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Old 10-09-2019, 11:18 PM   #1
Kdw1403
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Default 95 lt1 block?

Is it legal to run a regular old style Chevy block rather than a LT1 block in a 98 Camaro in stock eliminator ?
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Old 10-10-2019, 02:58 AM   #2
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Default Re: 95 lt1 block?

Yes, as long as the main bearing size is the same. In other words, you can't run the small main journal Chevy pre-1968 block.

The blocks are NOT a direct replacement. The LT block has a completely different cooling routing system, unique front drive distributor, different timing cover, etc.

Others have converted an LT engine to a earlier generation block, but it's not that easy.
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Old 10-10-2019, 09:39 AM   #3
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Default Re: 95 lt1 block?

Maybe in Superstock, but in stock you must use the Opti-spark, which requires the LT1 block.
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Old 10-10-2019, 10:05 AM   #4
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Default Re: 95 lt1 block?

MSD and stock GM Opti-spark's will work the traditional style sbc blocks.
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Old 10-10-2019, 11:09 AM   #5
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Default Re: 95 lt1 block?

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Originally Posted by Whalen3186 View Post
MSD and stock GM Opti-spark's will work the traditional style sbc blocks.
Inquiring minds want to know how to do this ? What would you use as a waterpump ?
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Old 10-10-2019, 11:41 AM   #6
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Default Re: 95 lt1 block?

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Originally Posted by ss3011 View Post
Inquiring minds want to know how to do this ? What would you use as a waterpump ?
Standard sbc water pump with spacers to clear distributor. Water flow can be either direction, these motors don't see enough temperature to need the reverse cooling.
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Last edited by Whalen3186; 10-10-2019 at 11:44 AM.
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Old 10-10-2019, 11:49 AM   #7
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Default Re: 95 lt1 block?

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Originally Posted by Whalen3186 View Post
Standard sbc water pump with spacers to clear distributor. Water flow can be either direction, these motors don't see enough temperature to need the reverse cooling.

Seems to me the issue is how to adapt the front cover to the old style block . Isn't the shape and bolt pattern very different . Also wouldn't the water in the heads be deadheaded .
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Old 10-10-2019, 12:40 PM   #8
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Default Re: 95 lt1 block?

Rare they are but they did make Bowtie LT-1 blocks....

They were made in a std 4" bore size and a larger bore....4.125"

I took delivery of 1 for someone who found 2 or 3 available somewhere.

I was aware that Bowtie blocks could be adapted for use in SS with a belt drive distributer but never knew of or saw one in Stock adapted somehow to drive an Optispark distributer with the LT-1 timing cover....on a std type block....

An Interesting topic....
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Old 10-10-2019, 12:57 PM   #9
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Default Re: 95 lt1 block?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ss3011 View Post
Seems to me the issue is how to adapt the front cover to the old style block . Isn't the shape and bolt pattern very different . Also wouldn't the water in the heads be deadheaded .
Drew is right and it isn't all that complicated. You do have to weld up the water passages on the LT1 heads (legal by tech) and fill in the top of the timing chain cover with epoxy for the LT1 to adapt to a SBC block. The LT1 timing cover has somewhat of an overbite is the best I can describe it when placed on a SBC block.

There are two water passage plugs on the heads that you remove with an adapter that bolts on to adapt to an -AN fitting. A standard SBC water pump with enough spacers to make a good border wall will be necessary to clear the Optispark or MSD. I suggest that you use the largest water return lines and -AN Y fitting coming from the heads that will fit.

Hope this helps.
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Old 10-10-2019, 01:02 PM   #10
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Default Re: 95 lt1 block?

I forgot to mention that the reverse cooling for these engines was a way to somewhat battle detonation on pump gas and utilizing higher compression for a street car. We can and do run much higher octane with our racing fuel so it is a moot point on how it cools from the top down or bottom up.

Just make sure it cools.
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