THE OTHER LT1-AWESOME & UNAPPRECIATED

[@thekingscene]

Back in the early 2000s I had a mint white 1997 WS6 that had this engine. I put on a set of LT-4 heads and the red LT-4 intake off a grand sport Corvette. Comp 306 cam, dual 58mm throttle body, MSD 6AL, and jet hot long tubes, x-pipe, bullet mufflers and dumps right before the rear axle. It made 446 whp and was without doubt the best sounding car I've ever owned. I wish I knew where that car is today. I sold it back in 2008 to a woman in Missouri. She bought it for her husband who was in Iraq at the time. I cant imagine how thrilled he was when he got home and saw it in his garage.

[@ericvervalin4131]

Please keep this LT-1 stuff up. Nobody showcases these amazing motors

[@waceyzilth716]

Got a lt1 Camaro still strong

[@armandovicario7977]

Right its due to the fact that pride gets in the way instead of the 2jz swap on my bmw i am going to maybe due this om my bmw. Lt1 is iron block as well and pushes good enough to do the job.

[@ericvervalin4131]

@Jack Russelle Lewis nobody asked👍🏼

[@ThatNofbody]

@Jack Russelle Lewis not really lol ls block can’t take nearly as much boost as the iron block in the lt1 iron over aluminum any day

[@bobbyhunt5795]

I have 1993 trans am 6sp 4.11s it's a torque monster

[@nedaCFilms]

The LT1 F-bodies ruled the mid-‘90s. 300hp and 6-speed from the factory was a game changer in 1993-97

[@davidrose3218]

Owned 3 of them use to race on weekends outran a lot of mustangs

[@clarksgarageofbadhabits6803]

And the power output capabilities nowadays are crazy

[@Thatblackz28]

I just got a 94 z28 a couple months ago. It’s an auto, but even then, 0-60 is in the 5’s. I need to put some street slicks on it for more traction cause even with c4 wheels, I’m spinning from the dig through 30-40ish mph

[@C4VETTELT1]

The LT1 Fbodies didn't make 300hp that was the corvette. The Fbodies had either 275hp or 285hp. The 96-97 SS had 305 I believe but those are pretty rare! Then in 97 SLP slapped the LT4 is about 500 97 SS camaros and they were rated from the factory at 330 but they were more like 350-360 hp! The 97SS LT4 was actually a tick or two faster than the LS1 C5 in 97.

[@C4VETTELT1]

​​@@Thatblackz28 be careful! The 7 1/2 inch 10 blot rear-end is the absolute weakpiont of those cars! Too much traction will destroy the rear-end! And if you are spinning through 30mph with C4 wheels that thing is FAR from stock!! I had a modified 95Z28 did mid 13s in the quarter and if I wasn't power braking then it flat WOULDN'T spin off the line it would just hook and book!! You probably have VERY old tires on because it shouldn't be spinning the tires like that!!

[@monopython8487]

I just bought a 1993 corvette.. 6 speed.. in 2023 and it still get a huge smile. This is FUN! I CANT WAIT to slapp on some bolt one performance let alone do some machine work😊

[@coreysharp9794]

Hell yeah. I have a 93 camaro, it came with some bolt ons. Tons of fun and good power for a 30 year old car!

[@alonzahanks1182]

@@coreysharp9794 LT1 s Rock in any year

[@MrEyad1990]

please do more LT1 stuff , and would love to see it in action not just pics .

[@romero.4089]

Agree

[@VicMcLov1n]

Yes, more LT1

[@nicotoscani8270]

More LT1!!!!

[@petercook3143]

I worked at Flint V8 engine plant where these engines were made. The corvettes have a Forged Crankshaft, 4 bolt mains, and a different casting on the heads. When the engines are test fired(without a car) on a stand, they are run on Natural Gas, no gasoline in the plant. When they get in a hurry they fire them without exhaust hooked up, very loud inside a building. Then they get loaded onto a rail car and shipped to Bowling Green. Sometimes when there is a deficiency, a few get loaded onto an Airplane across the street, maybe 20 of them, and flown to a plant to keep the line running.

[@alonzahanks1182]

What do you know about 561 heads

[@Live2die555]

So what did the firebirds and camaros get crank wise and main.

[@prestonedmonds4128]

Back in the day I had a Lloyd Elliott LT1 cam and ported heads. Made good power. I had that LT1 Z28 for 11 years. I loved that car!

[@chrisstevens1401]

Iv got a 95 lt1 camaro has motor trubull but was told it had some work done on it not sure yet on what the cars ganna do just got it few days ago

[@cudatali]

Lloyd Elliot helped me put a lot of hurt feelings towards the LS crowd back in the day

[@613Builds]

@ 13:26 personally i used a GMPP GM performance LT1 4bbl conversion intake, which fixes can accommodate a classic HEI distributor, which i did on my 87 raptor-liner'd firebird. this fixes the both the common optispark issue you mention and also remedies the restrictive TPI type EFI intake. so with this GMPP 4bbl conversion intake you can have more CFM's , and delete the optispark & run a classic distributor. its powerful like the LT1 but simple and reliable like a carbed SBC with HEI ignition. best of all 3 worlds.

[@travissharp1021]

I’d like to see a test with aftermarket valve springs and heads

[@bimmerman9839]

LT1 has good heads, they just need to be ported

[@viciousrap700]

Elliot'sportworks, Lloyd does awesome work with LTX engines!!

