Bad Corvette Camaro Trans Am Gen2 LT1 350 Teardown. Not The Problem I Was Told!

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Today's teardown is a blast from my youth, a Gen2 LT1! Even though these engines have a bad reputation due to their strange ignition system and cooling system design, I still like them!
This core engine was bought from another salvage yard who noted it was "Locked up". I bought this for the heads and timing cover as this is an obd2 LT1 and the timing cover is often used for 24x LS pcm conversions. This teardown went pretty smoothly with one exception!
Why did I do this? My name is Eric and I own and run a full service auto salvage operation in the Saint Louis area. Part of our model is tearing down core or bad engines and salvaging the good parts. We don't rebuild engines but we supply parts to those that do!
As always, I love all the comments, feedback and even the criticism.
Catch you on the next one!
-Eric

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

30 years later and most LT1's just needed oil changes and an ignition system upgrade !

[@RayRayP2001]

Right take care of it and it will last.

[@IVector377]

I got 319k out of my 93 Z-28. Best car I ever owned. Actually still own it. Needs restoration that I will likely never do.

[@AKjose47]

What would you recommend for upgrading the ignition system? I have a 96 z28 that keeps giving me issues with that optispark.

[@therealdojj]

and i love the way you tried to remove that dipstick by attempting to take it by surprise, several times 🤣

[@concernedcitizen780]

I’m surprised he didn’t pick it out with the fork loader……

[@robertmarriott890]

You do such fantastic work I would have that shirt so badly dirty you couldn't use it for a rag

[@liver.flush.maestro]

@@concernedcitizen780 Yeah, I had the same comment 🙂

[@kumakaroshi117]

Thats not just me who picked that up lol.

[@XFolf]

But when it works... its becomes hard to question the method.

[@Jpilgrim30]

The optispark ignition is not near as bad as people make it out to be. It’s actually really precise as the high resolution sensor knows where the cam is to the degree. The biggest thing is to have the newer vented cap and rotor, make sure the vacuum hoses to it are good, and to keep water out of it by tapping a fitting into the weep hole of the water pump and putting a hose on it to route it away from the distributor. If you maintenance the cap and rotor like you should it should be sealed anyways. I think it got it’s bad rap due to people using cheap aftermarket opti’s that had cheap optical sensors instead of the reliable Mitsubishi sensor. The vent help a lot. It removed the ozone that built up from high voltage inside the cap and made them more durable.

[@That_1_Lyfe]

Ty !

[@aaronroder6850]

You must be insane. Optijunk sits so low on the engine it will die in hard rain

[@aaronroder6850]

I seen Mitsubishi sensors bad too

[@ottokis308]

Ive been through 9 opti sparks all wiped out for rain. Ive had vented and non vented. All sucked. Im now getting the torqhead kit. 9 optis in 60,000 miles is pathetic.

[@thomasmcdaniel4336]

Dude.. it's crap.. as soon as it gets wet, which is inevitable, it craps out, revs too high.. it craps out.. hell, you put the key in too hard The opti might die..

[@BCToby]

Hey the Optispark vent was added in the 95 and up camaro's. The high voltage optispark produced ozone which rapidly built up and massivly sped up any corrosion inside of the optisark. Venting it allowed for a steady stream of fresh air to cycle through preventing the buildup and was actually quite effective :)

[@keithwalton]

Love the way he tries to sneak up on the dipstick, as if that'll help get it out sooner.

[@chuckpeckham9148]

Now that is so funny. The great dipstick challenge.

[@samholdsworth420]

Worth a shot

[@arc00ta]

The commentary killed me "its coming! Its coming! its not coming any more!"

[@ronskopitz2360]

I had a ‘93 Trans Am and in ‘94 I ordered a T/A convertible with a 6 speed (young and stupid :) LOVED those LT-1s, especially with the manual behind it. A total blast!!

[@nthgth]

Had a '95 manual Z28 coupe, and HELL yeah that thing was fun! First manual too, the thing survived as I taught myself heel toeing, push starting, rev matching etc. Also first RWD car! 😄 Also young and dumb - a miracle that I never crashed it! Except into a curb, needed a new wheel. I don't miss the electrical problems but man what a blast that thing was to drive.

[@lutomson3496]

In 1976 I ordered a new 1977 TA Bandit Edition new drove it for a couple years and then stupidly traded it in for the 10 year anv model in 1979...back in the day they werent worth much just like the black ford SWB trucks in 1980 and 81 when Urban Cowboy came out everybody had to have one especially the short guys always laughed as they were lifted so high they had a hard time getting in and out..culture changes with each generation and Ive been through hundreds of cars

[@claytonjones006]

Thanks for doing one of these LT1 engines. I was in high school and my first muscle car was a 95 convertible formula firebird. Worked part time in school to pay for it. I wrenched on that thing for all sorts of things like the opti-spark, water pump (funny how I had to do those at the same time), and intake manifold gaskets. Loved that car, and put 172,000 miles on that engine / car before selling it. The 4L60e had to be rebuilt a few times, but that engine survived a lot of long miles and still had great oil pressure and no knock. Still pulled strong when I sold.

