95 / 97 Bare Block

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Jan 4, 2011 | 01:25 PM

KeysZ28

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From: Butler Pa.

95 / 97 Bare Block

Hi,

I have a question I have a 97 camaro LT1 and im looking to pick up a block to start a build. I found a block but it is out of a 95 camaro, are there any differences between the blocks that I should know about? If so, what problems might I run into? I tried a search but didnt really find much so I figured I would ask.

Thanks for your time,
Braden

Jan 4, 2011 | 01:29 PM

RamAir95TA

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From: South Jersey

There is no difference in the LT1 blocks from 1992-1997. Just make sure it is not an L99 (smaller bore).

Also, Corvette and factory replacement blocks are 4-bolt, everything else is a 2-bolt.

Jan 4, 2011 | 01:49 PM

KeysZ28

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From: Butler Pa.

Great thank you for the info. I just spoke with the guy he said the block came from a 95 caprice and it spun a rod bearing. What should I expect to pay for a bare block ?

Jan 4, 2011 | 02:05 PM

RamAir95TA

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From: South Jersey

I wouldn't pay more than $75 for a bare block, $100 tops.

Jan 4, 2011 | 02:07 PM

speedracer2536

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No more than 50.. Your gonna have to get it line bored or honed as well if it spun a main bearing and not a rod so lookout for that.. somepeople will flatout lie about it..

Jan 4, 2011 | 02:48 PM

KeysZ28

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From: Butler Pa.

Okay thats what I was figuring I just didnt want to be low balling the guy or anything. Thanks for all your help!

Jan 4, 2011 | 03:01 PM

djjab57

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by RamAir95TA

There is no difference in the LT1 blocks from 1992-1997. Just make sure it is not an L99 (smaller bore).

Also, Corvette and factory replacement blocks are 4-bolt, everything else is a 2-bolt.

the l99 came in some caprice so like said here double check

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Jan 4, 2011 | 06:17 PM

Paul Bell

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Wouldn't you rather start with a two bolt block and install splayed four bolt main bearing caps?

Jan 4, 2011 | 06:48 PM

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AChotrod

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Thats a debate that will go on forever^^^^^

Jan 4, 2011 | 07:11 PM

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sweetbmxrider

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From: jersey shore

Quote:

Originally Posted by RamAir95TA

There is no difference in the LT1 blocks from 1992-1997. Just make sure it is not an L99 (smaller bore).

What about the oil pressure sensor location?

Jan 4, 2011 | 07:39 PM

#12

litch2004

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From: Austin

All blocks have provisions for the top or side. Depending on the year one will have a plug in it.

Jan 4, 2011 | 07:54 PM

#13

KeysZ28

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From: Butler Pa.

Okay so if I check the bore of the block I will be able to tell if it's a l99 correct? Just double checking cause I'm probably gonna check out the block later this week.

Jan 4, 2011 | 08:37 PM

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BlackBird87

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From: Elmwood Park

If the block has 327 on it, its an lt1. Also it will have 5.7 on the rear of the block on the drivers side i wanna say

Jan 4, 2011 | 11:16 PM

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jester1614

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From: west phx

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBird87

If the block has 327 on it, its an lt1. Also it will have 5.7 on the rear of the block on the drivers side i wanna say

blackbird is correct, it will say 327 on the sides and have 5.7 on the bellhousing flange on the drivers side

Jan 5, 2011 | 07:20 AM

#16

quik95lt1

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Bell

Wouldn't you rather start with a two bolt block and install splayed four bolt main bearing caps?

nope......

Jan 5, 2011 | 11:17 AM

#17

sweetbmxrider

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From: jersey shore

Quote:

Originally Posted by litch2004

All blocks have provisions for the top or side. Depending on the year one will have a plug in it.

Thought so, just never saw a 93 block in person to verify.

Jan 5, 2011 | 12:22 PM

#18

idformula

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What is the differance between 4 bolt and splayed main caps?

Jan 5, 2011 | 12:39 PM

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RamAir95TA

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Quote:

Originally Posted by idformula

What is the differance between 4 bolt and splayed main caps?

"Splaying" is a term used to describe adding two (or more) bolts to a normally 2-bolt main.

A splayed main looks like this: / | | \ The two outer bolts engage the main webbing at an angle. This supposedly makes the mains stronger.

While a normal 4-bolt main looks like this | | | | with the bolts going straight in.

Like AC mentioned, it will be debated forever as to which one is stronger. One would think the splayed mains would be stronger since they make their way onto some serious HP builds but to my knowledge it's never been proven or dis proven.

Generally, both are significantly stronger than a 2-bolt main.

Jan 5, 2011 | 12:41 PM

#20

Paul Bell

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From: NYC

Two bolt blocks with stock bolts are good for stock HP and maybe some more. They’re stronger with aftermarket bolts or studs. Four bolt main blocks are stronger. A stock four bolt main block has all four bolts straight into the block. Stronger than that are four bolt blocks with the outer bolts splayed, angled to pull at an angle more from the block sides.
　
It takes an original two bolt block to make a splayed four bolt block. Original four bolt blocks cannot be machined to accept splayed four bolt main bearing caps.
　
If you’re gonna make a four bolt block, it’s best to start with a two bolt block and go splayed.

This picture is from: http://www.superchevy.com/technical/...lt1/index.html
and it happens to be a LT1 buildup. They've used 4 bolt splayed mains.