I recently bought a 04 LS1 short block and wondering how you tell which head bolts it takes?
Rock auto lists either with 2 different length bolts or 3 different lengths?

one last Q is did all LS1s get the "LS6" block in the later years? (i havent got the block yet as its in Ohio waiting to be shipped so i cant look at the casting yet) hopeful its is the better block
thanks all!

 

Answer to 1st question:
Pre '04 blocks had the different length bolts. Until late '03, blocks had 2 different length bolts. Late '03-up blocks got same length bolts.

Answer to 2nd question:
YES-Starting in '01, ALL Corvettes got the LS6 block, and I'm 99% sure some, but not all F-bodies started getting it in '01. Starting in mid to late '02-early '03, I'm sure all LS1 engines got the LS6 block in '04, if you're new block is actually an '04.
As for the "better blocks," the '99-up LS1 block (without main webbing cast breathing slots) is the better, stronger block for 650+hp FI builds. The LS6 block is probably "better" for builds up to 600-650hp builds. If it helps you, Steve D.@ R.E.D. (who is highly respected) doesn't prefer LS6 blocks over LS1 blocks. He claims the LS1 block is actually the stronger block, FWIW...

 

Just to be sure, you can use a cheap set of calipers or even some wire and measure the depth of the larger head bolt holes. If they are all the same depth, order the later model head bolts.

 

The 9 & 10 bolt holes in the block are shorter than the others and I presume that's the LS6 due to the valley cover you have there.

 

You have a good eye. It is most likely an LS6 block, since it's supposed to be an '04 block, and the valley cover has the PCV hose. Still, a casting# will tell the tale....

 

thank you, guys! I was thinking being a 04 that was probably the LS6 window block but like I said its in Ohio and I'm in Texas and I knew head bolts changed around them I just picked up this track car and original blew years ago and its going back on the street

 

got home with block (what an ordeal was icy when I got to TX) the block is the 1168? casting LS6 as it has the main webbing windows and all head bolts are the same length - measured depth in the block. already swapped in the 5308 LS6 cam - now to prep for head install

 

Sounds fun!! Please keep us posted..

 

I purchased several shortblocks from J and J in Ohio, owner told me he purchased a large number of vehicles from Florida which were flooded during the hurricane, some with seawater I presume. I disassembled both of mine and found several pistons damaged from rusted rings with water entry in the cylinders and crankcase. Other than that the cylinders and everything else were good. I would check it to be safe, hone the bores and throw a new set of rings on her. I would also check the main and rod bearings as well and clean all the oil passages to remove any traces of water.

Just a heads up.

 

this one was listed at J&J also and pics show this engine had no water in it! I found the auction and he got it cheap showed water was up to bottom of windows (04 Vette) couldn't be that full and not gotten in it. at the time he also had a LS2 and another LS1 they both had water in at least 1 cyl and were rusted

 

Yes, I bought the LS2 and the LS1 and with a light hone job, the cylinders cleaned up nicely. I did replace two of the LS2 pistons as the rings were rusted in the piston ring grooves just for insurance.

 

I almost didn't buy it, $425 for shipping LS1 short block?? I ended up picking mine up the $425 paid for most of all the gas back from NY and we got my Chevelle home worst part was last 100 miles during the ice storm
2 engines there in bed- 396 for Chevelle and the LS1 the Chevelle was originally a L78 375 HP car and will be again 4 speed factory 4.56 gears. My buddy is dealing with Parkinsons so I thought I'd help with driving and paying for food/ gas and i like road trips - good times Thanks Al!

 

Love this! Good on you sir!

 

Sorry to hear about your friend. You guys must be very old, very good friends. I knew a guy once back in high school who had a '68 Chevelle SS396, 375hp (L78), 4 speed, with a 4.56 gear. That was one quick car!! Another friend had a '68 Road Runner, 426 Hemi. I kid you not, that Chevelle could hang right with that Hemi until about 80-85mph. I almost bought that Chevelle. Only reason I didnt was I was still living at home after graduating in 1972, and my dad wouldnt let me buy it. Probably knew I'd die in it at 18 years old, lol!!! Best of luck on your project. Interesting, kind of sad side story; though the Chevelle had nothing to do with the rest of the story, the guy selling the Chevelle, the guy that bought it, and the Hemi Roadrunner owner are all deceased now. All 3 died in their 50s-early 60s. I'm the only one left......

 

very old? 62 here and my buddy is 63 how old are you kids? it was also an excuse to go on road trip together he texted me other day:

said, "I will never forget that trip we took"
LOL

 

So I got it running and driving? kind of now. I found some age -appropriate wheels and correct grill on it now still a ways to go I'm amazed for a NJ car its rust free pretty much original top too
Ain't she a peach?