Originally Posted by parts@sdpc

LT Bowtie Blocks --- The Truth and a Little History
These blocks were cast during a time at GM Racing when "Pet Projects" and "Great Ideas" were given green lights without any hesitation! I spent almost 4-days of every month in Michigan at GM Racing and GM Performance Product Planning Meetings during this time (1992 thru 1999). On a side note it must be understood that GM Parts, GM Performance Parts, and GM Racing are THREE separate entities with THREE spearate agendas, THREE separate management teams --- some items cross over some do not! I personally brought the topic of the LT Bowtie block to the table at some point during this time to the GM Performance Team. As we looked into the LT block there where several issues that came up during this time related to castings and the current maching center for OEM LT blocks! We knew a new engine was coming (LS) and we were also aware of some discussion concerning the Flint V8 Engine Plant (where all LT engines were built and all Small Block Chevrolet engines since about 1965!!) -- it was in need of some serious upgrades and eventually they closed the plant (very sad day!). While all of this was taking place the GM Performance Team elected not to pursue the project because of some tooling and machining issues that they felt could not be resolved without spending some serious cash --- as I recall the original tooling was located at Saginaw Grey Iron and was designed for their foundry and as such it was designed for pouring large quantities for GM! They had no interest in making short runs with this tooling to make a "Bowtie" block.
A member of the GM Race Team had a "Pet Project"! He wanted the block done for several reasons that involved not only some upper level management thought processes (one was a 400ci LT4 option for the 1996 Corvette); GM Racing was heavily invclved in the Corvette Showroom stock racing (and other Race Series) -- the block could be of great benefit to these teams, but he had a personal LT project and he would make sure the initial engineering was pushed thru! He worked with the foundry that was pouring the SBC Bowtie blocks to make temporary tooling for a short run. I am almost certain that a friend of mine at Uni-Bore machined the castings (Uni-Bore machined all Bowtie blocks at this time -- that is no longer true today).
There was one 400ci LT4 Corvette built -- I saw the car and drove the car! It had a really cool "400/LT4" emblem.
A couple of blocks made it into the hands of Corvette race teams.
A few went to the Jon Moss group for Chevrolet Special Vehicles.
One block was given to a team member that helped build the 400ci Vette.
The remaining blocks were sent to the GM Racing warehouse.
Things began to unravel fast! This team member was moved to a different group in GM. The GM Performance manager moved to a different area and the new manager wanted all new projects to be focused around the new LS platform. Soon all was forgotten about this project!
I personally kept an eye on these blocks during all these years and tried to buy them on numerous occasions.
Tony, you mentioned my good friend in a PM -- Bob Cross from GM Racing -- he was involved with the castings and machining however it was not his "Pet Project". After years of my begging, Bob saved these blocks from being scrapped and arranged for me to buy them! I knew that crazy LT gearheads would appreciate the LT Bowtie block and it was my desire to make it happen. Little did they know it would be a piece of GM history! My friend (of 25-plus years) Bob Cross was killed in an auto accident earlier this month -- God bless Bob for all he did for me. SDPC, and the true spirit of Chevrolet racing enthusiasts. In one way or another almost every item in the GM Performance Parts catalog has some influence or touch from Bob Cross.
GM has no interest in making Bowtie LT blocks today -- PERIOD.
We have spoken to Dart and others before about this --- if I see enough interest we will carry this forward! It will take more than 40-blocks to get the ball rolling for a small case study to provide you with some decent info to make a decision --- mainly your cost.
Send your PM's to John!
If I see 50 requests (serious buyers) we will get some answers and together we can make a decision!

Nicky Fowler
SDPC -- The Boss!

Originally Posted by John@Scoggin

If people buy it, can you fault them?

Originally Posted by mikes94z

I would be interested in a new block if they are made.


If I have to spend $3000 on up for an aftermarket block I will be changing platforms.

Hell with the money I put in my short block I could have bought a 632 with an aftermarket block. Then tack on what I'm putting in the new heads and money isn't really the big thing.

Originally Posted by white97t/a

Sign me up for one. 50 people will buy them, no problem! Just cause 50 wont post online they will buy one dosen't mean 50 people aren't out there that will buy them!