[@jeffrykopis5468]

"the 4L60E had to be rebuilt a few times". Once would be enough for me. Sometimes ya gotta know when to walk away, kid.

[@C4VETTELT1]

​@jeffrykopis5468 transmissions go out!! It's just the way it is!! Especially in something that gets hotrodded on a regular basis!! Transmission rebuilt is no reason (at least for a real car guy) to get rid of your baby/pride and joy!!! You are the type of person to give up on whatever your doing and just sell said object instead of tackling the problem head on and conquering said problem!!!

[@nthgth]

I had a 95 Z28, but with the manual. Now I don't hate automatics (frankly, a V-8 sounds its absolute best with good old automatic upshifts with relatively wide ratio spacing like the 4L60e). But the BorgWarner T-56 took everything I threw at it, including being my first manual car and me teaching myself techniques like rev match downshifts and push starting. Worked like a champ till rust took the car from me at 145k miles 😢

[@danhansen1454]

I was a fuel systems engineer for Rochester Products div of GM (now Delphi) back in the day when we were making the transition from carburetors into fuel injection. The reason trucks didn't get multiport systems is because they were slated to get the dreaded CPI/SCPI (aka Spider) systems. They had the injectors in a central location in the intake manifold, with tubes running to poppet nozzles near the intake valves. GM loved the idea because it eliminated the need for a unique (and expensive) fuel rails. All they had to do was change tubing lengths for each application. Unfortunately, the system performed poorly and GM had enormous warranty costs on them. So trucks went to conventional multiport systems in 2000 with the Multec II injector.

[@paulmryglod4802]

I have a 1998 5.7 1500 van. Any tips for keeping the spider injection in good condition?

[@watup110875]

@@paulmryglod4802 Yelp, don't own ROFLMOAO

[@paulmryglod4802]

@watup110875 hahaha alright alright

[@nthgth]

I thought they just used throttle body injection and then went straight to multiport when they updated it to the Vortec 5700. I got some research to do.

[@FIREPHILSPENCER]

For its time the LT1 was an unbeatable engine in power and reliability until it’s LS replacement.

[@nathanwolter1519]

My favorite thing about Saturday night. Watching you rip engines apart. Always in suspense to see those beautiful chains.

[@actschp1]

I am betting that the reason they thought it was locked up is because it was hydro locked. After sitting for awhile, it just bled down the cylinder walls into the crankcase.

[@davidpowell3347]

Also might have happened while at idle so didn't do catastrophic damage

[@BuzzLOLOL]

My thoughts also...

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@davidpowell3347 - Probably couldn't get it to turn over and start...

[@scottd7222]

If its hydrolocked whats the course of action?

[@BlackRam17]

Let’s not forget the reverse flow cooling that allowed for higher compression

[@adamtrombino106]

Funny how the roller lifters in those old LT's lasted forever, but nowdays, they can't hold together regardless of better oils etc.

[@davidpowell3347]

The oils might not really be better,just more catalytic converter friendly. (Less antiwear additive?)

[@Bill-sp8kb]

I'm sure they use cheaper steel alloys, too.

[@johnpopoff7950]

The cylinder cancelation system causes lifter failure. I know someone who had a Silverado with the 5.3 and the lifters went out at 60k miles. If the truck is driven in manual mode it will lock out the cylinder deactivation.

[@martin-vv9lf]

I saw a comment mentioning the lifters last longer when they're in the valley. better oiling or somesuch, don't understand it myself.

[@summersky77]

One of the major takeaways I get from these videos is that removing the dipstick is the toughest part of any teardown.

[@Spike-sk7ql]

Many times. Especially in the north. Rust builds up around the dipstick, and it's hell to get them out in the vehicle. I found using a small amount of heat makes them fall right out. MAP gas torch works perfectly. If you're gonna be putting it back together, don't forget to replace the O-ring.

[@runner3033]

@@Spike-sk7ql I feel lucky, with the Gen II LT-1 I had apart, dipstick came out with little/no hassle.

[@peterphillips1493]

Especially when the sludge is an inch thick inside the engine

[@tomcraftdonkey2285]

Lol, I was doing an oil pan gasket on my car and it came right out.

[@nowayjose596]

I'm old enough to really wish that GM would've picked a different designation for the Gen Vs than LT

[@Jeffcvt]

Great teardown as always. I'm more of a carpenter than a mechanic myself so it's always fun to see a disassembly of an engine since it's not something I really get into myself. (And the knowledge will for sure help if I ever do tear into one) I will suggest though that if your cordless ratchet and impact seem to be a little... lacking in power, replace them sooner rather later. Last time I replaced one of my well used impacts, it was like night and day. For sure made a huge difference in my workflow, and time is money. Plus Christmas tool sales are going strong at this point. Buy now, save a buck, and hold onto the old ones as backups/extras. Better than buying them only once they die, because you know if you do that they aren't gonna be on sale. (Plus they'll die at the worst possible time too.)

[@timlee4204]

My air operated ratchet started going stupid and I found that a small spring loaded ball had worn flat, fished through my junk collection and replaced the ball, worked fine. Ted from down under.