[@viciousrap700]

Cyanide UO they're are limited aftermarket head choices specific to the LT1, Dart Pro1, Trick Flow (TFS) has a couple of different castings, Brodix I think at one point offered a head for it, Edelbrock has heads but they're nearly pointless to bolt on although with porting they may be ok and then there's AFR who has the most choices and are CNC ported. Out of the box they're hard to beat. Not to mention if you can get your hands on a set there's also the LT4 Heads but you need the matching intake because the intake runners are raised .100 All of the aftermarket choices aside from AFR are just ok out of the box, some have different chamber volumes and the TFS 185X (which I run) has a 21* valve angle. In ported form they're great heads, even the stock heads ported by the right guy (Lloyd) are amazing but have limited deck thickness and won't flow as much on the exhaust side as a ported aftermarket casting. So if you're willing to spend the extra money on an aftermarket head like I did and have it Ported you end up with a phenomenal set of heads for the LT1 but for the price of buying an aftermarket head ready to bolt on you can have factory heads ported that will perform way better than the unported aftermarket heads. If your interested in the LT1 I suggest you check out Elliot'sportworks!

[@davidstjames_]

@@viciousrap700 All very true. I have a 96 Impala with the LT4 heads and intake that were heavily ported. That along with some boring, stroking, a little Procharger, and basically replacing almost everything other than the actual block, it's making over 700 at the wheels. The power comes on really quick, I use a 2200 rpm stall Vigilante torque converter with a beefed up 4L60 and 383's and the bastard moves pretty nicely.

[@frankgonzalez6872]

What distributor do you recommend

[@devildog_iii3492]

Got 710hp out of mine. Was a beast. Can’t wait to wrench on my new one.

[@andrewyoung9751]

Love it. I have a stroker LT1 on Nitrous - it made 600rwhp on 175hp shot in Calgary Alberta's elevation. It's a fun car (1996 TA WS6) and people are shocked to find out it has an LT1 still

[@armandovicario7977]

The, lt1 is the best motor to ever exist for an iron block small block 350 it came on the corvette as well and of course the camero and am considering doing it as a, swap on my m3 e36, the ls1 over-rated and the 2jz so i think i know whats going under my hood, now bmw engines, cost way to, much to maintain.

[@alonzahanks1182]

@@armandovicario7977 2023 Gatornationals 4-speed NHRA Stock Eliminator 1994 Camaro Brent Darroch

[@zTheBigFishz]

I have a LT1 in my 93 C4. 383, 24x reluctor based ignition, holley hp ecu, true sequential fuel injection,07-503-8 camshaft, Comp Cams 224 230, forged h beam rods, wiseco forged pistons, AFR heads, 11.5 - 1 comp, etc. On pump gas (93) is made 425whp, 434 wftlb with 365 wftlb from 2k to 6.5k. I love it. Very snappy throttle response. Built for track, autoX, and street.

[@Texas_Cruiser]

Nice ride. What color and wheels?

[@JoshGk-k9s]

My plans for my black coupe 93

[@jcnpresser]

Lt1’s are pretty quick, look at the “grub worm” !!

[@richardholdener1727]

I'm familiar

[@hoost3056]

Yeah, Grubb Worm recently ran a 7.28 @ 196 mph.....small tire, stick...flying👍

[@thegrumpyoldmillennial328]

Ya grub worm is kinda my hero. Run what you got lol. An lt1 with upgraded engine management and boost is a pretty straightforward way to have fun

[@viciousrap700]

Jonathan has it together with the Grubbworm! Block filled, methanol, destroked and a solid roller, ported LT4 Heads and intake, etc etc. It makes over 1400 rear wheel, not typical but they car has helped breathe new life into the LTX!

[@WLAs_Finest3x]

One thing I absolutely loved about the LT1 engine was the sound on the 1996-97 Camaro SS. That factory exhaust that came on that car made it sound so aggressive and heavy with a deep hollow growl. It sounded better than the 80 series Flowmaster that was specifically designed that 4th gen Camaro/Trans Am, but that LT1 engine sounded way better than the LS1 engine. If I had a 3rd or 4th gen Camaro, I would keep the LT1 engine in the 4th gen, and drop an LT1 or LT4 in the 3rd gen.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Love this video!!! Thank you for posting it. If you have anything else on the LT1-LT4 PLEASE post it. It's nearly impossible to find any videos on the LT1-LT4. And most of the ones I can find aren't worth watching.

[@604merlinIII]

I'm running 292 Comp Cam xfi , AFR heads, you can see my videos @604merlinIII

[@alonzahanks1182]

Heres a realy cool stocker one Copy and paste 2023 Gatornationals 4-speed NHRA Stock Eliminator 1994 Camaro Brent Darroch youtube

[@mattcossel29]

I'm still playing with gen 2 engines, they really are overlooked and underappreciated by the masses. I would love to see some big bang stuff done with one! Keep up the phenomenal work Richard.

[@chinoperez422]

Corvette lt1 4maun bolt camaro 2 main bolt. Nice to see someone bring up the lt1 since they are solid engines with good power and have been forgotten by a few people

[@manitoublack]

Need to do some testing on the Quad cam LT5 ;)

[@richardholdener1727]

We have one of those at Westech

[@RSChris666]

@@richardholdener1727 "Well...we're waiting."

