Lt1 swap in 73 k10

[Isaiah molina]

Hi, this is my first post so hopefully someone can help me out here. I've got a 73 k10 im trying to build on a budget and it needs a motor. A buddy offered me an lt1, complete motor but no wiring or trans. I want to know what I would be getting myself into. What will it take to get it running with a normal carb and distributor. No efi or opti. Thanks.

 

[gotyourgoat]

No opti means no go for an lt1. There are aftermarket non opti options but they aren't budget friendly. They still require the computer to run as well.

This isn't to say that it's not totally impossible to run an lt1 without an opti or fuel injection but good god is there a lot of work and money to deengineer an lt1.

 

[Charlie]

 

[Camar068]

Welcome. We love pics of squares btw lol.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Not possible on a tight budget.

Forget not running OPTI-SPARK..because camshaft, oil pump, AND water pump.

That FACT(s) established, the next major budget constraint involves securing a computer and wiring harness.

Outside of that, it's a plug and play swap lol...it'll BOLT IN.

HOWEVER , you cannot run an LT1 without a computer - for cheap , think up some different plan. Not even with a carburetor. NOT for cheap.

You will STILL require a harness.
$$$
And a computer.
$$$

A '93 or '94 LT1 would be super cool though - .

An LT1 is a marvel of engineering, dude is right on about "de-engineering" an LT1. Lol. Don't do it, you will be sorry because it would SUCK. PLUS be expensive as f-.

In reality-land the fuel pressure requirement is not really that high for an LT1 and getting the correct volume + pressure out of a carbureated square will actually be quite reasonable, I would imagine.

I would be quick to hunting down a TBI truck's gas tank and you could simply swap out that pump for an upgraded vortex pump - the plug is the same.
The General makes it become simple.

Good luck!

Awesome cool truck BTW. I want to see an LT1 in it!

 

[Isaiah molina]

I appreciate the detailed responses from you guys. I think I'm just going to keep looking for a good 350 to drop in. The LT1 sounds like way too much time and money for me, and I'm pretty short on both haha.

 

[gotyourgoat]

I don't want to come off discouraging because damn near anything is possible and sometimes fun to do. However you mentioned a budget. This project would not be a cheap or simple adventure.

The lt1 is an odd duck. There's been a love/hate thing happening with it even from the inception.

Is your truck without an engine or are you looking to change?

 

[Isaiah molina]

My truck is lacking an engine but I'm really not looking to make this a bigger project than it already is. I've got some other projects going on too and adding an LT1 swap sounds like it would kill me haha

 

[Rusty Nail]

Dude. An LT1 swap would KICK.ASS. You've got ME turned on to that idea now! I know where one is...maybe you should get the engine from your buddy and slowly collect the parts for a future swap ? It's a good idea...

Matter of fact i'm having lunch with Gary Camaro on TUESDAY.

Bet money I can put an engine, harness AND computer on lay-a-way. Dang! That would ROCK!

An LT1 powered square body...definately gonna bring it up.
I like it!

 

[Isaiah molina]

You live near central Texas? I've got a good lead on a free LT1 Haha.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Omg it's FREE?!

 

[yevgenievich]

Megasquirt, or lt1 harness with 411 ls1 ecm conversion and 96 lt1 front plate

 

[gotyourgoat]

Well, just a second there professor.

I would not discourage trying a different engine in something. However, I would never encourage putting an lt1 in anything where it didn't come originally equipped. I would also encourage changing that stock lt1 car to some thing else if the occasion arises.

There is kind of a reason the lt1 was only made for like 5 years, while the gen 1 was made for like 50 years and the Ls 22 years and counting with no end in sight.

 

[Isaiah molina]

Omg it's FREE?!

Yeah, my buddy has it sitting on the ground in his shop

 

[Crispy]

350 or LS imo. The money you will spend getting that LT1 running right would be better spent elsewhere. Standard SBC to get you up and running and if you're set on a more modern efi engine then save up and go LS.