[@hankwilliams4024]

Stripped one down and converted to carb with the NoS GM intake. It’s actually going in my C10 truck! Was a great score for $150. The accessory bracket is worth that!

[@williamfaulk]

Look into Advanced Induction or Loyd Elliot.

[@jeffrykopis5468]

"NOS GM intake"? There was a GM 4 bl CARB intake for these?

[@hankwilliams4024]

@@jeffrykopis5468 yeah, I believe summit and jegs still have some. It lets you run a regular HEI style gm distributor and a 4 barrel spread bore carb. Part number 24502592.

[@arthurtirrell661]

@@jeffrykopis5468 I had one.

[@therealdojj]

in a surprise coincidence, alex from legit street cars was hunting down an ignition fault on his lt1 in a video he dropped today

[@jeremybinegar]

First thing I though of when I saw this video

[@davehawk2130]

I had just finished Alex's video when this popped up. It is an LT1 kind of night. Takes me back to the good ol days!!

[@mbsnyderc]

His looks brand new inside this one not so much.

[@jamesk3565]

Thinking the same thing😂

[@thebasherdude__473]

Same thoughts 💭

[@paulwatson1507]

I have a 1956 Nomad. I bought a 94 Camaro z car with a lt1 and a t56 at a local auction that had smacked a wall. I went through the engine and replaced the water pump with new GM. Eliminated the air pump, egr and added headers. Even on a hot day with the a/c on, it runs cool as can be. I upgraded the optispark and vented it using the original fuel vent solenoid. It’s a great hot rod and fun to drive.

[@Bill-sp8kb]

I'll bet that Nomad goes like a streak!

[@paulwatson1507]

@@joemomma8905 yes, I sent it out to have those features turned off. I found the guy on the internet. That year computer can be easily modified as there is no downstream o2 sensor, just upstream.

[@paulwatson1507]

@@joemomma8905 yes, I sent it out to have those things turned off.

[@beyond_the_infinite2098]

I put 115K on my 97 Z28 before I swapped it for a crate engine. The stock engine always started immediately, idled smoothly, no smoke, passed CA smog, revved good and ran strong. Never had a problem with the opti-spark. I provided a new opti-spark to Golen for my 383 crate engine (460hp/440 ft lbs) and I have had no problems tracking the car. Redline 6,500. Fuel cut off at 7,000 rpm.

[@l00k4tstuff]

I always loved the GM 350. What a workhorse of an engine. Each division had their variant, but they were all solid engines.

[@MikeL-FL]

I had one of these in a 96 T/A, somewhat built. The Opticrap killed it. I wish somebody made an OptiEliminator back then, because IMO, the 93-97 F-Bodys were the best looking ones..

[@imtheonevanhalen1557]

You can see the distributor drive is still there for the oil pump.....I bet someone makes a kit.

[@MikeL-FL]

@@imtheonevanhalen1557 Now they do. A couple of companies have kits to use the LS1 coils. 25 years ago, there was nothing except an extremely complicated and expensive conversion from Electromotive.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

93-2002

[@MikeL-FL]

@@shadowopsairman1583 The front ends were redone in 98. I’m not thrilled with the 98-02. The Camaros look like a fish and the Firebirds lost their sleekness and look like normal cars with headlight covers.

[@peted5217]

Always put a new Delco in when job created access. New wires , Plugs , Coil too. Good preventative maintenance on nitemare design. Optispark was attempt to improve timing and EFI accuracy , which it did almost as good as crank/cam trigger does these days

[@jasonyama1082]

So glad your including the parts washer in the videos, it so satisfying

[@austincjett]

I was a son of a mechanic. In other words, I was the sludge scraper and the parts washer.

[@infosneakr]

Even though the prior person who worked on it used the wrong sealant on the water pump, they had the correct reasoning behind it. They were trying to make sure there were no leaks on to the optispark system . Their heart was in the right place.

[@robertbryant7771]

That splined coupler for the water pump does NOT come with a new pump and it’s potentially quite valuable to someone who needs it. And totally agree the Opti can be sold for refurbishing. Almost every version of it sold today is vastly inferior to the original spline drive and pin drive Optis from AC Delco.

[@fillupread]

I was a tech at a Chevy store when this motor was in production. This was around the time GM was trying to make less waste by implementing 100K mile service procedures, Oil life monitoring system, Dexcool, long life plugs and the Opti-spark. Some systems worked better than others. The Opti-spark was a growing pain between standard distributors and coil on plug OBDII systems. The SS Camaro was likely the worst tune up because of the plug access. It was easier if you used an engine drop table and lowered the motor out of the car 3-4 inches. I do recall, late 90's, most of the full Opti-spark tune ups cost about $1,000 which pissed a lot of people off but the Opti-spark distributor alone was over $400 for the part back then and I think labor time was around 6 hours.

[@jonathanlawson4667]

Contrary to what shadetree mechanics say the optispark system was a very good system all around... The LT1 was GMs most powerful production small block as well..

[@johnfranklin5277]

Optispark replacement at the dealership always ran around 500 bucks for me. I got around 100.000 miles on each one...

