RED396

Other than the obvious things, are there any major issues with doing this swap.


1. I know the intake needs fabricated for a distributor.
2. I will be keeping my 700r so I will need a 93 TB for tv hookup.
3. I will leave the opti on the timing cover.
4. My headers and exhaust will bolt right up.
5. I will have to re-wire the TPS.
6. I will not be running AC, so no K-member notching.
7. My existing motor mounts will bolt right up.
8. I will put an LT1 radiator in it.
9. The only issue I can think of is how to time the motor, but I believe that ATI's dampner has timing marks on it.

If anyone can think of anything major that I missed please chime in.

Klortho

One thing....

Why???

Keep the motor the way it's supposed to be. Use the opti and let the computer do the timing, it will run way better if you do that.

And don't say it's to keep the old computer in the car, the newer PCM's are way more efficient and you will get more power by keeping the entire LT1 setup.

bingo

iTrader: (2)

This could be done fairly easily. GM makes a plug for the front cover with a timing mark. It is for the carbed applications. Your sig states you have an IROC, is it TPI? If it is you could reuse a TPI throttle body and not have to rewire anything. The LT1 radiator is unnecessary. I am using a thirdgen radiator and have been for three years. You can reuse your TPI wiring. You will have to use a small cap distibutor with an external coil. I don't see why it won't work. You are going to get a whole lot of static about this, but I think it would be interesing.I found the part that takes the place of the Opti here is a part number and the web address.12367600 - LT1/LT4 Front Cover / Plug - Used When Optispark Is Eliminated On A Carburated Conversion - 12367600

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

i would be interested to hear more about it actually.

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

if you're scared of the optispark horror stories, they make coilpack conversion kits.

The LT1 pcm(computer) is so easy to work with too and program.

1bdbrd

iTrader: (1)

completely agreed. and if you are worried about the opti, MSD makes a completely brand new setup from the ground up. not stock replacement internals, brand new inside.

polishdevil

Did you ever do this? I plan on doing the same thing to not have to worry about wiring.

JB97C5

I think cost-control is the reason for reusing the TPI running gear. In the end, I'm not sure how much it will actually save. Money- maybe, time- no. Time is money, right?

Aside from efficiency (which is open for debate when comparing 92-93 MAP LT1s to 90-92 TPI), the TPI's PROM will need reprogramming to compensate for the way the LT1 gets its power (cam, heads, timing, etc). I don't think it will be as easy as simply swapping in the right parts.

What would be great is if someone has already done the programming for a TPI to LT1 swap using the TPI electronics.

If you ever get the programming right- you'd do well selling those chips.

polishdevil

I have the time and would like to do this swap as cheap as possible considering how much I spent on the 396 that went in the Vette; where the LT1 is coming from.

I figured I would need the intake machined for the distributor, a distributor and then have Alvin from PCMFORLESS burn me a chip for it. He tuned the LT1 when it was in my Vette and it ran damn well. Any issues using the 88 ECM to control the LT1 that way?

Klortho

You have the engine harness and the PCM from the vette, no reason to do that, just put that in the car. If you are using the PCM and engine harness, you can get an f-body harness and PCM for a fair price.

polishdevil

The harness and ECM were retained on the Vette. I do have a spare Vette harness but finding an ECM is hard.

I think the wiring aspect would be more time consuming and costly than having the intake modified and running a distributor. Am I missing something here? I just want it to be as easy as possible and relatively cheap.

WhiteBlaze

iTrader: (1)

I had to connect 7 wires to get my LT1 done. I would keep it a full LT1... Just my opinion...

polishdevil

Please do explain

WhiteBlaze

iTrader: (1)

It's all in the LT1 for dummies thread. You have your 12+ battery, 12+ switched, ground, fuel pump, cooling fans, Neutral switch, TCC power, and your gauge senders.. that's about it. You only need 4 wires for it to run, the 12 volts, ground, and your fuel pump.
It's a lot less work then swapping your entire TPI setup over, not to mention that most people are swapping their TPI intakes to LT1 intakes for more power.

In either case, good luck with whatever you do!

Klortho

There are like 4 PCM's on ebay right now, they're easy to find, doesn't have to be specifically a vette, can be an f-body, vette, roadmaster, impala, caprice. Basically anything with an LT1, I would suggest using either a '94 or '95 PCM though.