Lt1 Swap what do you guys recommend? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Kenneth_CS87 · 10-14-2006, 12:22 AM

I am in search of some headers and radiator for my swap right now. What do you guys recommend for the headers and radiator? Motor is out of a 1994 Z28.

Fastfun · 10-14-2006, 01:02 AM

The headers that I am using on my LT1 are from Street and Performance,

nandress · 10-14-2006, 01:06 AM

Any good radiator should do. The key is probably to run electric fans rather than a fan clutch. I would assume that a stock heavy duty radiator would be just fine. On the aftermarket, BeCool has a full radiator/dual fan module specifically for these trucks...Though you might have to do some custom fabbing to get mounts to work.

Fastfun · 10-14-2006, 01:31 AM

Make sure you let them know it is for an LT1 and not the stock motor. The
LT1 has reverse cooling

Kenneth_CS87 · 10-14-2006, 02:30 AM

Thanks for the help Im preatty sure that the stock C10 wont work.

Werewolf · 10-14-2006, 06:59 AM

You've got to use electric fans on an LT-1. I'd recommend an electric water pump upgrade, too. Summit sells an LT-1 specific pump for $200. It's easy to install, just pull the pump, pull the front cover, press out the impeller shaft and impeller, and press in a brass freeze plug that comes with the pump. This will also ensure that the water pump doesn't take a pee on your Optispark when it dies. Getting an Optispark wet is one of the big reasons they fail. The other is using an aftermarket ignition box, like the MSD 6AL, with the stock system. And get a 160 degree 'stat for it, too. The reverse flow cooling system makes this "upgrade" worthwhile by keeping the heads extra cool.

If you do this, you may as well go the extra mile and replace the cap and rotor, too. MSD and Summit both sell performance caps and rotors for the LT-1, now, much sturdier than stock.

As for headers, most of the LT-1 guys I talk to swear by Hooker long tubes.

And radiator .. as Fastfun said, just make sure it's good to go for the reverse-flow cooling system. And go big if you can. I've had a couple of LT-1's and they seem to love running hot.

pdr510 · 10-14-2006, 07:31 AM

I am using the stock '72 chevy 4 row radiator for my LT1. I am using hooker super comp headers made for sbc with no problems. Radiator hoses is the biggest challenge using the stock radiator.

10-14-2006, 12:22 AM	#1
Kenneth_CS87 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stockton Posts: 114	Lt1 Swap what do you guys recommend? I am in search of some headers and radiator for my swap right now. What do you guys recommend for the headers and radiator? Motor is out of a 1994 Z28.

10-14-2006, 01:02 AM	#2
Fastfun Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 615	Re: Lt1 Swap what do you guys recommend? The headers that I am using on my LT1 are from Street and Performance,

10-14-2006, 01:06 AM	#3
nandress Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nevada Posts: 211	Re: Lt1 Swap what do you guys recommend? Any good radiator should do. The key is probably to run electric fans rather than a fan clutch. I would assume that a stock heavy duty radiator would be just fine. On the aftermarket, BeCool has a full radiator/dual fan module specifically for these trucks...Though you might have to do some custom fabbing to get mounts to work.

10-14-2006, 01:31 AM	#4
Fastfun Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 615	Re: Lt1 Swap what do you guys recommend? Make sure you let them know it is for an LT1 and not the stock motor. The LT1 has reverse cooling

10-14-2006, 02:30 AM	#5
Kenneth_CS87 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stockton Posts: 114	Re: Lt1 Swap what do you guys recommend? Thanks for the help Im preatty sure that the stock C10 wont work.

10-14-2006, 06:59 AM	#6
Werewolf Woof? Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 276	Re: Lt1 Swap what do you guys recommend? You've got to use electric fans on an LT-1. I'd recommend an electric water pump upgrade, too. Summit sells an LT-1 specific pump for $200. It's easy to install, just pull the pump, pull the front cover, press out the impeller shaft and impeller, and press in a brass freeze plug that comes with the pump. This will also ensure that the water pump doesn't take a pee on your Optispark when it dies. Getting an Optispark wet is one of the big reasons they fail. The other is using an aftermarket ignition box, like the MSD 6AL, with the stock system. And get a 160 degree 'stat for it, too. The reverse flow cooling system makes this "upgrade" worthwhile by keeping the heads extra cool. If you do this, you may as well go the extra mile and replace the cap and rotor, too. MSD and Summit both sell performance caps and rotors for the LT-1, now, much sturdier than stock. As for headers, most of the LT-1 guys I talk to swear by Hooker long tubes. And radiator .. as Fastfun said, just make sure it's good to go for the reverse-flow cooling system. And go big if you can. I've had a couple of LT-1's and they seem to love running hot. __________________ 1968 LWB CST BB 2004 Avalanche Z71 LT3. 2003 S-10 ZR2 (hers). 1997 Astro 1992 Caprice wagon, 500k stock miles. Nursing wounds after a bad wreck. 1997 Saturn - need gas mileage from something! Last edited by Werewolf; 10-14-2006 at 07:02 AM.

10-14-2006, 07:31 AM	#7
pdr510 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LA Posts: 158	Re: Lt1 Swap what do you guys recommend? I am using the stock '72 chevy 4 row radiator for my LT1. I am using hooker super comp headers made for sbc with no problems. Radiator hoses is the biggest challenge using the stock radiator. __________________ 1970 C-10 Fleet Side Gen IV 6.0 with 4L80E



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