[@danwake4431]

@@jonathanlawson4667 all those police cars and taxis used that system, as long as the WP didn't leak it worked well.

[@briantruck2284]

Wow

[@timothyroatenberry1274]

Agreed 100% brother, I'd take a LT before a LS any day !

[@fantasma5764]

Yessirrr I love one of these in my z28 with only 60k miles. Runs like a champ.

[@ryanbrown918]

These engines always ran so hot. 90's LT motors were okay for the time, but man did the LS improve upon that design.

[@junkmangeorge6363]

Chev engines took a dump with the high temperature thermostats required to meet emissions, until completely re-designed with the LS.

[@WilmaTell]

But my stock LT1 still smoke an LS1. Imagine that?

[@miatalife94]

​@@WilmaTellhad a LS2 powered car, that ran hot as shit, now I have a 94 Z28 I bought after it sat in a field for 6 years, dropped the tank cleaned with new fuel pump...... it'll probably run the LS2 car close, these LT1s are no bullshit

[@WilmaTell]

@@miatalife94 If they're both 6 speed manual transmissions it all comes down to the driver. If you hit every gear and don't spin it that's all it takes. LT1s are more aerodynamic and lower to the ground.

[@el_mota]

@@WilmaTellthey sure did I drove a 94 fleetwood Lt1 big as car and still beat plenty of ls I raced a hell I raced a 300 with a hemi and kicked his ass

[@SirUncleCid]

LT1 sounds so good too

[@stevebot]

The new waterpump was a sign, the new coolant sensor in the left head sealed the deal, the post mortem was exactly what I expected after seeing those. I didn't realize those were 2 bolt main blocks. Pretty strange when you consider the power output and that a Roadmaster or Caprice wagon full of two legged beef, luggage and towing a trailer is getting into truck territory for GCVW.

[@danielknepper6884]

I think the lt4s were four-bolt Main

[@CaptainSpadaro]

Corvettes got 4-bolt blocks, the F-, B-, and D-bodies used 2-bolt blocks.

[@paulsears3274]

I've owned three LT1 cars over the years. 1992 Corvette, 1993 Z28, and currently have a 1995 Trans Am. The only one that needed an opti replacement was the Vette after a classic water pump failure. Replaced it with an MSD variant, which ran well. LT1s are some of the best stock sounding V8s in my opinion. Still hoping to some day own a 94-96 Impala SS but they are going up in value fast. Thank you for the video.

[@C4VETTELT1]

Agreed!!! I've had 2 LT1 cars 95Z28 and currently I have a 92 corvette. Both are extremely fun!! I have basically the same thing done to the vette that I did to the camaro but went a lil further with the vette on mods! The corvette has full custom exhaust system from a C7 grand sport with the Xpipe and headers and sounds absolutely beautiful!! The Z28 had a 3in catback Flowmaster system with stock manifolds it sounded incredible as well but not quite as good as the corvette and the corvette is quite a bit faster and obviously handles a million times better

[@nthgth]

Best sounding V-8 ever imo. ..maaaaybe the GT350's "Voodoo" engine is tied with it. Maybe.

[@darylmorse]

Really enjoyed this video. I've never seen inside one of these engines. I can see why they aren't on the list of the top 10 best small block Chevrolet engines. GM started with a bottom of the barrel 350 (single bolt mains, cast crank, cast rods and cast pistons), then they "improved" it with the horrible water pump drive, ignition system, intake manifold and fuel injection system. The only redeeming feature of this engine is the aluminum heads. But they aren't really that much of a big deal, considering the aftermarket alternatives that are available now. The engine is in surprisingly good condition, considering that it had two blown head gaskets. Thanks again for sharing this video.

[@arr4512]

I'm in the process of tuning one of these engines right now. I got it for free "ran when pulled"... Right. Turns out all the rod bearings were spun. So I stroked it and bumped the compression up to 11.4:1 (perfect on the reverse cooling of these engines). I did an electric water pump, and carb swapped it. Dropped it in my 1980 Camaro. It's a sweet motor now! Thanks for the tear down video. it was cool seeing one with everything still all over it. Mine came mostly stripped down.

[@hydrocarbon82]

My parents had a 94 Formula (car I learned to drive lol) and it was reliable AF besides needing 2 starters replaced. IIRc they sold it after 100k. The optispark was no problem, and 'experts' generally attribute it's probs to leaking pumps (dexcool) and then inferior replacements. Make no mistake, it was a problem - but more from a bad pump configuration and a not-quite-sealed ignition. The LS definitely improved on this. That Formula was replaced with an 02 WS6 and has had zero failures...besides a lifter tick lol.

[@nthgth]

Your parents are freakin awesome

[@johnelliott7375]

The one I stuck in a little Old Vega, added a good 4speex and she was a great runner! She would EAT what car you wanted to line with it.

[@TechGorilla1987]

@24:44 - RTV should be applied like you would apply heat sink compound to a processor. Very even and very thin. You're trying to fill slight microscopic imperfections, not stack the Hoover Dam!

