It's been over 30 years since I sold my '71 SS Nova and I kick myself for doing it. But I have an itch to get back working on a 350 small block. I want a streetable engine that will easily drop into an older body. Trouble is I don't have anything yet but an itch. The building block of choice seems to the LT1. I see where this engine was put in a number of sedans including the 92-96 Caprice. It was also put in the Vette and the Camaro over about the same time period. The rated hp for the Vette version was a bit higher than that of the sedan. Can someone explain why the difference? If I found a sedan motor I'd like to know how to upgrade it to Vette specs, if this is even possible without changing heads, etc. I understood the Vette had aluminum heads versus cast iron for the sedan but were there differences other than the material? I also think I read where the cam in the sedan motor provided a bit more bottom end to allow for the heavy body weight and this may explain the rated hp difference as well. Any insight here would be appreciated.

I also see that not all 5.7L V-8 in this time frame were LT1s. How can I tell the difference? Hopefully there is an easy way without the need to take something apart. I see the Buick Roadmaster wagon had this same engine but the owners seem pretty proud of their rides and the selling prices I've found are pretty high.

And finally, any suggestions on a good way to find a starting motor. I can always go online and buy a short block or long block but I'd still need all the other 'pieces'. It seems best if I could find a runnng car that is basically junk and then strip out what I need and scrap the rest. Any ideas here would be appreciated.