Found a heart transplant donor for my 51 AD

[FarmerSid]

Hey all! Ran across a 95 Buick Roadmaster for less than $500 that runs and drives fine. I'm pretty sure it has less than 150000 km on it. Has an LT1 in it. From reading here and there, seeing that I would like to put a vette drive line and suspension under my 51, an 87 and up vette is what I've read and told I should be looking for. They can be had for relatively cheap and have a roller cam from 87 up. That's all I know! That's why I come to you all and see what you all think about the roadmaster LT1. I know I know LS1 but........alot more $$. I'd like to dress it up with vette stuff if I can but again, I come here to see what you all have to say.

[FarmerSid]

I can't believe I'm not getting any replies on this. I thought I would have had a few "you suck!" replies. Someone must have an opinion if this would make a good donor vehicle or not. Any info on why or why not would be mint.

[crossfire84]

it does'nt matter what we or anyone else thinks, its your truck build it as YOU want to. the buick has a lot of cool stuff you could use in your build.

[mr48chev]

I think those big mid nineties Buicks are pretty much overlooked as donor rigs but a guy sure can't whine about having a good running drivetrain for under 500 bucks.

I'd get it all dialed in while it was in it's original home to make sure it ran the way I wanted it to before pulling it out.

I'd have to think which Corvette Suspension pieces you used be they C-4 or C-5 would depend on which kit you use to install them. I was serious into doing that about 17 years ago and my finances went to hell in a handbasket and I couldn't swing doing it.

[FarmerSid]

Thanks guy's! The roadmaster is a limited version. Full tan leather. I know it's my truck and I can do what I want but I think the price is too good to turn down even if I don't use it. I'm a bit far off yet with fitting a drive line but this engine I think is what I'm looking for. A few upgrades and this will fill my needs and then some. Maybe some of you guy's here could offer some suggestions of power and cosmetic upgrades for this engine. I'm looking into this myself but welcome everyone's opinion and suggestions.

[youngrodder]

Let me start with it sounds like a pretty good deal. I'm running a 95 Vette LT1 in my 48 truck. There are a lot of other things that you need to get this motor to work. Rework/new engine wiring harness, fuel pump (preferably in the tank). Accessory brackets are just to name a few. The Roadmaster engines only put out about 260 hp. Not sure I would go through the trouble for that.

For the money I would try to locate an LS based motor out of a late model truck or SUV. There are a lot more options for tuning and scanning of the motor for diagnostics.



Good luck

[RootBeer 6117]

I'm running a 96 buck roadmaster drive train and seats in mine.i started out with S10 v8 motor mounts but changed it last year I lifted the motor up an over for a better fit. It's a tight fit in an s10 frame.
Lt1 your limited on your belt drive confriguation,but it runs like a stripped ape.i really like the way mine runs its very smooth put your foot in it and its gone. Go for it

[FarmerSid]

Hey all! It's been a bit but I have to start thinking about locating this LT1 and determining how I have to modify the firewall for the engine and trans. I would like to smooth the firewall but still leave a few factory touches. I picked up a complete 97 Corvette IFS today for $250. The power steering pump and reservoir is with it as well. When locating the engine, what spot should I be trying to locate it at? As low and far back as I can? Youngrodder, how deep is the recess in your firewall and how far is you engine from the firewall? What's your booster from?

Thanks!

[ghettoluxury]

Yes for the best handling you are going to want the engine as low and far back as possible.

[mr48chev]

Unless you plan on doing lots of autocross racing I doubt that having the engine set up a bit as Rootbeer6117 mentioned would probably work better in the long run.

When I had the V8 in my 48 I always wished I had set it in a bit higher as it was lost way down in the hole of the engine compartment.

[FarmerSid]

Found out the IFS if from 88-90 which is fine. Don't plan on autocross it. Gotta find out if I need another oil pan if I use a Flat out cross member or not. Thanks for the help.