[@rebeccarobinson7024]

Ya had a 95 gmc z71 with 400k miles on it original 350 tbi my buddy has it now and he says it still going strong starts up every time like it was new still no smoking oil leaks etc

[@billyj.williams2341]

These were great performing engines in their day.... way stronger than the L98 it replaced. Ended the reign of the 5.0L Mustang and the subsequent 4.6 Mod motor was always in the rearview. The GEN2 LTX had a short production life from 92-97 because GM just needed a stop gap to get them to the GEN3 LS. A lot of the stuff with them never made sense to me... the reverse cooling and optispark.... all that did was make major components incompatible with the previous SBC and introduced unreliability in the ignition system.

[@mercedes-amgforlife3237]

The reverse cooling was about emissions and performance. Smokey Yunick talked about it, and some race teams tried it. I believe Oldsmobile or Buick tried it back in the 50's but cost of production was to high. The 92 Corvette was the first production car to utilize it. The theory behind it was to cool the hotest part of the engine, i.e. the combustion chamber so that higher compression(10.4:1 LT1 and 10.6:1 LT4) could be used. Also it allowed the block to warm up faster so that cold start emissions were reduced, and also longer block life as cold shock(cold coolant entering the block when the t-stat is initially opened) would be heavily avoided.

[@headhoncho4890]

I remember when this came out too and ran past 5.0 mustangs . It changed street racing

[@briantruck2284]

Dry intake

[@buckeyfan7623]

@@headhoncho4890 oh yes I remember racing a mid 90’s GT at the 1/4 mile track at rockingham NC on night with my mostly stock 96 z28 automatic I put a city block or more on him lol. He wasn’t stock either he had off road exhaust and drag tires.

[@nthgth]

I like Mustangs too, but idk what Ford was smoking when they put the anemic 4.6 into it when it had the LT1 to deal with. (and did they know the LS1 was right around the corner?)

[@DragoonWarrior790]

I still drive a 1996 Corvette with one of these in it. The valve rockers look slightly different. Not sure why. Still fun to drive around. I have a lifter on the #2 cylinder that's starting to wear out. Going to be my next fix with the digital display after that. Just hit 100k miles a few weeks ago. Thanks for the great videos.

[@stockholm2375]

On the 3800s you also need to pull the oil level sensor before taking off the pan...I found that out the hard way after breaking mine. Bit of a silly thing really.

[@rcflightz2058]

Really enjoy your content! Great stuff. The time has come…I have a request. Can you tear down a L98 80’s Corvette/Camaro engine. It’s old school small block meets modern technology. MANY of us have these engines! Keep doing what you do, look forward to your future content.

[@bigdon2241]

im a huge small block gen1 fan and i was always thinking the LT1 was superior thank you for showing i will stay a gen1 fan ,i was sure they where all 4 bolts main

[@bigdon2241]

i was thinking the same thing the bottom almost like my 880 block vortec

[@nthgth]

Only in the Vette did the LT1 get a 4-bolt main

[@TheDirtDoctor1]

I always enjoy watching you fighting with the dipstick tube. Something so simple can be so challenging to take out.

[@RedfishCarolina]

The trucks from 96 up had the L31 Vortec which was nearly as powerful in terms of hp and lacked the wretched optispark, but traded that for bad intake gaskets that leak coolant into the valley, and easily cracked iron cylinder heads

[@RANDOMNATION907]

I cannot find an '82-'85 Oldsmobile Diesel LF9 , anywhere. At least not a 'complete' one. I really want to get one for my Jeep.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I owned two LT1 vehicles. A Camaro and a Trans Am. I think the LT1 was a fantastic evolutionary idea idea in its broad strokes that was poorly engineered after the fact. Should have just stuck with a few simpler things, most specifically the water pump and ignition. When you think about how the Optispark works it's not unlike the good old HEI distributor. Wasn't any need to change that, especially dropping it RIGHT underneath the water pump, lol. (which we all know I just wanted to weigh in. Anyway I love your videos! keep up the great work and the excellent teardowns!

[@chadbentley6166]

They had to put the distributor there to achieve low hood clearance from what I was told. I didn't like them either.

[@WilmaTell]

​@@chadbentley6166 They're fine when you switch to universal antifreeze.

[@chrisromero5302]

A distributor would not fit behind the LT1 intake manifold because the way it was made.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

@@chrisromero5302 A distributor will fit. It just requires a little bit of modification including drilling out the hold for the distributor itself and a hold down. There may be slight clearancing needed on the back of the plenum but there is enough material there. Can't remember for sure. There are videos all over the internet doing it. I want to say Richard Holdener has done it. Can't remember if it i was on his channel or an episode of Engine Masters but it's certainly doable.

[@Someguy6571]

The optispark ignition system was insanely accurate and leagues better than the old HEI ignition system. When you realize this you would never look at another old HEI system again.

[@tomg4084]

I had a 97 T/A with LT1 back then it was bad ass and got 24 mpg. Never had any trouble with mine for 2 or 3 years I had it.

[@zakburnett6690]

The oil dipstick would come.... Out better if you gave it the ol' classic reach around 😂

[@williamnolting9697]

I said beat that dipstick off lol

[@jellydonut360]

Would it come then?

