Anyone ever tried machining the rear of an early LS1 block (1997-early 1999) to better connect the lifter galleys? It looks like it would be easy enough to do with an end mill, but I'm wondering if there's some reason it would not be possible - block integrity, not enough material behind the surface, etc.

Thanks!

 

Yes, it's been done. Pictures have been posted on here before of that very thing.

 

Where?

 

I'd like to know this too. I've thought of using the rear cover gasket as a pattern and simply draw the pattern directly on the rear of the block between the left and right side lifter galleys. Then I would just take my dye grinder and make a canal about .250" deep across the back of the block.

Steve

 

I used my old gasket as a template and did it by hand. If you have access to a mill then by all means do it that way. I only went in about 1/8" but I am thinking of going in a little more. I also opened up the channel in the rear cover ever so slightly.

 

ROCNDAV,
What you are showing is exactly the concept that I had in mind. Great minds run together!

Steve

 

I actually did it on my own after nobody answered me. I was wondering if I was messing up my block at the time lol. Afterwards I saw a post from Steve Demirjian of R.E.D. (a sponsor here who does the big bore sleeving) and he mentioned that he wrote a little cnc prgram to do this on early blocks that he resleeves. so I felt a lot better afterwards. well enough to attack my fast 90 intake manifold lol

 

I wrote a CNC program a couple of years ago to remachine the back of the early blocks as well as the iron blocks which also lack the recess.

I charge $100 unless you have me sleeve the block in which case there is no charge.

Steve

 

Whats the turn around time on something like that Steve?

 

Depends on what I have lined up for the week but normally two or three days if you ship it to me. If you bring your block down, I'll machine it while you wait.

 

Sweet! Now if you would only tell me that you are open on Saturdays