View Full Version : Found an LT1 w/ 6 Speed..... what do I need to know?
b25 Sep 17th, 07, 12:37 PM I found a 6 Speed locally and after speaking w/ the gentleman, I found out he purchased it along w/ the LT1 engine for a project that he's never got around to. Since he bought it at a Flea Market, he stated he wasn't sure what it came out of but thought the individual he purchased it from had it in a Camaro. He continued to state that he never heard the engine run and merely purchased the combo to obtain the 6-Speed.... so, with that.... I need some help..
Assuming everything is there (and I'm not 100% sure what to check for), what would be a good deal for the combo? He stated the transmission was hooked to the motor, so I assume the clutch, throwout bearing, shifter, etc. are all there... he also stated he had the harness and ECU.
Would $1000 be a steal for the combo? I might not even be interested in the LT1 Engine, merely the transmission... it seems I can obtain that independently for $800.
Thanks in advance for any and all input!!!
busterwivell Sep 17th, 07, 1:03 PM I just had a friend sell a 95 Camero Convertible that was totalled with 60K miles on it. That car was hit so hard the rear sping pockets were gone. He got 3K right away. Of course, he could start it up, but if you can buy all that for 1000, that's a Gonga!
Anyone else have any input?
Thanks!
Bowtie70ss Sep 17th, 07, 4:51 PM A grand is a steal jump on it. You can buy a standalone wiring harness and computer. You'll have a muscle car that gets 18+ mpg and runs great. Don't forget you can add a supercharger or turbo to up the power.
Dave
Thanks Bowtie. I'm a little intimidated by the 6-Speed Swap and wiring of the LT1... additionally, the engine may require a rebuild... perhaps it's still a deal..
Alwhite00 Sep 17th, 07, 5:17 PM What the heck are you doing asking questions, Go by that for a grand before someone else does.
LK
GRN69CHV Sep 17th, 07, 5:17 PM If it's a 94-95, even if the shortblock is good, plan on some disassembly and a few new parts. At a minimum, I would reseal the intake, optispark, water pump. These motors are good for a lot of miles before tearing into (150K is not uncommon).
Derek69SS Sep 17th, 07, 9:21 PM You'll have a muscle car that gets 18+ mpg and runs great.18? With a 6-speed??? I get that with my LT1/auto and 4.10 gears! (expecting to run a 12.9XX when I make it to the track next) I got 22-24mpg with 3.08s, and ran a 13.82. :) ...3.73s and a 6-speed with a stock LT1 would get you 25+mpg pretty easily. :thumbsup:
Thanks Bowtie. I'm a little intimidated by the 6-Speed Swap and wiring of the LT1... additionally, the engine may require a rebuild... perhaps it's still a deal..It's a GREAT deal. Wiring is easy with a custom made harness from www.speartech.com :) Hardest part is the fuel-system, as you need an electric pump and return line...
These motors are good for a lot of miles before tearing into (150K is not uncommon).TONS of Caprice Taxis have gone 300K on the original engines... :)
ToocoolZ28 Sep 17th, 07, 9:38 PM My 95 Z28 convert has 250,000 miles and still runs great, no smoke or knocks, but it does leak oil from the opti spart drive shaft and the rear of the intake. Mine used to get 28mpg with the 6 speed, now it gets about 25mpg. It ran high 13s stock with 3.42 gears. Buy that thing before it gets away. Go, Now!.
Ron
Painkiller Sep 17th, 07, 10:35 PM I bought a '94 9c1 caprice with 220K and a spare 4l60e just rebuilt by gm (thats right, still in the wrapper) in the trunk, running...the thing still drives beautifully...for $400 Cnd...I'll take it I got a good deal then?
Well guys, I got it; both the engine and trans for $800!!! :hurray:
I suppose I should also mention that the engine is still bolted to the crossmember and all of the front suspension, rack and pinion, gear box, brake calipers, rotors, etc are in tact. I'm guessing this stuff along w/ the BBK headers installed on the block are worth a couple of bucks....???
I'll take pictures and post them up ASAP. I'm stoked but I'm sure I'll have a million questions in the near-future.
-B
1hot67 Sep 18th, 07, 11:18 AM good buy! The gen II sbc has a few little quirks (optispark, reverse cooling, etc.) but can be made reliable and a strong runner. good luck with the project.
figbash Sep 18th, 07, 11:33 AM FWIW, I've had a belly full of LT1's and the six speeds that come with them. The engine itself is durable but the opti sucks. I've had to replace two of them so far at $300 each and a full days work. My sons '95 Camaro with 130,000 miles also needs new synchros in the trans. You'll also need a special scanner for the 94/95's. They are OBD1 technology but have OBD2 connectors. The LT1's are nice when they work but very expensive and very painful when they don't. The LS1's are a MUCH better package that you may want to consider before dropping $1000 on LT1 technology.
Tom
b25 Sep 18th, 07, 12:09 PM Are there any casting numbers on the LT1 (block, heads, etc) that I can obtain and cross-reference somewhere to determine what kind of vehicle/year my setup is from?
Thanks!
-B
Derek69SS Sep 18th, 07, 12:24 PM good buy! The gen II sbc has a few little quirks (optispark, reverse cooling, etc.) but can be made reliable and a strong runner. good luck with the project.The reverse cooling is part of the reason they make so much power... 10.5:1 compression on 87 octane wouldn't be possible without it. :cool:
The engine itself is durable but the opti sucks. I've had to replace two of them so far at $300 each and a full days work....You'll also need a special scanner for the 94/95's. They are OBD1 technology but have OBD2 connectors.I believe MSD makes a "better" opti now... wasn't available when I did mine, though... still a vented GM opti will typically last 100K+
As for the scanners, I've never had a problem hooking up my Chevelle (w/95 LT1) or my '95 LT1 Caprice up to a typical OBD1 scanner. :confused:
Alan Sep 18th, 07, 3:47 PM Seems the LT1 is the red-headed step child now that LSx engines are available for a decent price for the power or power potential.
LT1's were the ticket back in the mid-90s. Especially compared to the TBI engines.
I didn't have any problems with the LT1 in my '94 Impala SS. I think it's a great engine that'll provide many years of service. Tuning is cheaper too, for OBD I . Back when www.pcmforless.com (http://www.pcmforless.com) was getting started they offered unlimited for life tuning for only a $75 fee. Heck, my account might still be active, just don't have an OBD I engine to tune anymore.
You scored on that deal IMO!
1hot67 Sep 19th, 07, 10:26 AM The reverse cooling is part of the reason they make so much power... 10.5:1 compression on 87 octane wouldn't be possible without it. :cool:
I believe MSD makes a "better" opti now... wasn't available when I did mine, though... still a vented GM opti will typically last 100K+
Yep...it's a large part of the reason I run 12.0:1 on 91 octane in my 385 LT1.
I've installed the Dynaspark billet opti in my car with no issues whatsoever - great piece but pricey too. Once the LT1 gets running right, it's a great reliable engine.
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