[@timothyroatenberry1274]

😂👍✌

[@steveosgood9182]

I have a copious amount of love for this channel

[@andydhillon1977]

Poor LT1. I have a 1994 Corvette. BTW, the LT4 found in the '96 6-spd Corvette and SS Camaro actually had 360HP. Chevy purposely rated it lower since the LS1 was about to come out. It wouldn't look good to have a newer engine with less HP.

[@KMajorGreenly]

My absolute favorite part of this video, and I've watched it multiple times, is always, always when he steps away, and then runs at the dipstick tube and tries to catch it off guard and start pulling on it 😂 😂 😂

[@dennisgoans701]

Just can't get enough of these tear downs. Keep up the good work.

[@SteelyEyedH]

Honestly. The editing is one of my favourite things about this video 🎉

[@robertf6344]

A special little block and tackle just for dipstick pulling would be fun.

[@CaptainSpadaro]

1:11 I suspect the reason the Gen II SBC never made it to the trucks was a very simple one: it wasn't intended to be a long-term solution; it and the Vortec CSFI engines were stopgaps, intended to keep the vehicles they powered competitive until the LS engines were ready (and why GM chose the CSFI for the 5.0 ad 5.7 is something I will never understand since they ended up doing a normal SFI system on the Vortec 7400). I wouldn't be surprised if the reliability issues you mentioned also played a role (though supposedly the OptiSpark was fixed in 95 or 96). Also, funny thing about GM's (over)use of TBI: In the late 70s, they had a electronic port injection system (that they co-developed with Bendix and Bosch), but unfortunately it was an analog system with no O2 sensor; it was deep-sixed for the digital TBI in 1980. One wonders why no one at the time thought 'hey, lets take this port injection idea and combine it with this closed loop digital system we came up with'. Instead, we get TBI and later TPI, with LT1 and LT1 being the only 'classic' SBCs to get true SFI, and even then that didn't happen until 1994!

[@veil67]

The Dipstick moment , proudly sponsored and presented by GM Motors 😂

[@mdubz101]

Had a a similar 5.7 350 tuned port injection GTA! Car did 155-160. Had to hold er in D well into redline, then shift to OD. Otherwise it would keep shifting up and down around 125, and quit pulling. Car was a ball. Crushed all my buddies 5.0’s! Great vid!

[@MrSpartanPaul]

My LT1 has 340,000 miles and runs perfectly. Tons of power too.

[@doolallyproductions7234]

The lt1 are great high hp engines but lack in low end torque especially compared to the L98 If you change the water pump and get the updated 95 and up opti spark its a really reliable engine

[@231mac]

Huh? The L98 made 330 lb of torque and the corvette version of the LT1 made 330, so I'm not sure what you're talking about.

[@doolallyproductions7234]

@@231mac Gotta drive both engines to see what I mean

[@231mac]

@@doolallyproductions7234 I have and I get that the L98 feels slightly more torquey, but I thought it was negligible, especially considering the HP difference.

[@doolallyproductions7234]

@@231mac It really depends on driving style when I was auto crossing my 90 corvette L98 I had better time then a lt1 car but later when we rolled race on the freeway he left me in the dust

[@nthgth]

Interesting. I'm getting that an L98 may make the same _amount_ of peak torque, but it peaks at lower RPM. Makes sense for having same displacement but less hp. This makes the L98 feel more torquey in everyday driving, which can be a lot of fun, and makes for quicker acceleration at low speeds (e.g. autocross). Am I picking this up right?

[@skullyairsoft80]

I sure am glad I only had to do plugs and wires once on my C4 before I ended up having to sell it. I loved that car to death, but it sure made me work for it

[@nigeldepledge3790]

My experience with head-gasket failures has been that you either get clouds of white smoke, or you get a high temperature indication and a steady loss of coolant (which can be nursed along until you get to a suitable garage). Can you take an educated guess at what symptoms this engine would have given?

[@matsfredsson9445]

And this shows why it is important to replace coolant in time and use the correct antifreeze...since it contains anticorrosive additives which not lasts forever.

[@gmjunky87]

My brother had a 94 9c1. Pretty fun car. Those cop cars had all kinds of little upgrades.

[@oldcarnocar]

badass Lt1 350,gobs of torque love it

[@kevin9c1]

Vortec L31 (5700) heads are very similar to LT1 heads but not reverse flow cooling. Regular dist also. Had about 255 HP which was about the same as the iron head LT1 (260). However they had their own injection and intake issues. Can't win 'em all.

[@nthgth]

I wonder if the Vortec's issues are easier to repair or prevent than an LT1 though. Maybe an upgraded L31 could be a great LT1 replacement if it fits well into the car

[@RidgeR5]

I cut my automotive teeth on GM motors from the late 80s to early 00s, so they have a probably undeserved nostalgia for me. 2800 and 3100s, to the Ecotec and Quad 4s, and of course the 350 V8s, LS1 and LT1 motors. This video felt familiar. I could smell it as you tore it down.

