How to Troubleshoot Chevrolet Lt1

The Chevrolet Lt1 is an engine that was originally fitted into the Corvette. Later, it was adapted to fit into several other vehicles, like the Camaro, Firebird and the Buick Roadmaster. It was an 8-cylinder engine and went through two generations. The Lt1 was a 5.7 L engine using a two-valve pushrod system to make roughly 300 hp and 330 pound-feet of torque. The only major problem with the LT1 was the optispark distributor.

Instructions

1. Check for spark. The simplest way to do this is to try to start the vehicle. If it won't start and you do not suspect that anything else is wrong with it, then it could be the distributor. If the Lt1 won't even crank, however, then the problem is likely a bad starter motor. While this is rare on the Lt1, it happens.

2. Remove one of the spark plug wires from the distributor. Pull the wire off the distributor. Remove only one spark plug wire at a time.

3. Place the tip of a long, metal screwdriver near the electrode on the distributor. Do not allow the screwdriver to touch the electrode and do not touch the screwdriver from this point on.

4. Crank the engine. Have an assistant check the screwdriver. There should be a spark jumping from the distributor to the screwdriver. If there is not, then the distributor has failed.

5. Repeat this testing procedure (steps 1-4) for all electrodes to verify a failure of the distributor.

References

• How to Rebuild Chevy LT-1/LT-4 Engines: 1992-1997 GM Cars & Trucks; Mike Mavrigian; 2002