Swapping a LT1 intake on to a
Small Block Chevy
People told me it won't fit. I asked more people, still no. Found a rumor one person has done it but I couldn't get in touch with him. I decided to try myself. I bought a used LT1 intake off of e-bay for $200 including fuel rails. Not bad, I figured if it doesn't work out I'm only out $200. Right?
You say it's impossible? Won't bolt up? Well your right but ANYTHING is
possible when cost is a factor. Here's some of the biggest issues you're going
to run into and a quick explanation of what to do about it.
Problem #1, in case you haven't noticed there's no rear distributor on a LT1. I
had to drill the hole for it, warning-this hole must be in perfect location. I
used a old TPI base and made an aluminum template utilizing the
rear two mounting holes to locate the dist hole. Distributor must be shimmed
about 1/4" higher due to the shortness of the LT1 intake. Also must use the
small HEI distributor with remote coil found on 1987-later.
Problem #2, there are several problems with the STOCK LT1 intake but the ports and coolant passages are not one of them. What I did before I started was get a cheap $6 intake gasket from DAP and just laid it on the intake (already off the car), everything was perfect except for some of the mounting holes, the 4 corner ones were good. No problem, I took the gasket as a temple and drilled the new holes in the intake, no more problem.
Problem #3, No front coolant passages to return to the radiator. Well, I just
drilled and tapped two 3/4" heater nipples vertically where the coolant
would normally exit the head. I will run 3/4" heater hose to a remote
thermostat housing I found on-line. it will be mounted on the fender well. It
will use the same outlet neck and return to the radiator as it should.
Problem #4, must have custom fuel lines made to attach to the fuel rail of the LT1. About $40 if you supply the ends. Available from Pep Boys.
Problem #5, the was a temp sensor in the front of the TPI intake base, it's for the computer temp info. I will have to mod the remote thermostat housing for an additional hole.
Now for the detailed explanations