[@Tomcat71]

I've been screwing with LT1s for decades now Ive never seen one have a blown head gasket. 95 was the first year for the Big opti hole in the timing cover and got the vented opti. that cured 90% of the ignition problems.

[@mistered9435]

I’m a fan of these engines. I am waiting for my block to be finished at the machine shop, and my LT4 heads are currently at a head-porting shop. I found an LT4 crank that needed only polishing. It has the radiused journals. So i guess i have a hybrid lt1/LT4! The block is the original to my 1997 camaro SLP SS. That is why i stayed with the OEM stroke and OEM LT4 heads. I chose a huge cam (for a 355) and i had to modify my intake for the heads. My camaro is white with the orange stripes, so it’s ALMOST an LT4 30th anniversary edition!

[@ChumpyChicken2]

Please do a LS9 for Christmas!! Wishful thought!!

[@edgarm8933]

I have a 94 trans am 64k miles mint ! Did a bunch of suspension upgrades and catback and Longtubes headers ! Waiting on the cam. Replaced the opti tho lol but so far so good

[@turdferguson4124]

The LT1 is a great engine. They were light years ahead of what you could get in a Mustang.

[@unclejoe6811]

No it wasn't the 5.0/302 is strong and bulletproof

[@fatpatlives1998]

LT-1 was SBC1 LT1 is Gen 2 SBC

[@turdferguson4124]

@@fatpatlives1998 You are correct. My mistake.

[@lincolnsampaiobr]

I really like the video, but the BMW in the end, one of, if not the most beautiful of all time

[@bradyspcs]

Best Saturday night dip stick fight ever!!!! Followed by "milkshake definitely brought this car to the yard".

[@stuckinthe60s69]

Excellent. My 48 Ford hotrod (built in the 90s) has a 1994 vintage LT1 350. Fortunately, it still runs very strong.

[@maryannmoran-smyth3453]

That’s right folks it’s the old dipstick tube wrestling match dance thing… LOL I tore down a lot of blocks in my time and if it don’t come out easy, I just go through the oil pan side with a drift and tap that sucker out, it works every time on the difficult ones. Great showman… Keep on rockin.

[@auke1031]

you need to make a slide-hammer attachment for those dipsticks!! either it hooks to the open end, or the bracket, but that should actually probably maybe be a lot easier to remove the tubes!

[@wodnastj]

I am so glad to find your 'channel' and can't quit watching your work !! I agree with the comment below - DIPSTICKS COME OUT IF YOU ATTACK THEM BY SURPRISE and Mercedes hires body-builders to "snug" head bolts down LOL - keep up the good work !!!! jt

[@jeffstarry8056]

Nice tear down..I own a couple of lt1 in fbodys, pretty common head gaskets..Check the oil pump drive for cracks, and the crank thrust bearing for wear. Other than that looks like a good builder.

[@shook0002]

Had one in a ‘96 Trans Am. Ran great. Did a water pump that was ran off the cam and that horrible Optispark🤦‍♂️

[@failranch9542]

When they came out with the LS1 in the F-body in ‘98 I believe, all of us with LT1’s had to go for a test drive. We were all astonished that south of about 5500 the new engine actually felt weaker.

[@jonathanbrady31]

It most likely had a blown head gasket and had hydrolock is why it wouldn't turn over when it was in the car. Thanks for the great videos...😎👍

[@kylebarry6520]

Just knew the dipstick battle would be next level and it didnt disappoint imagine changing that in the car with the maifoild in the way. Going to have a bad time !

[@deadon4847]

Superman has Lex Luthor, Batman has the Joker, Eric has the Dipstick.

[@justsumguy2u]

At one time, GM used only cast iron heads on small blocks, and head gasket failures were quite rare. But as time has taught us, GM always thinks of new ways to make their engines less reliable, and so aluminum heads with weak castings are a given. And Optispark---of course! No thought at all given to long-term reliability

[@brand-x7049]

The main problem with the Opti (amongst all the others) was that the beancounters got hold of it - they refused to let the engineers specify the good optical trigger components for production, so the unit was highly susceptible to heat-death even if the owners kept the engines up, never got liquid up into the engine, etc. That, and cheaping out on the housing material so that carbon tracking caused spark jumping.

[@randymagnum143]

With aluminum you can run a little more compression, a little more timing, a little leaner. The aluminum will shed the combustion heat a little quicker and stave of detonation. But, yea.....GM, so we only did it half assed.

[@erikcapozzi3425]

Lol you think aluminum heads is a bad idea? You do know every auto manufacturer uses aluminum heads now .. aluminum distributes heat alot better and cools alot faster...Has NOTHING to do with premature head gasket failure .. it was only a matter of time before all Engines utilized aluminum heads...The fact you think it changes it's reliability is laughable

[@erikcapozzi3425]

@@randymagnum143 really because all LS and LS based engines used aluminum heads and they are some of the most reliable engines on the planet .And the heads are some of the best ever made... You guys are speaking pure jibberish

[@justsumguy2u]

@@erikcapozzi3425 I'm guessing you must be a kid. It's a proven fact that aluminum contracts at a different rate than iron, which can (and has) lead to blown head gaskets. Furthermore, if you get aluminum heads hot, they will warp and crack far quicker than cast iron. As far as cooling goes, that's a non-issue---a properly designed cooling system will keep any cast iron-headed engine plenty cool.

