# '55 Chevy LT1/4L60E project **URL:** \ **Category:** Builds\ **Created:** [April 29, 2008, 3:52pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642 "2008-04-29T15:52:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Coldaccord](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/coldaccord/32/7272_2.png) [@Coldaccord](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Coldaccord)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2008, 11:32am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/21 "2008-05-12T11:32:52Z")
a while back i was trying to find these in convertible and couldn’t really come up with any. were they made? ---
**Author:** ![Mike93](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike93/32/7325_2.png) [@Mike93](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mike93)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2008, 11:47am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/22 "2008-05-12T11:47:35Z")
> [@TrueBlue](#): > > I like the naked steel, honestly. Great contrast and adds some texture to the interior. I do too…I’m trying to come up with a way to maybe get rid of the chrome trim inside and give that more of a naked steel look. > [@rj-92](#): > > looking good Mike. I’ll have to swing by and check it out soon! 🙂 Do it up! > [@Coldaccord](#): > > a while back i was trying to find these in convertible and couldn’t really come up with any. were they made? They made 'em…but they’re pretty hard to find nowadays. ---
**Author:** ![TrueBlue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/trueblue/32/7245_2.png) [@TrueBlue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TrueBlue)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2008, 8:51am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/23 "2008-05-13T08:51:37Z")
Okay, just spitballing here: If we removed the plating, we could get it back down to the factory metal. Is it steel or a pot metal? Magnetic? Possibly burnish the finish? Plate with nickel? Coat with a semigloss powdercoat, or, low gloss clear? Some real hotroddin’ up in heah :tup: ---
**Author:** ![neonglh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/neonglh/32/4951_2.png) [@neonglh](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/neonglh)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2008, 10:24am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/24 "2008-05-13T10:24:45Z")
![http://images.rodandcustommagazine.com/eventcoverage/p120211_image_large.jpg](http://images.rodandcustommagazine.com/eventcoverage/p120211_image_large.jpg) :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Mike93](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike93/32/7325_2.png) [@Mike93](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mike93)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2008, 8:12am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/25 "2008-05-20T08:12:00Z")
> [@TrueBlue](#): > > Okay, just spitballing here: If we removed the plating, we could get it back down to the factory metal. Is it steel or a pot metal? Magnetic? Possibly burnish the finish? Plate with nickel? Coat with a semigloss powdercoat, or, low gloss clear? > > Some real hotroddin’ up in heah :tup: Tom, I’m not sure what material the factory used…I’ve been looking to see if I can find another bezel to mess around with. Since last post I had ran into some clearance issues with random things like transmission level dipstick, a steering line on the rack, a few senors had to be moved around…etc. Pretty simple remedies, no pics though. Next, I moved onto the wire harness. In it’s dirty, stock glory… ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/9C1/IMG_0002-3.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/3/5/3502e5c48edc7ff6ad3c8da3cea52834b8e66656.jpeg) Marked the plugs I wasn’t going to be using; wiper motor, washer fluid, smog pump, egr, etc…then stripped the loom and removed the wires as far back as I could to minimize the bulk of the harness. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/9C1/IMG_0003-3.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/e/4/e46d83d0d1f68d4bae51f57ddc696e61c334a6e8.jpeg) A few hours later, some tape, and new loom. Nothing fancy, but looks a lot cleaner than before. Still have some more left to do like mount the computer and fuse box under the hood… ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/9C1/IMG_0002-4.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/3/c/3c0f8fdfafb9206a4518f856e3af04e1239f0fc6.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Pauly](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pauly/32/7493_2.png) [@Pauly](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Pauly)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2008, 8:45am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/26 "2008-05-20T08:45:01Z")
Nice progress Mike. Very Cool project. Last time i put a late model sbc into a 55 i had bought a kit (transdapt i think) that came with a whole crossmember(that was welded between the rails) with engine mounts to change the front back mounts to side. The kit your using looks much different. does an lt1 have provisions for front/rear mounts? ---
**Author:** ![Griff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f19dbf/32.png) [@Griff](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Griff)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2008, 7:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/27 "2008-05-22T19:26:51Z")
awesome build :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Mike93](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike93/32/7325_2.png) [@Mike93](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mike93)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 7:09am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/28 "2008-05-23T07:09:23Z")
> [@Pauly](#): > > Nice progress Mike. Very Cool project. > Last time i put a late model sbc into a 55 i had bought a kit (transdapt i think) that came with a whole crossmember(that was welded between the rails) with engine mounts to change the front back mounts to side. The kit your using looks much different. does an lt1 have provisions for front/rear mounts? I’ll have to take a look next time I’m laying under the car…I can’t remember off hand. > [@Griff](#): > > awesome build :tup: Thanks:) It’s been fun but a bit frustrating at the same time. I’d love to do a bunch of custom metal fabrication, but the lack of tools, experience, and desire to pour a ton of money into the car hinders that. As long as the old man likes it in the end is all that matters I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Mike93](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike93/32/7325_2.png) [@Mike93](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mike93)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 10:50am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/29 "2008-06-18T10:50:38Z")
Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve updated the thread… Since last post I’ve made progress here and there. I had to modify a pressure hose from a '94 Camaro in order to fit into the Caprice pump. Basically, a section of about 4" of tubing was removed and a new end put on. Once that was taken care of the next item of business was the radiator and fan set-up. I went with this radiator from Summit for $260: Next item of business was the radiator and fan set-up. I went with this radiator from Summit for $260: [http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D380473&N=700+115&autoview=sku](http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D380473&N=700+115&autoview=sku) ![http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/sum-380473_w.jpg](http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/sum-380473_w.jpg) I had to poke some holes near the core support for the hoses to come through, also note the rubber foot for the radiator to rest on: ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Web%20pics/IMG_0001.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Web%20pics/IMG_0001.jpg) Here is a shot of the upper radiator area, along with the new intake elbow and K&N filter. Also, note how snuggly the Taurus SHO electric fan and shroud fit. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Web%20pics/IMG_0009.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Web%20pics/IMG_0009.jpg) I also polished the fuel rails…wasn’t digging the black and thought with the intake elbow and exhaust pieces that polishing up the fuel injection was a little icing on the cake. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Web%20pics/IMG_0005.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Web%20pics/IMG_0005.jpg) Here’s a shot showing the radiator secured in place along the core support. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Web%20pics/IMG_0012.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Web%20pics/IMG_0012.jpg) I’ll have some more pics tonight hopefully since these pics are a few weeks old now. ---
