LT1-Carburator-93-T/A

If you can make the optispark fit a standard small block you're more qualified than me. I don't understand why anyone would even think of trying such a swap.

The trans wouldn't work. The VATS would have to be bypassed. The cooling fans would have to be hot wired. Gauge cluster would probably not function. And I seriously doubt the Holley would clear the cowl.

I don't mean to offend, but I think you are biting off more than you can chew! I can not understand why you want to dump the LT1 for a regular small block. There are tons of hop up parts to fit the LT1 that will make goobs of HP and still keep the computer intact. The LT1 is a great mill, keep it and juice it up! Greg

Apparently you don't!! Most of your questions I can answer, The ones I can't, I could if I had the your TA sitting in front of me. Good luck with getting answers with that attitude! Greg

If you know so much about it, then why are you asking these simple questions?? If you know how to do it only you can decide how far you want to go, nobody here can answer that. From your origanal post, (cut and paste below), your questions seem pretty elementary. For example, "what about just carbureting the LT1? ........Does it screw up the computer?" Anyone with any engine experiance on late model cars knows the answer to that one!

As for your comments about not needing to spend $20,000-$30,000 to get 600 out of a small block without nitrous, well I have no clue were that come from, but 600 HP can be had pretty easy and for a hell of allot less that $10,000. If you want to spend $10,000 you can buy a ready to run 600HP small block anywhere! Greg

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Original post... I've got a 93 Trans Am, and I'm wanting to build a standard small block Chevy to go in it. I want a standard Holley carb, and distributor. Does anyone know what will be involved. I have Mac headers on this car. Will they fit up with standard small block heads, or are the exhaust ports very different? Will the distributor clear the fire wall(small Mallory type)? What about the factory computer. Can I just pretty much cut all the wires going to the engine? I'm not worried about hood clearance. Or... What about just carbureting a LT1? Do you still use the opti-spark? Does it screw up the computer? Thanks for any and all info.

Anthony

I believe the computer is the least of your trouble. Open your hood. Check the clearance to the cowl. You can cut a hole in the hood but how are you going to cut a hole through the cowl and windshield? Thats where the carb will sit.

I wouldn't dis Greg, he is the most knowledgable person in this group.

Never heard of one, maybe a 4L60? Greg

Aw thanks, (Blushing, kicking the dirt), but I think yu have me confused with someone else!

I wonder though, with all the experiance Anthony has, and the fact that he supposedly has a '93 sitting in his driveway, if he has actually opened the hood, most of his questions would be answered? Greg

Why on God's Green Earth would you replace more reliable, efficient and higher performance fuel injection with a carburetor?

What do you expect to gain by going backward? :) Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director '80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig. '79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going.... '80 T/A project car...

LOL!! That pretty much was my question too. I would much reather start with an LT-1 than a standard small block! With all the goodies available for the LT-1 it seems like a no-brainer to me! Seems to me GM was pulling around 400 HP out of them in the end. He made the comment of a 600 HP engine, I would rather start out with one that makes 400 and get to 600 HP, than one that started out with 200 and try to go to 600 HP.

Either way I think he was a troll. Greg

Then you have the answers to your questions and there's no need to ask anyone :).

Again, going from a fuel injected LT1 to a carbed small or big block in that application is like driving around the block in reverse to get to your house. Sure, you'll get there, but wouldn't it be easier to go forward :)?

With that being said, it's much easier to build a newer engine with regard to performance in the sense that you can trip over all the LT1 upgrade parts to do it.

You're talking to a guy that owns THREE carbed Pontiacs which I wouldn't trade for the world, but I own three fuel injected cars too, and each has its merits.

Fuel injection is a simpler system. Period. Less to go wrong in the long run and more reliable. Pound for pound, you'll be light years ahead hopping up the LT1.

If you can't build an LT1 for the power you need, STOP! Close the hood and seek some assistance.

An LT1 is a small block Chevy. Nothing magic there :). Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director '80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig. '79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going.... '80 T/A project car...

It will fit. I have seen it done a few times. You just have to cut the wiper cowl and get a cowl induction hood. No biggie....but I would just keep the LT1. No point in ditching a good motor.

I may have lost something here, but why would you take an LT1 and make it carbureted? The fuel injection system on it is 10 times as reliable as a carburetor. Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director '80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 27k orig. '79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 143k and still going.... '91 S10 Blazer 4.3Z