[@gregoryweber7408]

cool eclectic engine tear down they might be old but they were a corner stone for gm for a while and that small block is still highly regarded in circles for reliability and performance ability, thanks for showcasing a gem from the past sir

[@RayRayP2001]

Got me a 97 Z28 Camaro with the original LT1 RPO engine and trans 4 speed auto M30 RPO at 180k miles. Always make sure you keep it cool or you will have warped heads. I never let her get hot.

[@em_d]

The battle with the dip stick -what a laugh. Thanks.

[@davidwright2706]

I had a 97 Trans Am WS6 with this engine in it. Although I never really had any problems with the engine itself ( just regular maintenance items), working on it in the car was an absolute nightmare. Changing sparkplugs was an all day job, as you can only see 2 of them. Had to change out the optispark due to worn bearings causing random misfires.

[@Someguy6571]

I just picked up 97 trans am WS6 recently. 85k miles and runs great. Just a little hard starting in the morning.

[@nthgth]

I had a no-start situation in my 95 Z28 one time - turned out it was badly in need of a tune-up. $1000 later it was fine, but the garage said they actually couldn't replace one of the spark plugs because it was just too rusted in! Lmao. Head gaskets and rust killed the car before any issues arose from that one tired spark plug.

[@austincjett]

I didn't know. That's horrible how the motor company treated the last SBC. They installed a gazzilian possible vacuum leaks and twice as many electrical glitches. Bolted 100Lbs of brackets and manifolds on the block. And then had the audacity to hide the ignition next to the water pump. The engineer that thought that idea up, worked for Ford during the flathead era.

[@YungEagle3k]

This isn't the last small block. What are you talking about. The top end is light. It was a strong engine. And these cars don't have electrical problems. It's just an old engine and engineered for the day

[@DaveyHo69]

I had a few new LT1s in T/As & Zs. 14.6 quarter mile. Fun to drive but not THAT fast. Great handling Formula 350 w/WS6.

[@OtherWorldExplorers]

Just started commenting as you were checking whether nothing to rotate over. I'm wondering who's going to win with the dipstick battle today. My money is on you because you always seem so determined. Edit I lost 20 bucks. Oh by the way the fluid you're referring to is referred to as the universal fluid

[@throttlewatch4614]

Learned something new , never seen one of these apart

[@GregHuston]

Locally in Denver guys can't give away Gen 2s! Other than the optispark they weren't bad if you took care of them. I remember when all the show car builders 20 years would pay big money for LT-1/4s and swap 'em into their cars. Once guys figured out the LS1 was superior in everyway that trend died a sudden death.

[@soho71]

From what I know from friends that have this engine, GM never released the rights to manufacture the Omnispark unit. Your option is to buy the Chinese knock off and send it to a guy in Tennessee that disassembles the unit and refurbishes the “new” Chinese part for dependability.... thanks GM...😅

[@sevensinsvelocityshop7563]

Petris and MSD makes the best replacement Optispark. There’s numerous opti options out on the market so I don’t think your comment is accurate

[@soho71]

@@sevensinsvelocityshop7563 hey thanks for the 7 month old correction. I will sleep better at night knowing there are people like you out there reading old comments and correcting them instead of just making a new comment. Not all hero’s wear capes…. Enjoy your Bud light!

[@waynegalvin4639]

Old but good! I have an L98 in my Corvette.

[@stevemayo1175]

Eric next time try putting a snug fitting bolt in the Dip Stick tube then Clamp you a Set of Vice Grips on it so it don't crush the tube and Whale on the Vice grips with a Hammer it has worked for me several times But Not Always

[@trentjohn4588]

I did spark plug and wires on my white 95 trans am. Engine still in, virgin car( still all stock) it was not fun. But i learned a thing or two.

[@hailstorm1986]

A lot of people want to criticize these engines however they do have a lot of potential and there are ways of bypassing the Optispark system essentially making it an early LS engine.

[@Yelladog78]

I love my LT1 in my 96 c4 personally, no complaints whatsoever

[@superdupercake]

bought and have been dailying a 95 firebird and glad to have seen this video, seems like my plans of doing a a complete rebuild in the slow season this year was a good idea. didnt even know the ignition system on this engine was that interesting and will be replacing all of it. i love that all the details were left in, nice video!

[@ZetsuboNoShima]

I have a 1995 trans am been sitting for 3 years is it worth it to dump money and time into this car? I’m not experienced at all but willing to learn is this a good engine and car to learn on? Thanks for any replies

[@superdupercake]

​@@ZetsuboNoShima i havent done a ton of engine related work on it yet but id say just as good as any car to work on lol. if youre learning 4 cylinders are the most simple to get into

[@lrdj3426]

I LOVE the LS series engine's MILES better than I do the LT engine's.

[@nthgth]

LS are certainly better engines overall. Probably my favorite-ever car engine family. The LT, however, _sounds_ better to me.