LT-1 in our trucks

[FL71C10]

I was given a running driving LT-1 engine and 4L60 trans to put into my truck. Yes, I know LS is better, but this is what I have and can afford.

Do I need a high hump?

[Kennuck]

No you don't need a high hump for this combo.

[FL71C10]

so the 4L80 is what requires the high hump?

[davepl]

LT1, not LT-1
4L60E, not 4L60

Does it matter? On the engines, one is externally balanced and the other is internal. On the trans, one is TV cable controlled and the other is PCM controlled. So of course I'm picking nits here, but just in case, helps to be accurate.

If this is out of a post-1992 Impala, Camaro, or Corvette then I assume it's an LT1/4L60E combo.

I'm not an expert on high humps. I always thought it was the TH400 but now I'm not so sure.

Edit: And of course there's yet another LT1 in the current Stringray, but you mentioned a budget so I assume you're not using one of those...

[FL71C10]

Originally Posted by davepl

LT1, not LT-1
4L60E, not 4L60

Does it matter? On the engines, one is externally balanced and the other is internal. On the trans, one is TV cable controlled and the other is PCM controlled. So of course I'm picking nits here, but just in case, helps to be accurate.

If this is out of a post-1992 Impala, Camaro, or Corvette then I assume it's an LT1/4L60E combo.

I'm not an expert on high humps. I always thought it was the TH400 but now I'm not so sure.

Edit: And of course there's yet another LT1 in the current Stringray, but you mentioned a budget so I assume you're not using one of those...

I didn't realize there was a 4l60 and a 4l60E. I am pretty what I've got is a 4l60E as it is in a 1995 Roadmaster.

Yes, no LT1 from the current stingray. I wish

[Kennuck]

95 Roadmaster would be the 4L60E last widespread usage of the 4L60 was '92
My 4L60E fits in my low hump cab with lots of room to spare.
I think its the 6L80E's that need the high hump.

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by FL71C10

I didn't realize there was a 4l60 and a 4l60E. I am pretty what I've got is a 4l60E as it is in a 1995 Roadmaster.

Yes, no LT1 from the current stingray. I wish

So, it's still in a 95 Roadmaster? Does that mean you can take anything off the car you want to?

The LT1s have cool exhaust manifolds, but if you have rams horns I'd use them or headers.

Some cool things you can put on your truck like electric cooling fan/s, sealed cooling system, etc, and if you are tech savvy maybe some other things. You might have to do something creative with the radiator and hoses though.

Roadmaster radiator CORE SIZE 30 5/16IN X 17 3/16IN X 1 5/16IN

Pickup radiator

[FL71C10]

Yes, I got the whole car. So you think I should use the Roadmaster radiator?

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by FL71C10

Yes, I got the whole car. So you think I should use the Roadmaster radiator?

I don't think it will fit according to the dimensions I found. If you fabricated a mounting system for that and the fans, I think it would get the job done. Do you tow anything larger than a Roadmaster can tow?

It would be nice if you could take all the hoses, lines and everything and make them work but you might have to move the engine around. And the difficulty of moving the engine around depends on what kind of trans linkage you use, if you use column shifter you only have two engine positions, but if you use a cable shifter you can put the engine pretty much where you want it. And you have to consider if the exhaust will clear, etc.

If both the car and truck are still intact, measure from the face of the radiator to the crankshaft dampener face and compare measurements, then determine if you can get it close enough to the same distance.

Notice where the front engine mount brackets bolt to the frame on the truck, you have two sets of holes, and on the driver's side frame rail there is a column shifter bracket that also has two mounting points so you can either go forward or backward.

For the 4l60E you will likely need to get the driveshaft shortened anyway so move the engine first.

Then figure out what is harder, using the Roadmaster radiator or the pickup radiator. Look at the hose inlets/outlet sizes/locations. You going to have to weigh it out, park them side by side and get out your tape measure.

You might be able to make some coolant pipes and use short sections of hose to make connections or use flex hoses it you can't make stock Roadmaster hoses fit up.

I'll be there are others on this forum who have done it and have better advice than I.

You tow?

[FL71C10]

Thanks for the input. I don't plan on doing much towing, but would like to have the option. I'm not sure if I will be able to fit a hitch under the frame along with my boyd's tank.

I may try to move the motor back a little as there is no distributor to worry about. So that's good to know about the adjustable trans linkage locations. I did not know that.

