LT1 heads on an old school block????

[bugg1]

Sorry to be new, but can you use a set of about 94 LT1 heads on a pre-86 block? A buddy of mine was wondering. Also is there anything special that needs to be done or will it bolt right up?

[RX-V8]

Supposedly you cant do it due to the reverse cooling design of the LT1 Engine design. IT cools the heads first, unlike the old school engines. I had looked into this, but hit a dead end. Darned cooling stuff. Theoretically they will bolt on and stuff, but from there..... :confused:

[bugg1]

If they will bolt up, I don't know why they won't work? :confused: They are just aluminum heads... :confused:

[Doc]

There's an extra coolant port that would spew coolant into the lifter valley.

[RX-V8]

well, a solid answer... :D

[Eller]

FYI.. It can and has been done.. http://www.lt1intake.com/LT1_retrofit.htm

[yyz28]

Eller beat me to it. :)

[Exevious]

There's an extra coolant port that would spew coolant into the lifter valley.

i would guess that the head gasket should block that off?? kinda like the steam holes on the old 400 heads?

[FC_350]

Okay now I hate you. I wanted to run aluminum heads but i'm going for an inexpensive buildup. After reading that article on the modifications I know I can do them. Iv'e been doing metal work for 8 years and have a small machine shop in my house. More than adequate for the steps described. I just did a quick search on ebay for LT1 heads and it looks like I can get a set shipped for about $200 which I can handle.

I only know pre-86 stuff so now I have a couple questions:


First, is there anything I should look out for that is bad? I mean like certian casting numbers that are sucky or anything.

Second, does anyone have a set of rebuildable LT1 heads they'd sell me? :D

[FC_350]

Well thanks to this post I have a set of LT1 heads on the way to my house. Unfortunetly i'm going out of town next week for 3 weeks, but when I get back i'm going to modify the heads to work with my pre-86 engine. I'll be sure to document all the steps and take lots of pics.

I was wondering though, has anyone here done this before? Can you offer any advise? Thanks.