Basically what the title says - I'm currently driving a '96 Trans Am six-speed that I picked up just for fun on the cheap ($2600). I'm not a huge fan of the big heavy f-body style, so instead of just selling the whole car when I get bored of it, would there be any reason to use it as a donor car for an LT1 engine swap in something else? I know the lighter weight and larger aftermarket support of the LS1 make it the superior choice for swaps, but it's what I've got, so...
If it is a half decent idea, what are some potential choices to swap into that would be a better platform? And should I be concerned with the weight or the aftermarket support?
boxy s-10
will end up 6-700# lighter, tons of aftermarket support, the posi center section and gears from the f body will swap in...
that's what i would do.
Sell the car and buy a LS truck motor.
EDIT
See above, better idea. Sell engine and use proceeds for LS truck motor.
Put LT1 in garbage, buy LS Motor to put into anything.
I personally wouldn't want to go through all the work to end up with a LT1 motor. They're kind of the bastard child of the SBC world. Sure, you can stroke 'em and make tons of N/A hp (and if you stick with the cheap stuff, a 383 stroker kit is like $1500!), but you kind of get stuck at a certain point.
Also, a LS1 will stomp a LT1 stock for stock.
DirtyBird222 wrote:
Put LT1 in garbage, buy LS Motor to put into anything.
But not before telling me the address so I can dumpster-dive.
I have kind of a thing for LT1s. The lack of an external water pump drive means the overall package is a little shorter, and the lack of a distributor to mung up the firewall is a plus.
As an additional bonus, LT1 + 4.3 crank/rods = modern 302!
You could put it in a FC RX7, S10 or other small pickup, Fox Mustang (just to irritate Ford guys), Older Corvette, or anywhere a SBC would fit. They are quite compact engines for a V8 and fit easier than older SBCs.
I love when everyone says to get rid of LT1s, it keeps the price of them nice and low. Thanks guys.