[@KenWarnersniperperformance]

@@richardholdener1727 that would be amazing to see. Iv had the privilege of working on one .

[@davedavis775]

They respond well to headers and then porting of the plenum, injector housings , and heads. There are also cam tricks. You can re time them or regrind them. After that it's displacement with either changing the cylinder liners and pistons or stroking. You can also add spray, or turbos, and some owners have run a super charger like a vortech. Of course a larger throttle body can be used. Kim Baker of Baker Racing found that the smaller throttle body he had to run by sanctioning body limited H.P. but made more torque. Let's not forget tuning which will require burning a new chip to take advantage of the mods. Back in the day it was Lingenfelter , Callaway, Doug Rippie , Auto Masters. Today it's guys like Marc Haibeck, Corey Henderson building ZR1'S with awesome LT5's . My 91 has all the mods on a stock block 350 cubic inch displacement including the light weight Fidanza flywheel producing 528 H.P. at the crank . It was just short of 450 H.P. on a chassis Dyno.

[@kevinjohnson9372]

Faster proms Corvette is 600ish to the tires that engine was state of the art for the time.

[@Noeysuarez]

I will continue to tune and build LT1 engines for at least the next 5 years! I've been doing it for 17 years and it's my favorite pas time! I would love to see the 4.3 build for sure!

[@colehairston2089]

I have a Lt1 in a 88 s10 and I need it tuned

[@Noeysuarez]

@@colehairston2089 I can help you with it if you want me to, G.page/Noesshop

[@Noeysuarez]

@@colehairston2089 my daily is a 97 with the LT1

[@ericabercrombie6780]

Favorite *pastime

[@colehairston2089]

I’m going to give the shop a call tomorrow

[@christophersmithsonian3350]

My 94 Caddilac Fleetwood 22ft limo came with TheLT1 I loved drifting that limo in the Rain🧐

[@buriedinsanity9812]

LT4 heads come with .100 raised intake ports, also 2.00 int valves compared to 1.94 on the LT1..The LT4 Manifold is also has raised ports to accommodate the taller ports..The LT1 and LT4 cams are very similar except the LT4 comes with 1.6 roller rockers that gives it an additional .30 valve lift plus a little less valve train friction. The LT4 came with 10:8:1 compression as to 10:5:1 for the LT1, this was achieved by having only 2 valve reliefs on the pistons as to 4 on the LT1. Also the LT4 came with larger #28 injectors.the LT1 came with #24 injectors.These were the major differences between the two for the performance differences ..There were other improvements as well.The LT4 had 4 bolt mains while the LT1 had 2 bolt mains.The LT4 also had a less sensitive knock sensor allowing for more timing to remain in the tune during a knock detection. The LT4 knock sensor module inside the ECU is a good mod to add to your modded LT1 engine.Your tuner will thank you...lol

[@VicMcLov1n]

I needed this. I love my LT1 (95 Impala SS). I don't want to swap it I just want to hang with the LS cars and the SRT-8s

[@MAzzam-bt2zp]

Same here bro. What you end up doing?

[@ThirdGensAreOk]

I have a 95 impala lt1 in my 92 camaro loved it because I bought it from a guy who built it for drag racing it always had problems pretty sure it was wiring though

[@VicMcLov1n]

​@@MAzzam-bt2zp Still LT1 💪🏿

[@stratasticB]

Corvette LT1s typically came with 4-bolt mains, while the F-body motors have 2-bolt mains

[@johnsheetz6639]

I did not know that. Thank you for the fun fact I'm almost embarrassed that I didn't.

[@davidrose3218]

I’d rather hav the 2 bolt anyway an hav it splayed in to 4bolt

[@thehoodmechanic1733]

And the heads are different. Tried to use Camaro lt1 in vette. Exhaust was different

[@jkbeaver4]

I wonder if you can do the splayed aftermarket 4 or 6 bolt caps?

[@harleyguyinmilw]

we need more upgrades on this generation LT-1, I love my LT-1 6spd corvette, but would like more, much more!

[@eastoakland-S65feen]

U can do a 383 or 396 stroker LT4 hotcam kits. They sound amazing

[@kdsboosted4954]

Boost

[@sergiocarmonajr7127]

@@eastoakland-S65feen hot cam is way too small for a383

[@neal6473]

Thank you Richard for the video and I'm keeping my LT1 inside my 1996 Chevrolet Impala ss car and also by me keeping this original engine inside my car it also keeps the value more profitable for my classic car.

[@MarioLT4]

I agree I would never LS my 1996 Impala . I did do long tube headers. CC503 1.6 roller rockers. Behive springs. Next the transmission.

[@zelly1327]

@@MarioLT4what you make for power and torq?

[@MarioLT4]

@zelly1327 336 HP at the rear wheels

[@zelly1327]

@@MarioLT4 cool have you did the transmission yet what’s the plans

[@zelly1327]

I have the same cam 58 mm throttle body 383 afr heads and I made 360 to the wheels

[@331fox82ut]

It would be interesting to do popular cam choises like cc503, gm846, gm847, etc. Then do stock heads (with valve springs haha) maybe see the difference in power also between 1.6 & 1.7 rockers, then do ported heads with different combination of i&e valves. Then stroker 383, nitrous, and finish with turbo. Maybe that's a lot of work haha. Thank you for the content. It is always interesting watching these tests.

