Anyone drop an LT1 into an 81?

[jdads2]

A buddy of mine just came across an LT1 that is minus the wiring harness and computer. How much of a problem and cost am I looking at in putting this into my car? I already have the original engine out and if I get a different engine I'll restore it. Any ideas or questimates?

Thanks,

 

[Dave L.]

Its hard to wager a guess but motor mount and trans mounting geometry is different I'm sure. Its not like just dropping any old style small block in there. However if there is a will (and $$$)there's a way.

Dave

 

[Last Ride]

Been done on late C3's (including mine). It was a pain at the time, but a lot more is out there now to help the swap go easier. If I was doing it now, I would probably do an LS1, however. You might also want to post this in the C3 Mods forum.

 

[conedude]

an LT1 (92-96 Corvette) 2nd generation small block will bolt right into your engine compartment with no modification whatsoever. that is if it is a corvette LT1. the other bowtie LT1s had a different configuration of the accessories on the front, ie camero were mounted way low on both sides. LT1 Corvette had everything; alternator, power steering, and compressor all mounted on the drivers side. the Corvette LT1 will bolt right in with no modification. good luck on anything else. howell engineering out of michigan is the best place for the wiring harness-not the only place-just the best place, understand best. get a 90-91 computer and howell can reflash it for you also, lots of problems if you don't get it reflashed. the last and most important item you must address with this swap: a high fill for the radiator. LT1 had reverse flow cooling, aluminum heads with a steam cross over bolted to the back of both heads. if you do not have a high fill for the expansion or filler, the steam will not be able to escape, and you will cook the motor. if you are also going to replace the automatic with one that is behind the LT1, then you will need to get or modify the the rear cross member. also depending on the year of the 700R4, 4L60, or 4L60E, there are some other things that will need to be addressed. if you don't have access to a Corvette LT1 & 4L60 (1993), i have a complete unit that i was going to put into my 81, before i got my 01. make you a deal. c.a.wisniewski@email.com i do not recommend any LT1 but the Corvette, which even bolts right into a C1. watch out for the two previous responses, they seem to be using rectal data for the baisis in their responses. please understand the difference between an LT-1 and an LT1. if you want to do an LS1 swap-then have deep pockets.

 

[conedude]

forgot to mention that if you have a manual transmission, you will need to make sure that the block is drilled and tapped for the clutch pivot linkage. at least you haven't started the project. whew!

conedude
48th anniversary edition
(formerly 28th anniversary edition)

 

[GerryLP]

watch out for the two previous responses, they seem to be using rectal data for the baisis in their responses.

Cone,

Most people would prefer that one state that with which one disagrees. Comments like the one in the quote above tend to inflame a discussion and do not contribute anything positive.

Please, If you disagree with something, then explain why and let the audience make-up their own mind. We're here for the free exchange of ideas and learning.

 

[Last Ride]

Cone,

Most people would prefer that one state that with which one disagrees. Comments like the one in the quote above tend to inflame a discussion and do not contribute anything positive.

Please, If you disagree with something, then explain why and let the audience make-up their own mind. We're here for the free exchange of ideas and learning.

Yeah, I would tend to agree. I can't speak for everyone else, but I am speaking from experience. Been there, done that. Like my sig says, I have an LT1 running in my '78. I still stand by my previous statement that if I were to be doing this swap now, I would go LS1. At the time I did mine, the LS1 was still too new, and the LT1 conversion was more expensive. By now, I am sure costs have gone down, and I am sure costs are falling for the LS1 swap as well. Ask the big shops doing such conversions which motor is the motor of choice, and they will tell you the LS1. By no means am I saying that the LT1 is a bad motor, I am enjoying mine very much! But as long as we are throwing out caveats, I would also be weary of someone offering advice on what he was "going to do" but never did and now wants to sell you the remnants of his project. Okay, maybe the last comment is not fair as he did offer some good information. But still...

Bryan