[305a]

I like the LT1 engine and I have several, including a new one I am saving for my 71 Suburban. I put one in a 64 Impala ragtop and it made a great drivable vehicle. I am currently putting one in a 67 short bed truck with a 4L60 no E. I am using the Corvette radiator in the 67, but I had a custom one built for the Impala. If I can help just let me know.
Mike

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by FL71C10

Thanks for the input. I don't plan on doing much towing, but would like to have the option. I'm not sure if I will be able to fit a hitch under the frame along with my boyd's tank.

I may try to move the motor back a little as there is no distributor to worry about. So that's good to know about the adjustable trans linkage locations. I did not know that.

Well as long as the trailer hitch bolts to the outside of the frame rail, and the gas tank is inside the frame rail, you should be good. Just make sure the hitch installers run the bolts from the inside out so there is less risk of the bolts ripping through the tank in the event of a rear end collision.

Keep us posted!

[FL71C10]

Originally Posted by mechanicalman

I don't think it will fit according to the dimensions I found. If you fabricated a mounting system for that and the fans, I think it would get the job done. Do you tow anything larger than a Roadmaster can tow?

It would be nice if you could take all the hoses, lines and everything and make them work but you might have to move the engine around. And the difficulty of moving the engine around depends on what kind of trans linkage you use, if you use column shifter you only have two engine positions, but if you use a cable shifter you can put the engine pretty much where you want it. And you have to consider if the exhaust will clear, etc.

If both the car and truck are still intact, measure from the face of the radiator to the crankshaft dampener face and compare measurements, then determine if you can get it close enough to the same distance.

Notice where the front engine mount brackets bolt to the frame on the truck, you have two sets of holes, and on the driver's side frame rail there is a column shifter bracket that also has two mounting points so you can either go forward or backward.

For the 4l60E you will likely need to get the driveshaft shortened anyway so move the engine first.

Then figure out what is harder, using the Roadmaster radiator or the pickup radiator. Look at the hose inlets/outlet sizes/locations. You going to have to weigh it out, park them side by side and get out your tape measure.

You might be able to make some coolant pipes and use short sections of hose to make connections or use flex hoses it you can't make stock Roadmaster hoses fit up.

I'll be there are others on this forum who have done it and have better advice than I.

You tow?

Mechanicalman,

Did you put an LT-1 in your truck? Did you use the old motor mounts and crossmember?

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by FL71C10

Mechanicalman,

Did you put an LT-1 in your truck? Did you use the old motor mounts and crossmember?

[/QUOTE] mechanicalman: "I'll be (correction: bet) there are others on this forum who have done it and have better advice than I".

No, I have not, hence the non-specific advice. However, the mounting bolt location/configuration on the LT1 is the exact same on the block as the small block V-8s that came in these trucks as is the bell housing flange set-up, the crankshaft flange takes a different flywheel, externally balanced, but still bolts up to a torque converter or you can get an externally balanced clutch flywheel.

So I'll bet you can find some threads on this subject in this forum by people who have done it, and that's your best advice. Anything I offer is conjecture, albeit good conjecture; you can't beat real experience.

[Kennuck]

There is a wealth of swap info here http://lt1swap.com/index.htm

[hugger6933]

Doesn't the pass side have a different mounting pattern for the engine mount on the LT1? I may have to take the blanket off mine to look and see But I remember something about it being strange for a/c compressor clearance.

[hugger6933]

It is like I almost remember the mount being like it was upside down or something similar to that. Jim

[Woodnears]

If I remember correctly, the lt1 had two different mount locations. Just flip the passenger side bracket to the forward location. I can get pics if needed

[FL71C10]

Thanks. I will see how things go when I get the motor out of the donor car.

[FL71C10]

Originally Posted by Woodnears

If I remember correctly, the lt1 had two different mount locations. Just flip the passenger side bracket to the forward location. I can get pics if needed

Hey, Woodnears. I could use some pics. I got the motor and transmission out of the donor car and am scrapping it tomorrow. I don't need the Buick motor mounts, right. I'm going to use the 71 truck towers and motor mounts?

Thanks!

[Woodnears]

Pm me so I can keep track of this. Shoot me your email and I'll send you pics of what I have. I'm in Florida tonight but will be back home tomorrow. I just realized you're in Orlando! Ironic, I've been here all week I could have come helped ya. I'm at he airport marriot is that close to you?

[FL71C10]

I'll PM you my email address. I'm about 15-20 minutes from the airport depending on traffic.