Replacing my LT1

[Mr.FIRD]

Soo I got the news today after I had to get my Trans Am towed to my uncle's shop after all the miss firing and flashing check engine light drama..

The motor seized...

But down to the point...

Suggestions! Any suggestions on where to get a new motor, or should I rebuild it etc etc etc....

Anything would help I am a little confused. I am doing my research too but I'd like to hear your suggestions/stories.

Thanks!

[sweetbmxrider]

http://www.ellweinengines.com/EllweinEngineComponents/355Kit/355Kit.htm

if your block is trashed, i'll have one to pretty much give away in a month or two. there are always shortblocks in classifieds too, usually for real cheap. it all depends on your budget and what you want from the car.

[BigRocsFirebird]

Theres all differnt ways to go about that.. What do you want it for? You could drop another stock one in or if the block is good build that **** up.

[Mr.FIRD]

I will tell you all more on the condition of the motor when I get to the shop tomorrow.

[Slow-V6]

Craigslist. You can find complete Lt1's on there for as little as 300.00..

[Mr.FIRD]

Ok I have made up my mind. I want a crate engine... Stock replacement. Suggestions on companies???

[sweetbmxrider]

from what i have seen, you get overcharged for a crate lt1. you could try looking at a jasper rebuilt but that will probably be a little high too. how bad is the carnage or is it too much work to want to salvage anything?

[Slow-V6]

You could probably find another LT1 Car for the price it is for a Crate or Jasper motor.. I would buy a LT1 Car, Pull the motor then sell the car and get most of your money back.

[JL8Jeff]

You may want to research the crate engines as well. From what I've read in the past, crate engines are usually assembly line engines that had issues and had to be pulled and repaired for whatever reason. Don't assume a crate engine is a brand new engine.

[WildBillyT]

You may want to research the crate engines as well. From what I've read in the past, crate engines are usually assembly line engines that had issues and had to be pulled and repaired for whatever reason. Don't assume a crate engine is a brand new engine.

With parts store crates (Recon, etc) I've heard stories of them coming with mismatched heads, only one hole bored over with a special piston, and refused warranty claims if you open the engine yourself.

[RamAir95TA]

I would just have a local shop rebuild it using stock parts. You could do it for half the cost of a crate engine. ****, I'd even do it for you. What kind of budget are you looking at anyway?

[BigRocsFirebird]

yeah and some crates tighten your crank and pistions down with impact guns!

[V]

what does a LT1 crate engine go for? i couldn't find any at my usual sources.

i do have a 96 impala SS LT1 motor... iron heads but shortblock would be the same, only 6,609 miles on it...

i would be willing to sell the shortblock.
For just the block with the rotating assembly, oil pan, camshaft and timing setup for $700.
(no heads, no starter, no opti, no waterpump)

[RamAir95TA]

A Jasper LT1 goes for something ridiculous for like $6,000.

Pick up that shortblock, throw your aluminum heads on it, and that's the most cost-effective solution by far.

[sweetbmxrider]

wow, i thought they were better then that! you could get an ellwein build for that much.

i am just curious if there is any head or valve damage. if not, i'd definitely just throw the top end on a used or freshened up short block and save a ton. i'm sure there are people around who can help too if you want to save on labor.

[Slow-V6]

There is a 94 T/A for sale on here right now for like 3700.00. It has a Built LT1 in it already. Could buy it, Swap the motor into your car and then sell that car and get most of your money back. Just a suggestion.

Here is also another motor I found on Craigslist.
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/pts/2069073382.html

[Mr.FIRD]

The head is warped. Car had a head go on it. The motor is filled with coolant.

[sweetbmxrider]

thats what i was wondering. well what is your realistic budget and goals? do you simply just want to put a stock motor together or do you want to do a small cam and maybe some head work?

[Mr.FIRD]

Stock i guess since cam and head work sounds alittle expensive...

[RamAir95TA]

Well you've gotten some pretty viable options. What are you thinking?

