Engine Swap

Can a LT1 go into a 92 caprice with a 305 TBI? If so what special alterations need to be done? I hear from people that it would just drop right in, but then I read in other places that you have to alter the frame or something of that nature.

The frame needs to be notched if you want to use the LT1 AC compressor.

Is a fair amount of wiring work, depending whether you keep the AC you might have to reposition the passenger side engine mount on the crossmember.

Fuel system has to be able to handle the 43.5psi as opposed to the TBI 15psi.

Not really a simple dropin.

I like the LT1 but probably would not bother to retrofit it inot much. If going through all that work I would just step right past the LT1 and go to a LS engine, the truck 5.3l are cheap and easy to find.

The LQ9 truck engines are also a good option. You'll want to get as much of the wire harness as you can and the PCM.

how much more trouble are those two (LQ9, LS) putting in than a LT1? And price range compared to the LT1? My thing is this. I dont have a 9C1 caprice package so I want to get an old 9C1 to take the rear disc's as well. That would give me the rear end and LT1 all in the same car.

In stock form the rear discs are a step BACKWARDS because GM did not set them up right.

You would do well to drop the whole 9C1 love thing too. It is just another Caprice, but one likely to be more worn out.

The rear discs can be made to work right but require modification to the system, GM delivered them with a drum proportioning valve so the rear discs do basically nothing unless you are on the brakes HARD.

In stock form the rear discs are a step BACKWARDS because GM did not set them up right.

You would do well to drop the whole 9C1 love thing too. It is just another Caprice, but one likely to be more worn out.

The rear discs can be made to work right but require modification to the system, GM delivered them with a drum proportioning valve so the rear discs do basically nothing unless you are on the brakes HARD.


I really dont care about the 9C1 I just know that is the version that had the rear discs with the full posi.

Are those not an upgrade over the rear drums in any form?
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3309049

This is the car the mods would be going to.

My plan was to find a cheap donor for this project, and it just seemed the simpler path. For 1k there is a LT1 around the corner waiting to be installed in something. But I figured for that amount I could just buy a donor from an Auction and get the engine PLUS whatever else I can take.

I really dont care about the 9C1 I just know that is the version that had the rear discs with the full posi.

Are those not an upgrade over the rear drums in any form?
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3309049

This is the car the mods would be going to.

My plan was to find a cheap donor for this project, and it just seemed the simpler path. For 1k there is a LT1 around the corner waiting to be installed in something. But I figured for that amount I could just buy a donor from an Auction and get the engine PLUS whatever else I can take.

Not all of those have posi. I have a '94 rear axle setup in my '88 (with necessary combo valve mods) with the discs ... and it has an open diff, not limited slip.