I've been into the late-model thing the past few years with my '97 Z-28 that remains my daily driver; just getting back into the true Pontiacs with my '81 that's been sitting for a while. I think the interchangability thing with the LT1 that salvage yard is talking about relates to the computer: '92-'93 were batch-fire injection/speed-density computer(uses a replaceable chip), '94-up were sequential injection/mass-air computer(uses a programmable PCM). Also OBD-1 computer diagnostics was from '94-'95, while OBD-2 was from '96-'97. Anyways, your buddy's LT1, like all LT1's built from '92-'97, has a standard SBC bottom-end. Most any '86-up one piece main seal crank for SBC and corresponding rods/pistons will work for it. No biggie. '96-only LT4 crank is different as far as the machining Chevy did with it in order for it to survive the higher RPM capability of the LT4 used in the '96 manual tranny Vettes; I don't know if they will work in a regular LT1 block. Vette LT1 are four-bolt main, F-body/B-body LT1's are two-bolt main. A pretty cheap source for brand-new Vette LT1 4-bolt main short-blocks is Scoggins-Dickey Parts Center,
www.sdpc2000.com , for $1795.00 minus cam and timing components according to their ad in GM High-Tech 1/'04; funny thing is I can't find that short-block assembly in their website so you may have to call. Only thing difficult to upgrade with the late-model LT1 is factory Optispark ignition; it is also it's Achilles according to some. Otherwise heads/cam and other mods are pretty easy to come by. Good luck.
1981 Turbo Trans Am
-'75 Pontiac 400
-Richmond Street 5-speed/3.70's
-Holley 650cfm 4-barrel on 1/2in. spacer, blocked exhaust crossover, 160 degree thermostat, Blackjack 1-5/8 in. 4-tube headers, Thrush 2-1/4in. dual exhaust w/ Thrush California Turbo mufflers, no A/C-no emissions; drunk bitch induced front-end damage, placed on indefinite hiatus.
1974 Grand Am
-original 400/4-barrel
-original M21 4-speed
-dad's first new car, sitting in his garage since '86.
[This message was edited by ponchoV-ate on December 27, 2003 at 12:23 AM.]