[@kenswitzer4133]

Very good suggestion

[@devingullatte3859]

Yep!

[@Emilthehun]

I love my lt1. Got a small cam , 1.6 rockers , long tubes , and a tune. Been a great car for 14 years

[@danielrodriguez0481]

When you put those 1.6 rockers, did you have to change your knock sensor?

[@doodlebug6833]

quarantine king of content, so far XD idk who would compare atm with how much content is uploaded. Plus the format of the videos is just utterly awesome, short, yet jammed pack with gobs of good information. (as long as there are engine noises we be happy XD)

[@SereneSpeed]

I just got a '96 LT4 (6-Speed) Corvette. Revs higher & pulls much stronger than the LT1s I've had. A lot more different parts than most people think.

[@brandonpanozzo86]

Anybody who doubts the lt1 look up the grub worm by tick performance you are the man richard

[@darrinjones5951]

The Lt1 is a Monster! I had a 96 SS Clone Ported Heads 1.6RR Long Tube Headers and 3 inch Exhaust And some weight reduction. Never lost a Race with that Car

[@alonzahanks1182]

Me too

[@cleric670]

I'd definitely be interested to see what happens with better springs. Didn't really feel like a fair fight at the top end at all.

[@nedaCFilms]

Back in the early ‘90s the LT1 was a huge deal. 300hp, a 6-speed tranny and 3.42 gears from the factory was just amazing back then. My old ‘94 Z28 just pulled up top forever lol. Loved that car.

[@ttuggle31]

Your my favorite channel

[@nedaCFilms]

@@ttuggle31 ❤️

[@corystansbury]

I loved the LT1 in my 87 RX7 turbo. Believe it or not, if you spin a stock LT1 to near 7k enough times, they protest.

[@Marcos0ne]

laughs in opti

[@charlesmoore1307]

Gee, ya think? Honda's do too! Been thar dunnit! Lol.

[@OfficialRingWurmRacing]

@@charlesmoore1307 revving mine to 8500 stock

[@randydickerson4600]

I am 68 and am the original owner on a 57k mile '97 Firebird Formula WS6, non-T top with the LT1 and 6 speed. I just subscribed and am very excited about following along on ANY future videos on the LT1! My "other" driver car is my '70 Boss 302 Mustang that I have owned for 46 years...... p.s. nearly everyone is telling me to pull the "boat anchor" LT1 out and put an LS in it to go fast. Thanks for inspiring HOPE!

[@davidbailey4036]

Yo brother! You da man! Trying to talk my father-in-law to come off his 40,000 mile c4. This is right up my alley.

[@viciousrap700]

Woot woot!! Finally an LTX!!! So much more aftermarket we can do with this, Richard!!! I know that these are old tests and you don't have this engine anymore but man I wish you did. I'd just like for people to see what these things can do with a Elliot'sportworks ported set of heads and intake and one of Lloyd's cam packages. This engine needed springs so bad that it wasn't even a fair test but honestly these LT1's like way way more camshaft than the 264 cam. Commonly one of the smaller yet popular cams for the LT1 Is the Comp 503 cam and that's a small cam! They like CAM TIMING lol!!

[@Ribbityibzki]

So happy to see this. I've got an lt1 and t56 from a '95 TA I've been wanting to swap into something. Never knew what I could expect out of it with just a cam and springs. I'm planning a slightly bigger cam than what you ran here, but good to see the heads can support it well enough.

[@300mag83]

I had an lt1 back in the day when I was in high school it was in a firebird formula 1994 model. It really had pretty good power for the day and used it well. In stock form other than k and n air filter and flow master exhaust it was running in the high 13s at the drag strip. That was an auto car with a 4l60e and 2:73 gears. The reliability was not great as in it did not always perform well it often would have a problem but when it worked I was one of the fastest high school kids around.

[@daviddavids3468]

I PICKED UP A 95 FORMULA FIREBIRD , HAS COLD AIR INTAKE , PERFORMANCE EXHAUST RAN 13.7 IN THE 1/4. PUT ON A 100 SHOT NITROUS , GOT DOWN TO 12.5 IN THE 1/4. WENT UP TO A 125 SHOT , THEN TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING FROM 2ND TO 3RD ! SHOULD STAYED AT 100 NITROUS !

[@realdeathpony]

Your fathers car sounds nice.

[@jamescaban7710]

Richard you are my hero you do all the best tests most thorough (sort of lol) love all your tests and your daily updates keep up the good work brother...

[@richardholdener1727]

Thanks, will do!

[@xmo552]

@@richardholdener1727 I'd like to see some boosted LT1 stuff of this generation like the alum head version or iron version so I could compare to your boosted TPI video.

[@gettin_while_growin1512]

Just bought my parents 97 z28 with 56,000 miles.I can't wait to get it going.These engines deserve more credit. Bowties for life 💯

[@fildavis2024]

It’s so cool all the different test u do! Thanks for all the info! Best channel on KZbin!!

[@richardholdener1727]

Thank you!

[@paulmoss7940]

Vette LT motors are all 4 bolt main. Not necessarily so on camaros. I have an LT4 ,there are many internal diffs from an LT1, all upgrades. Rated @330 mine has dynoed 342 pure stock, cats and all.