[Mr.FIRD]

Well, We are currently looking for an LT1 engine (from another car) with low miles. So far... Nothing found.... Such a PITTA .... Gonna check the guys at fbody world (the link slow v6 gave me) and see if they got anything with low miles. but the last time i looked on there site that LT1 engine you linked me to seems to not be listed... On there site

[deadtrend1]

Low miles is tough to find on a car thats at the very least 13 years old.

[BigRocsFirebird]

i'd go with a short block and drop your own heads and cam into it.

[BonzoHansen]

i'd go with a short block and drop your own heads and cam into it.

See this:
The head is warped. Car had a head go on it. The motor is filled with coolant.

[Slow-V6]

Well, We are currently looking for an LT1 engine (from another car) with low miles. So far... Nothing found.... Such a PITTA .... Gonna check the guys at fbody world (the link slow v6 gave me) and see if they got anything with low miles. but the last time i looked on there site that LT1 engine you linked me to seems to not be listed... On there site

Check Ebay as well. There is a 4th gen junkyard up in Bensalem PA just north of Philly. I cant remember the name of it but they have tons of 4th gen parts and might have a low mile LT1.

[thehazguy]

I've used enginesdirect off Ebay for a crate but called them instead of bidding. Things worked out great shipped motor to dock at work.

http://enginesdirect.net/

[JL8Jeff]

Check Ebay as well. There is a 4th gen junkyard up in Bensalem PA just north of Philly. I cant remember the name of it but they have tons of 4th gen parts and might have a low mile LT1.

I think their Ebay name is Fparts. Here's one of their engines Fparts 96 LT4 engine (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/96-CORVETTE-LT4-Engine-w-ECM-and-Wiring-AMAZING-27-/140472320569?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20b4cd8239)

[Mr.FIRD]

Thanks guys for the help! Searching for an LT1 still :) might take a little time but worth the wait for something good to pop up

EDIT: by the way, Can a corvette LT1 be used in a firebird???? I heard a rumor you can't without converting something (don't remember what was said...)

[BigAls87Z28]

Yes, you can use it. Corvette blocks are 4 bolt main, which gives you a great platform to build more power.

[sweetbmxrider]

you will have to switch your crank pulley/harmonic balancer. they are different depths.

[sweetbmxrider]

http://www.ls1lt1.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42424

pretty much a direct drop in since its a 97 and you have a 96.

[Featherburner]

The oil pans are different. So are the fuel rails and exhaust manifolds. Maybe the waterpump hose locations too.

[Mr.FIRD]

What do you guys think of this???

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/93-94-95-96-97-Chevy-Pontiac-Camaro-350-lt1-engine-/230557427627?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35ae4b27ab

They seem to have good reviews and I did some research and some people on other forums have said this company makes a good product... the warranty seems good too :nod:

Here's there site.
http://powertrainproducts.net/

Also I have a few questions about 160 thermos stats...
Would the Computer have to be reprogrammed for the fans to kick on earlier???
Does Anything else have to be done for a 160 to work properly???

EDIT: Also what are good bolt on mods for alittle added horse power ??? I'm looking to go a little faster then befor without going super crazy and having to modify the whole car... cold air intake??? Bigger throttle body??? What's a good set-up. Kinda new to this...

Thanks guys for all the help!

[Mr.FIRD]

I've used enginesdirect off Ebay for a crate but called them instead of bidding. Things worked out great shipped motor to dock at work.

http://enginesdirect.net/

How's the engine running you got from engines direct??? :-P

[Tru2Chevy]

Also I have a few questions about 160 thermos stats...
Would the Computer have to be reprogrammed for the fans to kick on earlier???
Does Anything else have to be done for a 160 to work properly???

EDIT: Also what are good bolt on mods for alittle added horse power ??? I'm looking to go a little faster then befor without going super crazy and having to modify the whole car... cold air intake??? Bigger throttle body??? What's a good set-up. Kinda new to this...

