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Post by 89-Blazer on Nov 14, 2005 12:52:54 GMT -5
Wasn't sure if this was the place to post this or not. ? I got this 89' Blazer about 3 months ago or so and my only real complaints I have with the truck are: 1. It's gutless, especially at freeway speeds. 2. The 700r4 doesn't seem to downshift when it should. Other than those issues though, I really love the truck. I figure an LT1 with a mild roller cam and some exhaust work will push around 330-340hp and still retain almost factory torque specs, maybe even more. That should solve any and all problems with the power issues lol.. Now onto the main question, has anyone done, or know of anyone that has transplanted a late model LT1 engine into an older 4x4 Chevy pickup like these? I figure my Blazer is already fuel injected so it's got all the high pressure fuel and return lines etc.. I guess the only real issues would be computer and cooling fans. I'm intimately familiar with the LT1 engine platform, as it's the same engine that is in my 97' Z28 that I've had and worked on for the last 7 years or so. I'm pretty compitent when it comes to stuff like this, but I figured I'd ask around to see if anyone has actually performed this before. Maybe there is some hidden issues somewhere that I'm overlooking etc. Thanks in advance, Mike
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Post by 19_Chevelle_69 on Nov 14, 2005 19:09:44 GMT -5
I don't know of any "usual" problems that can't be overcome with some imagination.
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Post by emandapimp on Nov 14, 2005 21:18:31 GMT -5
mike, im doing that kind of install in my 80 1/2 ton, motor mounts work so everything is straight forward once you locate all the correct wiring, my advise is to find a 93 lt1 computer (corvette). they have the most available wiring harnesses for them that use the 700r4 rather then the 4l60e and still use computer controlled lock-up. as for engine stick with one pre-1996 (also harness related easy) need anything else just ask eman
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Post by 89-Blazer on Nov 14, 2005 22:04:04 GMT -5
mike, im doing that kind of install in my 80 1/2 ton, motor mounts work so everything is straight forward once you locate all the correct wiring, my advise is to find a 93 lt1 computer (corvette). they have the most available wiring harnesses for them that use the 700r4 rather then the 4l60e and still use computer controlled lock-up. as for engine stick with one pre-1996 (also harness related easy) need anything else just ask eman Thanks Eman, Are you using an LT1 from a Vette, or a 4th gen Camaro/Firebird? Upon doing a quick search I found this guys website: www.hiltgen.com/daniel/automotive/blazer/ and he used a LT1 from a Camaro but had problems with the front accessory mounts and keeping the AC compressor. Sounded like it hit the cross member or frame because it sits so low on an Fbody. Curious to know which one you went with. The lockup feature is something I didn't take into consideration with 700r4. For some reason I was thinking they were "non electronically" controlled. That link I posted above used a 4L60E from a truck to solve that issue. In the end I wonder if it would be easier to keep the stock TBI computer and run a standalone piggyback like Accell DFI or Speed system for the LT1. Might simplify everything in the long run. Thoughts? Mike
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Post by emandapimp on Nov 14, 2005 23:40:56 GMT -5
As for the engine i used, it is out of a caprice/impala. im not sure of the accessory mounting on the f-bodies but no modifications needed for my application. i used all factory accessories including a/c in stock lt1 location, tight fit but useable (may not hurt to notch frame slightly) the 700r4 is a non-electric transmission but does retain a computer controlled tcc solonioid. this can be bypassed so it can be used in older carburated apps. as for t.b.i computer, i dont believe you can use one with the lt1. the lt1 harness has a 4 connector computer (94 - up for sure) and the t.b.i. uses a 2 connector computer. painless wiring does now make a wiring harness and performance programmed mini computer (4" x 4") for the lt1 engines for 1800 canadian. lots of money but worth every penny im sure.
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Post by 89-Blazer on Nov 15, 2005 10:25:26 GMT -5
That's good to know that the Impy accessory drives fit without modifications or deletion of the A/C. I didn't even think of an Impalla LT1 for a swap until you mentioned it. Their accessory drives are different from either the Vette or the F-body's. I was actually referring to an aftermarket engine management system like the Accel system or Speed system to control the fuel/spark functions for the LT1. I'll have to research that a bit more. I know they splice into the factory wiring and over-ride the engine functions but I'm not quite sure how that would work with a swap situation like this. Maybe that painless wiring computer would be the way to go in a case like this one? Thanks for the great info on the Impy LT1 man. That would be great to save all the accessories without modifications. Mike
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Post by emandapimp on Nov 15, 2005 13:39:09 GMT -5
If you are to go ahead and use an lt1 for a k5 blazer, i will assume you will use this for mudding purposes? If so i strongly recommend fabricating a good skid plate to keep water and other junk away from the horrible opti-spark distributer in the front. msd has finally released its supposed "waterproof" cap and rotor. they are now in shipping so will be available soon. recommend trying one of these in your app. ill have update on the caps an rotors when mine arrive. ill put it in to test.
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Post by 89-Blazer on Nov 15, 2005 14:22:25 GMT -5
LOL,,, that's probably not a bad idea with the opti protector haha.. Although I have over 100k miles on my 97' Z28 in the sig., and with lots and lots of 6800 rpm missed shifts and not a single opti failure to date (knock on wood). My friend on the other hand has gone through about 4 rotors that flew apart, and at least 3 full opti units in his 92 Vette. Poor sap lol....
How much was that MSD unit?
Mike
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Post by emandapimp on Nov 15, 2005 19:55:25 GMT -5
Ya ive had good and bad luck between my fleet of caprices. some last forever it seems and some burn out real quick. those msds are coming to me at 350 a peice, i got a deal for ordering 5 at once, hopefully they are as good as claimed. if your wondering i run a cab company and work on 20 + lt1's daily. there kinda second nature, thats why i feel that it is the smart choice to run in my truck.
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Post by BowtieGuy on Nov 23, 2005 7:22:21 GMT -5
Just to let you know, when you preform this swap you don't need the computer to control the 700r4. If you look in the tranny section I have a post of making the 700r4 lock up and work properly with NO comp hooked to it. I did this to my tranny and has been working great for over a year now.
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Post by 89-Blazer on Dec 1, 2005 11:23:05 GMT -5
Thanks for the headsup Bowtieguy. Mike
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83
Truck Lover
Posts: 41
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Post by 83 on Jul 26, 2007 0:05:35 GMT -5
the tbi uses 9 to 11 psi as where the lt1 uses 45 psi you can use a 700r4 you need a tv cable from a 93 f-body they used 700r4 with lt1's other than that just bypass the v.a.t.s and should crank right up
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Post by dman13 on Feb 13, 2012 1:39:50 GMT -5
Interesting, I also have an 89 Blazer wanting to put an LT1 into. My 700r4 started slipping. B4 I could get it fixed, the 5.7 started knocking. Any way, I wrecked my 95 Corvette 7/15/11, passenger side body damaged. I was wondering, since I was planing on replacing K5's 700r4 with my Corvettes. Now I want to replace the 5.7 with the 5.7 LT1. How big of a job is this going to be. What are my challenges, can I use the Corvettes wiring harness etc.. and what else? 95 LT1 into a 89 K5 Blazer 4X4 6" lift, 35" Coopers on 15x10 Center-Lines. Any Info would be appreciated, thanks
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