[@tenorhowlermonkey3454]

Only thing I did not like was when the water pump went out, it took out the Opti Spark distributor with it and was very costly. Otherwise coupled with that awsome 6 speed, made a boring trip to work an exciting one.

[@prestonedmonds4128]

I had on for 11 years. An aftermarket company started making a bolt on shield for that problem. It basically let antifreeze/water go around the optispark. It was cheap insurance.

[@ikaros21]

Easy fix. You can tap a rubber house with a small metal brass fitting into the weep hole and routed it away from the opti. Just $15 dollars and no more headache!

[@Outsider25E]

Same thing happened to my ‘96 Fleetwood. Never ran right again after that.

[@zachkuby87]

Same thing my 96 caprice was amazing till that wp went out n took the optispark with it. First time i fixed it everything went perfect. Ran amazing all summer. Come winter. Engine wouldn't get warm enough to run the heat. Vented 100x couldn't get it sorted. Gave the car away lol

[@aaronturner5437]

A little silicone around the opti cap fixes that problem for good!

[@Live2die555]

Just picked up a 97 formula always loved the Iron blocks

[@tomcampbell4414]

Everything little thing you do, Richard I’m amaaaaaazed by youuuuuuuuu

[@johnfranklin5277]

I'm the original owner of a 94 Trans Am. I have 337.000 miles on my stock engine, never been touched, even the timing chain is original. Still runs like new, and still quick. Uses no oil either.

[@hoost3056]

What kind of oil do you use?

[@johnfranklin5277]

Castrol GTX.

[@lucasmullins5100]

I have a Iron headed LT1 in a 1951 Bel Air things runs good and I'd love to see a big bang with this Motor.

[@613Builds]

i put one with iron heads into my 87 firebird a few years ago. i love that engine after doing the GMPerformance conversion 4barrel intake

[@brucemacdougall7501]

Built my 93 Z28 to a 383 stroker, stock block, Forged crank, Keith Black flat top pistons/rods, CC503 cam, LT4 intake plenum, hooker long tubes, Billet twin 58mm throttle body, bigger oil pump and upgraded injectors, stock heads ported/polished with bee-hive springs and valve-job. Made close to 600 rwtrq on 93 octane and got 28mpg (6-speed) at 11:1 comp/ratio. The biggest difference between vette and f-body is the vette gets a 4-bolt main, 2-bolt for the f-body.

[@zr1888]

When he said forgotten warrior a tear fell🤣

[@BHZ55]

Lol SALUTE

[@ALWhiteAuthor]

That super ram was a monster on the street. You were the king of the stop lights on Telegraph Rd. on a Friday night. You may not be familiar with that one, Richard. It's in America just outside of Detroit, Michigan. Yes... that was a jab at California.

[@richardholdener1727]

Hot Rodding originated in California-Detroit followed

[@michaelallen2501]

The LT1 community would love to see you attack this with aftermarket heads and a bigger cam. A big bang version wouldn't hurt either lol. Say, Trickflow heads, Tick Performance cam, Edelbrock "LT4" intake. Hell, a 12.5:1 383 short block would be nice to see too. These engines are pretty hated on.

[@lb9gta307]

@MajorLeague the LT style intake was the TPIS Miniram

[@greasemonkeygarage1896]

*cam motion cam *tick performance cam*comp cam * and the gmpp cam*

[@wjrneo2]

How about the popular AI heads/cam or Lloyd Elliot packages. There are big gains to be had up top.

[@ShyaMiss]

@@wjrneo2 I had an lt1 with the full LE3 setup, to include all his recommended mods. That car was incredibly fun.

[@juniorlemke5484]

My LT1 is punched to 383 stroker, comp cam, ported heads, bigger valves, hooker long tubes and catless off road y pipe. I bet it's faster than my 2018 Camaro ss.

[@supernaturalta6174]

Yeah, where the heck did you find that Super Ram? Accel hasn't made those for a long time, right? The ones made to fit under the F-body cowl was chopped down a bit and apparently made a little less power. From what I've seen, the folks who make the most N/A power, do it with a carburetor-style intake manifold, and take full advantage of the increased compression that can be run with the reverse flow cooling. There's cars out there running 9s with a ported stock LT1 intake though, so it's not a bad piece. For valve springs, I run a Lunati spring/retainer kit, part #73925K5. They're a really nice dual spring. I know a lot of folks run single beehives, but I just couldn't do it; heard way too many horror stories of them breaking. These Lunatis are good to .630 lift, and handle my Comp XFI 280 on a 110LSA with no problem. Oh yeah, I've had my 1995 TA since 1998, and I've never had a problem with the Optispark. There's a couple short videos of it on my channel.

[@Threesixty31]

Nice! Please do a test with ZR1's LT5 stuff. That engine deserves more attention.

[@mrboz]

Great video. I had a 93 Camaro Z28 LT1. Great car lots of torque. Now I want to go to the wrecking yard and find a LT1, do a mild build. Have it as a secondary motor for my 72 Camaro SS.

[@a2cryss]

When I installed my 1.6 roller rockers, I also installed new valve seals and stronger springs. Then I raised the rev limiter and shift points by 200 RPM. I also installed an LT4 Knock Module. Pulled much better until the OptiCrap started mis-firing at high PRM after 20K miles. New heads and cam are next. Want to see more LT1/LT4 stuff

[@bluenecross]

I used to have an M6 97 Z28 Camaro Anniversary edition. They came with the same interior as the LS1 cars but still had the LT1. The broad flat torque curve made it so much fun to drive.

