then again I read that the kit is no longer available.

OK, go here. Pretty cheap kit actually:
http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?action=catalog_start&catid=3473

(Remember, copy image location, don't just cut and copy).

Lol, I just click on the links.

The summit page had a red N/A so I figured it wasn't for sale anymore and I heard it was Discontinued. I know the sdpc kit but how much power do you think I'll be making, assuming I'm starting from stock"

The LT4 conversion is over rated and 2000LS1Z28 is right, you can get better numbers by merely porting a set of stock heads. Also, the engine does not have to be removed to do a cam swap. The radiator and A/C Condersor and Tranny cooler need to be removed along with the water pump, distributor and timing cover. Then you just pull it straight out and angle it to the right or left then out of the engine bay.

The LT4 conversion is over rated and 2000LS1Z28 is right, you can get better numbers by merely porting a set of stock heads. Also, the engine does not have to be removed to do a cam swap. The radiator and A/C Condersor and Tranny cooler need to be removed along with the water pump, distributor and timing cover. Then you just pull it straight out and angle it to the right or left then out of the engine bay.

:banghead: didnt even think about that but if your going to be doing a lot of work i would still just pull it out its more convienant

Actually, not even close. There are way more steps involved in having to pull the engine than merely just doing the steps I mentioned, although I did leave out removing the intake manifold so you can get to the lifters and the oil pump drive.

Actually, not even close. There are way more steps involved in having to pull the engine than merely just doing the steps I mentioned, although I did leave out removing the intake manifold so you can get to the lifters and the oil pump drive.

but i think he wanted to change out more then the cam because he says internals..and i mean if you have the time why not check out everything, no what i mean jelly bean

but i think he wanted to change out more then the cam because he says internals..and i mean if you have the time why not check out everything, no what i mean jelly bean

He's right I said internals, but I'm also asking what you think I should change for the best bang for my buck and how to do that. I'm still considering what to do. I could get a better set of heads and a hotcam for less than the LT4 heads and cam right?

Any moving parts I should change out now also or do you think that's too soon? I just want around 400-425hp from engine mods right now.

Unless youre going to do a drastic engine overhaul, try and keep it in the engine bay for the work. The LT1, and LS1 actually, need to be dropped from the bottom, meaning you have to drop the front suspension in addition to the motor. A lot of work if all youre going to do is a cam, intake and head swap/work.

The engine can come out the top. I have done it 3 times. However its a pain. Stock LT1 aluminum heads are excellent heads, with a nice port job they will flow with the most expensive aftermarket set or better. Keep the stock heads. For internals, yes., my bad the engine most certainly has to come out,