is that year block okay to use? or would i be better off with a newer one?

 

The only one to avoid is the 98. You should be fine with the 99

 

C) none of the above. Invest the $ in a 6.0 block build instead of building the ls1 383. Build a 408 with the stroker rotating assy.

 

Why this answer? Are you speaking from personal experience? A little explanation would go a long ways. Sure, the 6.0 blocks allow bigger cubes but for a 383 the LS1 block will work fine.

 

what is wrong with the 98 block?

 

I am also curious about the 98 block, why is that a bad one?

 

NemeSS maybe he wants to save 75lbs. over the nose like I did because it is not a dedicated racer???

The 97-98 blocks have a little thinner cylinder sleeve and can only be honed .005 Later blocks can go up to .010

I dont remember exactly when GM made the change but the earlier blocks had a slightly smaller oil galley in the back of the block. Some machine shops who specialize in LS stuff can open it up...

Not enough difference to keep from using one if it had nice bores IMO....

 

I'm having it done at AES to my 99 block as we speak...

 

The 408 has advantages over the the 383 ls1. 4.03 bore compared to 3.905. The 408 will use up the heads and cam more everything being equal. The weight of the iron block is not a big deal. I rather take the CI. Capacity and larger bore the 6.0 offer. If weight is such a factor, consider a ls2 block for a 402 build. I'm just biased to 6.0 based builds. I built a 375ci out of a lq4 using stock crank,rods and speed pro replacement pistons and rings. Self machined engine and 243 heads. Engine made 493rw thru stock rear and t56. I pulled stock running ls1 and sold to offset cost of 6.0 build