[@adamcramer6009]

Yes, definitely more LT1! This engine was in my first “fast” car. It was a 95 Camaro and I freaking loved it!

[@mikehawk6563]

Cool, my first "fast" car was a 96 TA 6 speed, allegedly with an LT4 engine. She was fun, more of a stunt car than a drag race car as it would always spin crazy bad. Gears 1-3 were near uncontrollable and that's the way I like it.

[@teddyhart2079]

Have a lt1 in my 72 nova fully built forged pistons, comp camp, harden rods, roller rockers, port match intake to heads also went with the conversion intake so distributor is in back with electronic water pump and just added a holly sniper Efi. Im very impressed with it!

[@shannonmedley4058]

Raced a lot of lt1 combos over the yrs. Very under rated. An electric water pump helps . a little more cam than the one in the test with better springs will also make good gains.

[@mikehill7951]

at the drag strip I would remove the thermpstat, run the pump contiuously to maintain a lower temp which made my Impala very consistant.

[@ttank1994]

Richard Holdener I have a 355 LT1 with ported, stock casting heads which flow about 290 CFM intake and 200 CFM exhaust. It's at 11.6:1 compression, cam is a 228, 234 dur, .614/.614 lft, 108 LSA It's got 430 RWHP, (im sure its a recipe for 500 NA hp on an engine dyno) It's breathing through a stock intake manifold and a 58mm TB. I would love to see some testing with a similar configuration, I know I'm dreaming but would love to see more testing on the LT1 in general. Lots of enthusiasts out there that like to be different and not just "LS swap it".

[@paulpollack9262]

Would love to see one of these with a carb, intake and conventional distributor swap.

[@PhysifistEngineering]

You can't do that.

[@tokyodrift62]

Yes you can

[@gordocarbo]

@@PhysifistEngineering Sure can. Those intakes are all but impossible to find these days and $$$ if you do

[@PhysifistEngineering]

​@@gordocarbo exactly

[@Shane-Singleton]

I had a 97 camaro with ported stock heads and intake 1.6 rockers, and a 230/236 .510/.520 .112lsa cam that put down 370rwhp through a 6-spd. Full AC, power everything, regular water pump, etc. through Mac mid length headers, off road y-pipe, and a Borla catback. I daily drove that car for YEARS and it was still running strong without a millisecond worth of trouble the day I sold it. The motor had over 140k on it and over 50k of that was post mods. It was a great reliable fun car. I miss it often even though my current daily is rolling a lot more power.

[@erebus6062]

Thanks for doing this!!!! I'd love if you did more LT1 stuff. Keep up the great work!

[@ThatGuy-xd5fs]

the optispark issues are usually a maintenance issue - the later model solved the issues using vacuum hoses- very easy to update on the older model ones - also if run the msd and the ac delco and found the ac delco to run best - but they all run well just make sure its done correctly, like the valve clearance or anything else

[@TheSlim93gt]

You must revisit this! Test the other Comp grind along with the GMPP Hot cam. Throw in an LT4 intake and some ported heads. We should be satisfied then.

[@lancelanphier9509]

Love this! Can you please do a big bang test on the two bolt and 4 bolt main engines.... Would like to see how much the stock bottom and will handle with a turbo

[@madhatterz28]

Thanks for doing this! I'd like to see you revisit this with a Miniram, some different cams, and good valve springs. No one has done back to back dynos with stock and 52/58/monoblade throttle bodies. No 4.3 please!

[@richardholdener1727]

don't be hattin on the 4.3L

[@chrishouston1406]

Lingenfelter had that mini ram running mid 11s in a Vette they called snakeskinner to beat the Viper

[@mermaiddreams83]

Yes on the throttle body testing, so many different opinions on the different sizes especially the twin 58mm!! But no dyno proof from anyone that I can find, that would definitely be a home run test for all of the LT1 fans you have just gained!!!!

[@8bert9]

I have owned 2 z28 LT-1 6 speeds. I still have one. Thanks for putting this up! I am impressed at the big torque boost from the Accel Super Ram ! I would love to see some "big bang" on one! Peace

[@blkpopeye]

Yes! I own a '96 Caprice Classic ppv with a 5.7 Lt1.

[@weskirkland5850]

To tell if it came from a camaro, The RH valve cover will have an indent at the front to make more room for the alternator. They have their own special RH valve cover.

[@JadXtreme]

I'm pretty sure the GM 6 speed record is the Tick Performance Camaro with an LT1

[@charlesmoore1307]

Sledgehammer corvette.

[@contraption22]

@@charlesmoore1307 Sledgehammer has a Gen 1 SBC, not an LT1. And while it did go almost 255 on a 5 mile oval, I doubt it runs 7's in the 1/4 like the Tick Camaro.

[@angelof9431]

Seems we forgot about the LT1 in the B-body. The Impala SS was no joke in it's day. That motor (punched out to 396) w/ mild port LT4 heads and intake, a CC "306"/1.6 RR, LT headers, exhaust and a ram air intake would lay down 400WHP. (What the current GenV LT-1 is rated at). That motor w/ a t56 and 4.10's in a Impala SS body hurt a lot of peoples' feelings. Z06 vettes, Cobra and Saleen Mustangs. All victims and never seen it coming...