Yes, the computer has to be programmed to turn the fans on earlier to take advantage on the 160 stat.

If you are just looking for a mild bump in performance I would suggest starting with a cold air intake, full exhaust, and a tune.

- Justin

[Mr.FIRD]

Yes, the computer has to be programmed to turn the fans on earlier to take advantage on the 160 stat.

If you are just looking for a mild bump in performance I would suggest starting with a cold air intake, full exhaust, and a tune.

- Justin

Yes I am going to do some cold air intake i know that for sure! Thinking of going with dynomax catback... Since my borla is shot out plus don't really like it much anymore (not loud enough!) EDIT: but I am thinking of redoing the throttle body and intake manifold... but I am not sure if It's too serious of a mod for stock heads...

[RamAir95TA]

If by "redoing" the throttle body and intake manifold you mean upgrading to a 58mm, your money would be better spent elsewhere. There are gains to be had, but the HP/$ is pretty low. You're talking about a MAYBE 3-4HP increase for $300+.

If, on the intake manifold front, you're talking about PORTING the runners and/or port-matching, there is no gain to be had on a stock motor and port-matching can actually HURT performance.

[Pampered-Z]

Leave the intake stock, no need to waste money, you're not going to see any gains until you really need the air flow.

Cold air intake, 52MM throttle body, air foil (if not built into TB) will all gain a few HPs. Headers will help allot. look at something like MACs or Edelbrock, they work well and stay leagal.

[Mr.FIRD]

Leave the intake stock, no need to waste money, you're not going to see any gains until you really need the air flow.

Cold air intake, 52MM throttle body, air foil (if not built into TB) will all gain a few HPs. Headers will help allot. look at something like MACs or Edelbrock, they work well and stay leagal.

Are headers a PITTA??? And have to be replaced every few years??? just curious. i like how the manifolds are solid as a rock!!! :nod:

So I should do a 52mm throttle body, air foil (what does it do??? just curious) headers and cold air intake??? (not all at the same time of course lol... money money money)

BTW What does anyone think of SLP loumouth?????

[deadtrend1]

Are headers a PITTA??? And have to be replaced every few years??? just curious. i like how the manifolds are solid as a rock!!! :nod:

So I should do a 52mm throttle body, air foil (what does it do??? just curious) headers and cold air intake??? (not all at the same time of course lol... money money money)

BTW What does anyone think of SLP loumouth?????

Headers do not have to be replaced every three years. Buy a decent set and have them coated. They will be a pain in the ass to install.

Leave the stock 48mm throttle body on unless you start doing internal motor work. A air foil is eh. In theory it works. Buy one cheap and used. Same with the cai. Check classifieds for one.

A loudmouth one is raspy as hell. Loudmouth II isn't bad, but you need the extra parts to bolt to the lt1 y pipe, so adding to the overpriced slp stuff. Which you said money is tight, there are cheaper options out there.

[Pampered-Z]

Are headers a PITTA??? And have to be replaced every few years??? just curious. i like how the manifolds are solid as a rock!!! :nod:

So I should do a 52mm throttle body, air foil (what does it do??? just curious) headers and cold air intake??? (not all at the same time of course lol... money money money)

BTW What does anyone think of SLP loumouth?????


Headers are a bit tuff, but doing shorties/legal headers are far easier, and if the have the engine out, it's a perfect time.

The aif foil is a little air splitter that smooths the airflow into the engine. Some aftermarket Tbs have them, some don't.

I personally don't car for the loudmouth, but I don't like extreemly loud. I like more of the mellow sounding systems, Hooker aero is nice.

Check out the link below, might help you get some ideas?

http://www.lt1engine.com/videos/

[greenformula92]

I know hawks sells LT1 engines....they are used but the come with everything....can't remember the prices though and im on my phone at the moment

[Mr.FIRD]

I got a engine Thursday. I'll let you all know how it turns out!

[Mr.FIRD]

I got the car back thursday!!! Runs good! New reman engine. Love it. Thanks guys for all the help!