My buddy Jim S. and I are trying to install an LT1 ('94)/700R4 into his '51 Pontiac with a '70s Camaro sub. The A/C pump hits on the X member. It had a 305/350 in it until yesterday. The LT1 seems to have different mounts. I thought I saw something about LT1 conversion mounts somewhere but am at a loss as to where. Any suggetions, guidance?? John v L jwvonl@juno.com Minesota
LT1 Has the same mounts, LS1 is different. Ac pump is just hung really low on those. Make room or maybe engine brackets from a caprice/ roadmaster would fix it. Remember the water pump goes backwards so the top radiator hose goes to the bottom and the bottom goes to the top! I think I got that part right! .
LT1 mounts are the same as standard SBC mounts. The AC is just in a bad spot on the B and F bodys. If you switch to Corvette brackets, you'll be ok. The 'Vette brackets move all the accessories over to the drivers side, and put the AC compressor up on top of the motor. Another tip: Since the '94 came stock with the electronicly shifted 4L60-E, the '94 throttle body doesn't have a stud or bracket for the TV cable, so you'd usually have to fab something. However, '93 Camaros and Firebirds used the LT1 with a 700R4, so all you need is a '93 throttle body and cable bracket. Another thing(not that you asked ). If you still want to use a mechanical cooling fan instead of electric, the factory towing package B and D bodys uses one.
You have to change the whole front drive sys over to the corvette, can't piece-meal , the vette stuff sticks out a little further so alignment will be off. Also don't be freaked by the reverse cool thing, hoses still get connected the same, coolant flows to heads first then block. It's an urban myth!!
The Corvette brackets have come up several times here. Remember the Vette balancer/pulley is actually different. It sits farther awary from the block than the Camaro style. Most aftermarket bracket kits require the Vette balancer. It is very reasonable from the GM dealer - at least it was. We put one in a '52 Sedan delivery but used all the Vette suspension. We are in the process of putting one in a '51 Station Wagon right now. Just waiting for a motor. It did require a special radiator for the LT1. I ordered a Griffin the last time with the large tubes with a trans cooler built in and the AC Condensor. It cooled like it should with no issues. We used a larger pusher fan too.