1996 Caprice/Impala - Engines (LT1)
5.7 Liter SFI V8 Engine (LT1)
The 5.7 Liter LT1 small block V8 is the standard powerplant for Impala SS, Camaro Z28 Coupe, Z28 Convertible, Caprice Wagon and Corvette, and optional on Caprice Classic Sedan. It produces 300 hp @ 5000 rpm, 285 hp @ 5200 rpm and 260 hp @ 5000 rpm for Corvette, Camaro and Caprice respectively. It produces 335 lb.-ft. torque at 4000 rpm, 325 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm and 330 lb.-ft. @ 2400 for Corvette, Camaro and OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics Second Generation) is standard.
The LT1 V8 is improved for 1996:
- Exhaust manifolds have tri-layered stainless-steel exhaust gaskets which improve durability and reduce exhaust leaks
- Recyclable copper-lead cam bearings replace the cadmium lead bearings used previously
- Low-resistance ignition wires and platinum-tip spark plugs are designed to improve idle quality and cold-start performance
- Revised pistons use a new positive-twist top ring that improves the piston-to-cylinder seal and reduces blow by emissions at high engine speeds.
- The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the emissions system and its components to detect deterioration or malfunction. It also controls individual fuel injectors, optical ignition system and interacts with the available electronically controlled transmission. See OBD II section for details.
Introduced in the 1992 Corvette, the second-generation 5.7 Liter LT1 V8 packs impressive performance and responsiveness into an efficient package. The LT1's operating range extends hundreds of rpm beyond
most OHV engines, giving the LT1 the low-speed punch of a traditional pushrod engine and the high-speed performance of an OHC design. This �best of both worlds' character makes the LT1 derived engine
a potent powerplant for the full-size Impala SS, Caprice Classic and Camaro Z28 models.
- The LT1 combines outstanding efficiency, emissions
compliance, durability, and performance.
Numerous technical features contribute to the LT1's outstanding performance:
- Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) optimizes combustion by using input from the PCM to precisely match fuel delivery to each cylinder's intake stroke. SFI is designed to provide a smooth idle, impressive driveability and precise emissions control
- A mass airflow sensor provides accurate information on the amount of air entering the engine, which the
Powertrain Control Module uses to determine the fuel requirement for maximum efficiency.
A low-restriction intake and air filtration system lets the engine breathe freely for efficiency, while meeting federal noise regulations.
- The LT1's cylinder head porting -- coupled with a weight-saving, one-piece intake system -- is designed to improve airflow into the combustion chambers for cleaner, more controlled burning, which can enhance power and efficiency
- A reverse-flow cooling system circulates coolant through the cylinder heads before the engine block,
improving heat transfer in the engine and radiator, and allowing a higher compression ratio for increased power
- A gear-driven coolant pump virtually eliminates side-load stresses and ensures an uninterrupted coolant flow, even in the event of accessory belt breakage
- An oil change monitor calculates and displays the condition of the engine oil from inputs such as miles driven, ambient air temperature and oil temperature
- A standard oil-level sensor alerts the driver to a low-engine-oil condition when only one or two
quarts are needed, instead of when the crankcase is virtually dry and engine damage is imminent.
- Upgraded oil pan
- Composite rocker-arm covers added to absorb engine noise and vibration