[@thadschaeffer2563]

The 1992 ~ 1997 LT 1 engine was essentially the same except for slightly different intake and exhaust duration. Also valve lift was a little different. They were used in Y body, F body and B body. Some engines had cast iron head vs. aluminum. The Corvettes had 4 bolt main caps. Some say the iron heads flowed better due to a later production date. In 94 they went to Sequential Fuel Injection from batch fire injection. The early cams drove the optispark by a spline. The later units were driven by a .620" cam pin. The later production optisparks were better vented for condensation.

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

the caprice cams were smaller. it was actually the same cam specs they used in the vortec 5.7 later. the iron head lt1 was also the vortec head, with the cooling put back to normal sbc.

[@angelovasilikos7980]

If only we had this information back then we would have taken different routes. There wasn’t much info and were scared to explore new things if it did not pay off so we went with what we knew was solid info. I remember when they developed Dyno software for the computer to estimate Hp and Tq ratings. But that was expensive too. Great video.

[@xmo552]

I love these engines. I'm looking for a TPI or LT1 for my offroad tow truck.

[@summerwinecoff3846]

Seeing this in lt4 form with lt4 cam and ported heads would be cool see the real power difference from factory

[@notfried2004]

GM also put the LT1 in some Firebirds, Caprices and Impalas, and the last couple years of Buick Roadmasters.

[@cruzinezy1968]

Russell Loyd welded up a Schweitzer turbo in a 9C1 Caprice. The shits and grins in a beat up old boosted black cop car were epic. These engines respond well to boost. It was perfect with the factory 3.08 gear.

[@brettlong51]

B body LT1 had cast head an different top end was built for more torque an less horse for the heavier b bodys

[@LSswapGarage1]

The B Body LT1 is basically the Vortec 350 used in the 96 and newer trucks with a better intake. Obviously the LT1 is reverse coolant flow, cam driven water pump, optispark and the Vortec is a Gen 1 but that's not how I mean. The iron LT1 cylinder head is very close to the specs of the Vortec heads and the cam used in the B body is actually the cam they used in the Vortec 305 and 350 lol. I have owned both... perform pretty similar.

[@funfun8095]

@@davecarakasavage919 That's not an LT1. Didn't come out until the '92 Corvette.

[@keithjimison7163]

@@davecarakasavage919 the LT1 wasn't put in a firebird/camaro until 1993. So if you have one in a 91 it wasn't factory.

[@downhillskier7]

First fuel injection makes larger TPI intake that out performs Accel Super Ram Intake for 355 cu in sbc, for 383 with 3/4 primary headers port the first fuel injection intake

[@greasemonkeygarage1896]

Cam shootout!!!! Tick cam. Comp cam . Cam motion cam and gmpp cam !!! And the lt1 intake and lt4 intake !!! Dude I think thatd be awesome content !!!

[@loganbarton2226]

yessss

[@mermaiddreams83]

100% agree more LT1 testing in those areas as well as valve train upgrades!!!

[@robertmacpeek424]

Very cool to see the Gen II SBC LT1 get some attention!! Had one many years ago comp cc305 cam, springs, shorties, LT4 knock module, meziere elec H20 pump etc etc If possible I think alot of us would love to see this series continue. Definitely upgraded springs would be great to see

[@amhicks21]

all 3 of my cars have lt1's so i really appreciated seeing this. tons of good info. great job!

[@therrinchisley508]

I have a 1996 impala im glad u did this bc alotta ppl forgettin bout the lt1

[@destinswiger7568]

Let's see the 4.3 as well! I'd love to see tests on all of the odd ball small displacement v8s. How about a 307 or 301? Maybe do some v6s as well, 3.8 ford and buick, 3.9 dodge or maybe even a slant 6? Let's see some weird and unloved engines!

[@ken5ism]

Genius, Genius , Genius! You have actually hit on what Hot Rodders and Muscle Car Guys want to see. I had to definetly subscribe and I actually understand what you are saying and can visualize it as you narrate. 2 thumbs up!!!

[@ryansorkness7396]

I would like to see the 4.3, but i would really love to see what Richard could do with an old straight 8.

[@dustinjackson8646]

They were notorious for breaking cranks

[@AreaThirteenThirteen]

He did a video not too long ago on a 4.3 (V6) and it made some decent HP and torque before and after boost.

[@ryansorkness7396]

@@AreaThirteenThirteen yeah , just saw that when i was going through his catalog. Makes me wonder if that is the same test that hot rod mag did an article on

[@ryansorkness7396]

@@dustinjackson8646 didn't know that. Always loved seeing them at car shows. Kinda gets boring seeing sbc all the time

[@leviwolf5839]

Straight 8 out of a packard

[@the_gold_canopy]

Love my 96’ Z28. She’s a work in progress. Need more progress.

[@gonzo5321]

You should try in with the upgraded springs, LT4 intake, and boost.

[@albertgaspar627]

You addressed the exhaust issues--Roger Huntington always said the difference between a GTO and a Firebird running the same engine was the exhaust setup. I think the F body and Corvette had different intake setups? I know the Trans Am running TPI got lower ratings as a result. In the real world, I know too the Corvette had their issues getting cool air into the radiators at idle, but likely not an issue seen in the dyno room.

