[Steve91T]

So I've got a 97 SS that now looks like a mismatched LS1 SS. I'm running a craigslist LT1 that's bone stock, down to the mani's and Y pipe. The engine sat for years before I got it. I did a dry compression and leak down test and my numbers were all over the place. I took the chance that it just needed to be run. Long story short, it took a while but it started to run pretty good. So now I've done 3 track days and it and it blew me away. I fully expected to go home with no less than half of the Pistons I started the day with. Not only did it not miss a beat, it used at most 1/2 quart of oil, no smoke, and seemed happy as hell all day long.

So my plan was for an LS1 swap later this year. But now I'm thinking this engine might be healthier than I thought. TT3 rules require me to have around 350 rwhp for my comp weight (3400 lbs). I can knock 100 lbs off the nose by going to an LS1 and light flywheel and clutch. The problem I have is my LT1 isn't worth anything. $500? Maybe? I figure the LS1 swap will cost me at least $3k. But LT's, cam and tune will be about $1500. I figure both should get me close enough to 350 rwhp.

Right now I'm way down on power, so I have to do something. I really want an LS1, but is it worth an extra $1500? At the same time I'm afraid I'm going to buy headers and a cam and the next day it's going to blow up. What would you guys do?

[Steve91T]

I just re read this thread. Since I bought that 1SC, I've been thinking a lot about what to do with my car. And as much as I want an LS1, I just can't throw away a perfectly good LT1. They are worth absolutely nothing these days, so selling it for anything more than a few hundred isn't going to happen. It ran flawlessly at 3 track days and the oil sample said its not making metal. The cost of the swap will buy a lot of track days and tires. So, I'm going to run her till she blows. I would love to add long tubes and a tune to get another 20 or so hp, but I know the second I do that, I'll throw a rod out the block. So I'll just get new tires and start doing TT3. I'll be about 50 hp shy, but it'll give me a chance to see how I like it before building an engine just for those rules.

Actually they are coming out with TT4 which has a lower power to weight, maybe I'll fit in that for now.

Anyway, long live the LT1....for now.