LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

sbc 400?

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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 05:35 PM
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Default sbc 400?

Im wanting to sell my motor and build an sbc 434 and drop in. is this feasible? Aren't the blocks the same size? Just getting some input.
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 05:50 PM
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Externally they are just about identical. It will fit inside no problem and use the same motor mounts and exhaust. The accessories up front and the radiator hoses are all different though. You will also need to trim the cowl if you run a tall intake with a 4-bbl carb, and a lower distributor is a good idea.
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 05:56 PM
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yes i was assuming i would maybe need a cowl. But i just didn't know about if it would bolt straight up or not. But thats good info. I want to run the fewest accessories possible. how is the water pump run on these blocks?

And do you think it will be worth the power gain to build this motor. To be honest I'm just tired of the lt1 and efi... want carb and more power. I'm looking to spend around 10k. For close to 600hp
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 05:59 PM
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If I could get the bottom end built for around 2000 - 2500 Im going to purchase a set of Arao 32v heads for this thing.
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 06:24 PM
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10k for the motor or 10k for the entire project why not get a Carb'd intake for your motor now and save loads of money???
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 07:00 PM
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I have thought of that. But I just think I'm about maxed out as it is. these heads for an lt1 are about 6k or more... 10k in the motor. Don't really want to do anything else. im eventually gonna put in a bigger rear end and beef up the drive train. but just the motor for now.
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 07:12 PM
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Where you seeing heads for an LT1 for 6k ??

What are the goals??
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 07:13 PM
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http://www.airflowresearch.com/index.php?cPath=27_32
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 07:15 PM
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I want to make close to 600 at the wheels n/a. http://araoengineering.com check em out.
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 07:24 PM
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You do realize a LT-1 and LT1 are not the same thing right????
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 07:27 PM
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lol mmmm yes. I am fully aware of this. Ive already spoken the the company. they make 93-97 lt1 heads in this style. but i dont want to run an lt1 head thats why I want to go to an sbc 400
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 07:33 PM
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ahhhh I see I think 600 HP can be done with out them heads but more power to you
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 07:37 PM
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well of course it can. but i want it to be n/a and run on pump gas. I dont want to have to run 14:1 com to get there. Besides these things look sweet under the hood. Ive always like the ways cobras look when you open the hood.
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 07:44 PM
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A 400 block is risky to get to a 434 from what I have been told. 406 is easy and no problem but the extra clearancing for the stroke can cause problems.

Good luck in whatever you choose and keep us all updated
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 07:44 PM
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I mean unless your car has some kind of valve to you I would sell the car and put it in something else more designed for a classic SBC will avoid loads of headaches

Maybe a lil Nova or something :O I mean 600 HP in one of them HAS to be fun LOL
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 08:08 PM
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Is this a joke thread?
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by RamAir95TA
Is this a joke thread?
Kind of what I was wondering.......
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 08:29 PM
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if you really want a 434, why not buy a schafiroff engine. he sells them turnkey for I think around 12k. it's an aftermarket dart block and completely assembled ready to drop in with about 600hp or so.
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 08:30 PM
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the use of that rhetorical question is a little offensive. Maybe you would like to enlighten on why this MUST be a joke thread?
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 08:45 PM
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Because those heads are more of a novelty than anything else. I think there were only two actual sets produced for the LT1 and I think only one of them even ran because tuning them was such a nightmare.

Not to mention you won't see 600whp just by changing to a set of heads. There is a far more common and cost-effective method to reach 600whp, and it usually involves spray or boost.

Do you know what 600whp feels like? You want 600whp on pump gas without high compression? How many 600whp N/A LT1s have you seen in real life or even on the forums? What kind of ETs are you shooting for?

You're talking about an engine putting out close to 700fwhp to get 600whp. You're going to need a high dollar fuel system, 18-degree converted SBC heads or equivalent, Fast, Motec, or Megasquirt aftermarket fuel management system, HUGE solid roller, etc. - the list is endless, and VERY expensive.

In short your goals are very unrealistic for your budget. A motor of that caliber with all of the supporting modifications plus the nightmare that tuning would likely be is an easy $20k+. Do a search for roadtrip120. His car just barely made 550whp and I'll guarantee you he has an easy $30k+, probably more, into that setup. Pretty sure he currently holds the 6-speed LT1 record at ~10.0@130+.
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