[@permafrost2064]

Thats good power for such a mild cam. With the reverse cooling set up the LT1 has, you should be able to run a ton of compression or boost. Im really interested to see more on these motors.

[@mikejanes6225]

Back in '68 I bought a 327 shortblock (11.25 c:r) & 2.02/1.60 heads from the local Chevy dealer. I also ordered #3927140 cam & 3927142 springs. I had the heads milled .050". From a local speed shop I ordered a Holley 950 CFM 3 barrel and an Edelbrock C3B intake. I installed a dual point distributer that had been modified to 24 crank degrees by 1800 RPM. Timed at 12 degrees initial, that was a total of 36 degrees. I put the engine in a 63 Impala along with long tube JR Headers, and a Muncie M21 with a Hurst Competition Plus shifter & 3.70:1 rear gear. Back then there were not many after market affordable heads. The carb was probably a little large for the engine, but it had vacuum secondaries so it may not have been using all the CFM the carb could make. It ran respectfully on the street and I never got it on the drag strip. Someone asked me how fast it could go, and I said I didn't know cause the speedometer only went to 120. The Muncie lasted about a year, and got torn up with a 6500 RPM powershift one night in front of the local A&W. After I sold it the guy that bought it broke the engine about 3 weeks later.

[@Thumper68]

Seems like stock springs always float on sbc around 6000 give or take. Good video.

[@stevenmclellan3105]

MORE LT1. Cam, Blower, LT4 and intake. LOVE your videos, missus leaves the room!!!! Trying to decide which way to get more usable daily power out of my in Canada 1995 LT1 Corvette. Now thinking cam, rockers, headers, cats! LOL. I've also looked at LS swaps, Crate motors from Merica. Car finally has cat back Corsa exhaust. Great car, 6 speed convertible too. would like to leave heads on, they flow enough. Even researched Blowers, or turbo, no gas please. You make some wicked numbers with everything. Grew up Big Block Mopar, but don't regret this C4 ever. Engine needs another 125 hp ish. I think i read the only difference between LT1's. Corvette has a few 4 bolt main bearing caps vs rest all 2 bolt? Great engine, horrible cooling system. Intake leaks oil in rear. thats it, change oil, 30 mpg Hwy, a lot less if you want, First to fourth great, brakes, greatest ever!!. More Power sensibly. Either that or go restomod to gain a trunk!!

[@fmanion24]

I haven't watched this yet, but I have dealt with all the opti-sparks I care to. But I did enjoy my 1993 z28 lt1.

[@hoost3056]

There's a company that makes an LS style ignition system conversion that gets rid of the Opti. Pick up a lot of power with it because of the accuracy.

[@Ambidextriouz]

@@hoost3056 torqhead?

[@LSX_Tony]

Yes that’s the one

[@kevinjohnson9372]

@ricky bobby how did u put a dizzy n the block

[@TrakSpock1]

99% of the "supposed" optispark issues are really bad spark plug wires or negative battery grounds. When you're replacing multiple Optispark's, chances are that's not the real problem.

[@edwizard62]

I had my 1994 LT1 stroked to 383 with HOT-LT4 Intake, Heads, Cam and got 462 WHP, When I put my 6lb Powerdyne Supercharger It bumped it up to 602 WHP. Very streetable.

[@claburn123]

Just swapped for a complete lt1 drivetrain yesterday. Talk about good timing 👍

[@maginnis5734]

claburn123 I had to put a 96 z28 complete drive train in my 93 z28

[@codystrom8708]

My first car was a 95 camaro z28 lt1 t56.. was a ton of fun and reliable as could be with a 17yr old behind the wheel!!

[@paulmahon1613]

Unappreciated because of the fear of the optispark. I had one. Went through 4 in three months. Can't complain at all about the performance of the LT1. You can roast the tires on 87 octane because of the cooler heads. Just couldn't take that damn opti.

[@indyrock8148]

I am always impressed with the results of the 'baby cam'

[@MafiaboysWorld]

The good old LT1 can get down into the low 7s now with a T-56 manual gearbox. 👍

[@HioSSilver1999]

Grubworm ftw!

[@juniorlemke5484]

Tremec 6-speed in my LT1 project...best trans.

[@HioSSilver1999]

@@juniorlemke5484 my t56 in my Camaro is faceplated. Works great like that.

[@stevengrissom7142]

Yes that is crazy how fast they are with that combo

[@jeffdaily9196]

LOL

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Man great video showcasing the old 2 nd gen LT1, this reminds so much of highschool days when the Fbirds and Camaros and SS impalas were hot and it’s reminiscent of my college days working at the Pontiac dealership as a porter in late 90’s, I once had the pleasure of handing a rare brand new 97’ Fire hawk . I do remember reading and noticing when the LS1 was introduced in the F bodies in 98’ the LT1s from 96’/97’ were said to seemingly have a slight bit more “seat of the pants “ feel and more grunt off the line! But this good infor to know and play around with, I’ve been eyeballing an old LT1 94’ firebird to buy since everyone is ignoring it , and I guess understandably so in this world of wonderful rt hemi’s , Scat packs hellcats , current GM muscle and ford muscle cars/truck. Anyhow this in for is great work much appreciated!👍🏽👍🏽🔥🔥