The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop What is an LT1?

Once again, I approach the fountain of knowlege for a drink. A local bargain trader has used Chevy 350 LT1 V8 small blocks for sale. Some have Aluminum heads ($650) and some have cast heads ($350). From the photos, they appear to be minus intake and flywheel. My question is: What does "LT1" mean? Is it 4 bolt main bearing caps, or does it have to do with other special feature? Do you think the asking price is reasonable? THANKS.

Emil; Not sure what LT1 stands for maybe chiphead does, but the price is only as good as motor, we've bought 350's from $25.00 (demo derby cars to $750.00 rebuilt short blocks)all said and done I've got about $1,800.00 in mine doing most of the work myself. I don't want Maws and me to break down in 59. popcorn

I assume these engines are rebuildable cores. That's why I thought LT1 must mean something valuable to be asking that much. I will call them just for grins.

LT-1 350's first appeared in 1969 Corvettes and was available in the 70 1/2 Z-28 Camaro as well as Vettes.
Specs:
Displacement 350 ci
Bore and stroke 4.00 X 3.48
Horsepower 360/370 @ 6000
Compression 11.0 to 1
Chamber design Wedge
Carburetion 780 cfm Holley
Intake Aluminum high riser
Camshaft .458/.458-inch lift,317/346 deg duration
Lifters Solid
Valves,int/exh 2.02/1.60 inch
Pistons impact extruded aluminum
Rods forged steel
Crank forged steel
Exhaust Dual,cast iron headers
Ignition Single point,vacuum advance
Fuel required Premium
Heads had screw in studs
Four - bolt mains

Don't know for sure, but chevy prolly recycled the LT-1 designation from the late '60s when they came out with the new & improved model in the '90s.

The '60s LT-1 would be a nice engine to have if you could find one that wasn't blown to bits. It follows most of the typical rules of a performance 350.

The '90s LT-1 was a reverse cooled, computer controlled engine. It uses serpentine belts, a special MPFI intake, special electrical system & all those sensors & powertrain control computers. It'll make great power if you can find all the electrical & electronic gizmos to go with it.
I could be wrong, but I believe that these motors are related to the late '90s & up LS-1 engines used in F-bodies & vettes, that had a carbon-fiber intake, coil-on-plug ignition, reverse flow cooling system, etc.

Basically the '90s LT-1 & LS-1 350s are related to the older 350s in displacement alone. Not many parts will interchange, including the accessories, electrical and cooling systems.

good luck

chip

A friend of mine had one in a 94 caprice cop car,a good running motor but has alot goofy stuff on it like a behind the waterpump front distributor,a cam driven waterpump and more. I think they can be converted to normal but might be better to find a regular 350

Lots of great info, I printed that article from Automotive Rebuilder and will be reading it a few times. The fact about the later models needing the ancillary parts and computer controls to work right will kill it for me. I didn't see a distributor in the photo either ($500-$600 egad!) or water pump or pulleys, etc. Thanks all for helping me avoid a costly blunder. I will be studying a bit longer on this.

while the info provided was accurate, and interesting, it tells a part of yer question. general motors uses these numbers to designate a series of engines. big blocks are l-88 (old 427's) ls-6 (454) lt-1 (performance 350). etc. there are several designations of engines. oh yeah---old 350's really don't like new 350's. unless you are racing the numbers don't mean much if you are staying close to stock. a buddy of mine bought a new vette and was bragging about how fast it goes. i ask him if he's ever raced it---he asks me if i'm crazy. i ask him if he's ever had it over a hundred---he asks me if i realize just how expensive the car is. i look at him and smile and tell him how fast my junk pickup goes--and tell him i know it for a fact, cause i drove it that fast. then i ask him if he would have been better off with a v-6 and saved his money. he ain't never gonna use the power, so why have it. the point? well, if you ain't racin' how about taking a good engine and rebuilding it to reliable? add a few improvements to the intake, exhaust, and ignition system to make a solid reliable street ride. throw away the original cam. it makes a great ashtray stand. the lt-1 is a good engine, and i have run a few, but not necessary in a normal ride. save yer bucks