Thread: Vortec to LT1

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Since I have some of both the question is. Are heads and intakes interchangeable? Can you put a Vortec FI top end on a LT1? In a previous post I mentioned I had a couple LT1's,minus FI and a complete Vortec. All are 350's. Do these engines have common parts?

I've never tried it, but the LT1 motors had a reverse cooling system, so there may be some issues there. Maybe one of the other members could elucidate more thoroughly.

Roger that - The LT1 reverse cooling has different flow pattern and different holes for coolant. Non-LT1 heads can be made to work, but require welding and machining to make sure all holes line up and you get good flow.

Maybe someone on the site has done this operation and give some indication of just how much work is required and you can contrast against getting heads you know will work.

OK thanks! Now the real question is which would be the best candidate to build for my first street rod? It will be an early chevy truck 41 thru 53. Should I rebuild the vortec and keep the FI or go LT1 with carb. I would like a nice reliable truck for crusing with a little noise out the exhaust and 350HP at the rear. I figured I could go ahead and get the engine and trans done while finding the truck. Based on the answers I get than I can plan the engine.

Go with the LT1 but go with FI and not Carb. Set-up is fairly easy and parts are accessible for this. It works great for the street rod project. I'm doing my second LT1 now.
Jerome

Would you reccommend I go with factory or aftermarket FI? How about a cam to get a little lope or does the factory cam do that?

I have both a 94and a 96. I was told these were out of totaled cars and only had arounb 10K miles. Still I would disassemble and check everything out.The guy had alot of them. I have been sitting on these for about 6 or 7 years. Is there a preference as to which year?

Hi Sfort,
Sorry for not responding sooner.
I have had a lot of success with the factory FI setup but then again, this is in my comfort zone. You can do some improvements by putting in a slightly hotter cam but there is a limit that you can go before the computer gets too tricky to tune. I've seen some LT1's with too hot of a cam and the dang thing just won't idle right - but goes down the track like crazy. For me, I want a total package in my street rod so opt for a closer to stock cam.

Regarding the 94 versus the 96 - The Block and the heads are essentially the same. The biggest difference is in the computer the knock sensors, and the oxygen sensors. The older knock sensors are very sensative and throw some false codes when I step on it. Newer version knock sensors are better. The knock sensors are NOT interchangable even though some websites may lead you to believe this.

The Stock intake manifold on the '94 is a 48mm. I put on a 52mm without any other modifications. You can buy a 58mm throttle body but then you need to have a new intake. Some claim HP gains by just going from 48mm to 58mm and logically that would make sense but there are other changes that would result in more improvements.

Lastly a good website for reference is www.shbox.com as there are lots of good information on this site.

Hope this helps some.
Jerome

Thanks for the reply. I have been out of town for a while.

Does anyone know of good sources for the factory FI and hardware?