**Author:** ![TrueBlue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/trueblue/32/7245_2.png) [@TrueBlue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TrueBlue)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 11:07am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/30 "2008-06-18T11:07:19Z")
\<3 _Love_ it. Polishing was the right move, good balance in there now. ---
**Author:** ![LUKE\_L](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/luke_l/32/7462_2.png) [@LUKE\_L](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LUKE_L)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 12:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/31 "2008-06-18T12:02:28Z")
Awesome project. I really like this build. :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Mike93](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike93/32/7325_2.png) [@Mike93](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mike93)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2008, 6:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/32 "2008-06-19T06:52:57Z")
Needed an overflow tank for the radiator…this was a fire extinguisher in its former life:) ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0012.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0012.jpg) Gutted, with some tubing…I can’t take credit for this as it was done by a friend’s father. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0011.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0011.jpg) Painted, and installed. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0016.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0016.jpg) Since the AC was deleted I needed a pulley to go in place of so I can run the stock belt. Began with a foamcore template, and some scrap aluminum. The pulley is an idler pulley that was used on the stock tensioner, and the cylindrical piece was turned on a lathe to match the dimensions from the bracket of the tensioner. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0013.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0013.jpg) Some clearcoat paint on the aluminum and charcoal on the bolts. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0020.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0020.jpg) Installed…I’m wondering if there will be a problem with the pulley not being ribbed for the belt and wanting to walk a bit??? ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0023.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/Seven/IMG_0023.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![camarojoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c67d28/32.png) [@camarojoe](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/camarojoe)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2008, 7:49am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/33 "2008-06-19T07:49:03Z")
Looking good. :tup: Get it done so we can go cruising. ---
**Author:** ![Mike93](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike93/32/7325_2.png) [@Mike93](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mike93)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2008, 2:04pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/34 "2008-07-19T14:04:38Z")
Todays update: Engine runs:) Still have a lot of buttoning up to do, but the wiring is all sorted out and she fired right up! No pics of the latest as most of the work I’ve been up to has been fairly boring and slightly insignificant to post up. ---
**Author:** ![TrueBlue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/trueblue/32/7245_2.png) [@TrueBlue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TrueBlue)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2008, 1:52pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/35 "2008-08-18T13:52:16Z")
Soooooo… any pics yet? ---
**Author:** ![Toda\_Party](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/toda_party/32/7354_2.png) [@Toda\_Party](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Toda_Party)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2008, 4:15pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/36 "2008-08-18T16:15:12Z")
I’m wondering how come u guys went with an LT1 over an LS1 if ur gonna be upgrading to Fuel Inj anyway? More expensive? ---
**Author:** ![Mike93](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike93/32/7325_2.png) [@Mike93](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mike93)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2008, 8:07pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/37 "2008-08-18T20:07:56Z")
> [@TrueBlue](#): > > Soooooo… any pics yet? I have several pics…just have to upload them. My usb port at home is fubar, so I have to upload them at work…just have been too busy to do so:( > [@Toda Party](#): > > I’m wondering how come u guys went with an LT1 over an LS1 if ur gonna be upgrading to Fuel Inj anyway? More expensive? $700 for a drivable Caprice was the initial motivator. The 4L60E had been rebuilt recently so that helped too. The Caprice was owned by a friend so I knew the history of the car. I had wanted to go LS1, but the cost was too much for the build. My parents are building a cabin at the moment so getting funding has been tight as it is. In the end, the car is being put together for my old man, and all he is looking for is a comfortable cruiser that has EFI, overdrive, and a little more power than what he had before. I know the LS1 is a great engine, but the LT1 can more than do the job as well. ---
**Author:** ![Toda\_Party](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/toda_party/32/7354_2.png) [@Toda\_Party](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Toda_Party)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 2:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/38 "2008-08-19T14:51:22Z")
Gotcha. Looks like fun…post pix when u swap in the C6 Z06 crate 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mike93](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike93/32/7325_2.png) [@Mike93](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mike93)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2008, 5:23pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/39 "2008-08-20T17:23:05Z")
Long past where I thought I’d be at this point of the summer…but it drives!!! Took it a mile down the road to the gas station. Needs an alignment pretty badly as I could smell the front tires getting punished from too much toe out. I was quite easy on the gas and probably didn’t go over 30mph, but it felt pretty damn good! ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/55%20Webshots/0820081947.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/55%20Webshots/0820081947.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![2TurboZ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/2turboz/32/7577_2.png) [@2TurboZ](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/2TurboZ)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2008, 5:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642/40 "2008-08-20T17:34:03Z")
So cool to see this man Congrats :tup: [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/55-chevy-lt1-4l60e-project/47642.md?page=3)