i want to drop an lt1 into my 78 camaro. not only because i like them better than the carbed engine i have now, but because i get more power and fuel injection. i've found a 350 lt1 out of a 96 Z28 (only 36k miles!!!) but i dont wanna purchase it until i kno what its REALLY gonna cost. meaning that, i kno its not as simple as dropping the engine in and reconnecting everything.

whats the price range for just the engine?

has anyone done this b4?

what other parts do i need?

what changes do i have to make?

will my stock 300 tranny work or should i upgrade?

any problems i should look out for?

thanks
dkindle

 

The LT1 would be a lot cheaper than a LS1 to swap in . You can use you stock motor mounts for one thing and bolt up your stock tranny if you want to (will need correct flywheel or flex plate). One area to investigate is the F-body accessories position (alt, P/S pump, A/C , etc.) , I believe you might need Corvette brackets . A friend of mine dropped an LT1 in a '90 model fullsize truck and ran into this. You'll also need to get the wiring harness converted , check out Speartech for that. You'll need to upgrade to a EFI electric fuel pump and look into what you'll need for exhaust fitment.

 

haha!

thx... its never as simple as i want it to be. but if it was, i wouldnt learn anything, would i?

thx for ur time,
dkindle

 

How much you got to spend?

 

idk... im a go with the flow-er... i find out how much i need, then i find a way to come up with it. currently, i have 1k to buy the motor. shouldnt be hard to find a stock lt1 for that much. i've done some research. i'll even BUY a trashed car just for the motor if i have to!!! my friends and i can drop it in, so that saves a ton oh dollars.

im lookin for the best i can get with 1k but i may be able to shell out the big bucks for a vette engine w/ 4bolts. low mileage is a must. 50k or less or no dice...

so all in all... i can save 1.5 - 2k if i have to

thanks
dkindle

 

I would rather buy a well taken care of engine with 80K miles, then buy a 40-50K engine out of a car that was beat.
Around 1K should get you a decent engine.
Its going to take some side dollars and work to get the motor in its new home.
I have pics of a 72 Camaro with an LT1, and Ive seen many other's so it can't be too exhausting.

 

i kno... but there has got to be a well taken care of engine WITH >50k on it somewhere... but honestly speaking, if the price is rite, the price is rite...

thanks folks
dkindle

 

You should have no problem finding a nice LT1 for that kind of money