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

LT1 block strength

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 22, 2012 | 11:59 PM
  #41  
warriorcustoms's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 942
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma
Default

Originally Posted by FAD2BLK93
For a turbo build in my very very distant future (i hope) i will be talking to Nelson racing engines they know their ****!!
All my machine work is gettin done by Al Weiss!!! He built all of Eddy Hills Top Fuel stuff. Thats good enuff for me Twin Turbo 396 LTx with 1000hp sounds nice, but if I cant keep A/C (Its hot down here) I will just spray the **** out of it. Ive got 2 stages already Might as well get a Direct Port next!! LoL
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2012 | 08:56 PM
  #42  
fex77k's Avatar
8 Second Club
15 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 2
From: AR
Default

Originally Posted by speed_demon24
Even if he somehow magicaly makes an lt1 that traps 180+mph there's no way in hell he'll get the power down on the street to take down the faster awd UGR cars.
If he wants to make big power, the LT1 is going to be an uphill battle. BBC if he is looking for that much. As for getting it to the ground that is going to depend entirely on his setup.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2012 | 09:04 PM
  #43  
Puck's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,152
Likes: 6
Default

Originally Posted by fex77k
If he wants to make big power, the LT1 is going to be an uphill battle. BBC if he is looking for that much. As for getting it to the ground that is going to depend entirely on his setup.
This.

I don't want to be cliché and say that 1500hp is "Easy" with a BBC...but it is a hell of a lot easier then with an LT1, SBC, or even LSx.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2012 | 10:53 PM
  #44  
fex77k's Avatar
8 Second Club
15 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 2
From: AR
Default

Originally Posted by Puck
This.

I don't want to be cliché and say that 1500hp is "Easy" with a BBC...but it is a hell of a lot easier then with an LT1, SBC, or even LSx.
A 14-71 on alky anything is possible.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2012 | 10:59 PM
  #45  
Valkyn's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
20 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
Default

All it takes is money...If nothing else convert an aftermarket big bore sbc block to reverse flow cooling and call it an LTx
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2012 | 12:02 AM
  #46  
Puck's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,152
Likes: 6
Default

Originally Posted by Valkyn
All it takes is money...If nothing else convert an aftermarket big bore sbc block to reverse flow cooling and call it an LTx
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2012 | 12:35 AM
  #47  
bigz28man's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 298
Likes: 6
From: Brick , NJ
Default

Coming from my own personal experience, with my 396 n/a thats puts out 550 hp at the flywheel, im having a hard time getting all that to stay down. I have the suspension, the rear, and i just busted my t56. From the time time i started my project to now, and 20k later, i scratch my head and say "wtf" . With that being said my car is not all that street drivable. 1st is non existence and if im not shifting at 4000 rpm the motor is not happy. Yeah my car gets the head turns and guys that pull along side of me wont try to run with me (i guess they know that its not just some cat back system slapped on the car) but someone will always be faster ie. Ls setups. And yes i to plan on doing a ls setup on a 02 ss but again someone will always be faster and if not faster, they will be able to get their power down on the pavement and keep it there. Goodluck with your planning i would love to someone do and tell me how they did it.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2012 | 07:42 AM
  #48  
quik95lt1's Avatar
9 Second Club
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,464
Likes: 12
From: Rhode Island
Default

build a motor to have fun with now........then sell the entire thing and start over......plan on well in excess of a 50k budget to do the motor and the car to handle the power then about another 10k in safety modifications to run it down the track.........the LT1 block even filled is going to start twisting and shifting badly above that 1100rwhp or so limit......its just like a standard SBC 4 bolt block.......personally i think youd be nuts to try it without tearing it down every 50 passes or so......like said before a dart little M block or equalivent should be in your future as well as billet rods/crank/pistons billet 4 bolt mains front to rear.....you will need 8k in parts to build the shortblock correctly..........i have a friend of mine making 1300 at the motor with a 427 Little M blocked sbc with a set of twins on it......i was there for the build and i did the tuning.......just dont plan over your head its a VERY tall order to make that kind of power durably
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 24, 2012 | 08:44 AM
  #49  
warriorcustoms's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 942
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma
Default

Originally Posted by quik95lt1
build a motor to have fun with now........then sell the entire thing and start over......plan on well in excess of a 50k budget to do the motor and the car to handle the power then about another 10k in safety modifications to run it down the track.........the LT1 block even filled is going to start twisting and shifting badly above that 1100rwhp or so limit......its just like a standard SBC 4 bolt block.......personally i think youd be nuts to try it without tearing it down every 50 passes or so......like said before a dart little M block or equalivent should be in your future as well as billet rods/crank/pistons billet 4 bolt mains front to rear.....you will need 8k in parts to build the shortblock correctly..........i have a friend of mine making 1300 at the motor with a 427 Little M blocked sbc with a set of twins on it......i was there for the build and i did the tuning.......just dont plan over your head its a VERY tall order to make that kind of power durably
^^^^^^ Well put!!! Ive planned & bought things since last Oct. 1000hp rated parts Only live at that power level with spot on tunes Plus require way more maint.... That being said Unless this kids got DEEP POCKETS He wont afford routine maint on a 1000+ horsepower machine HELL 600hp on the motor & spray is enuff to keep up with LoL 8 & 9 second LT1/LT4 combos arent much fun in city traffic LoL Like stated above Build a Forged motor & have fun with it Youll win some & get beat some, But it wont be as bad as spendin 40k & havin your *** handed to ya Not tryin to kill anyones dreams ,But ya might wanna rethink a few thing That & your GM buddies better have an Ultra Rare big bore GM Race Shop block!!!!!
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2012 | 10:38 AM
  #50  
quik95lt1's Avatar
9 Second Club
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,464
Likes: 12
From: Rhode Island
Default

Originally Posted by warriorcustoms
^^^^^^ Well put!!! Ive planned & bought things since last Oct. 1000hp rated parts Only live at that power level with spot on tunes Plus require way more maint.... That being said Unless this kids got DEEP POCKETS He wont afford routine maint on a 1000+ horsepower machine HELL 600hp on the motor & spray is enuff to keep up with LoL 8 & 9 second LT1/LT4 combos arent much fun in city traffic LoL Like stated above Build a Forged motor & have fun with it Youll win some & get beat some, But it wont be as bad as spendin 40k & havin your *** handed to ya Not tryin to kill anyones dreams ,But ya might wanna rethink a few thing That & your GM buddies better have an Ultra Rare big bore GM Race Shop block!!!!!
i been trying to find one of those GM LT raceshop blocks for a longgggg time...they arent around lol.....i run all those fancy billet bottom end parts in mine im well under 1000hp but im revving it 8k+ rpm
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2012 | 12:04 PM
  #51  
FASTFATBOY's Avatar
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
iTrader: (23)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,861
Likes: 2
From: Mobile Ala
Default

Speed=cubic dollars, not cubic inches.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2012 | 01:38 PM
  #52  
I8ASaleen's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 0
From: N. Richland Hills
Default

I'm a-hoping, and a-wishing, and a-dreaming~

Get your head outta the clouds and do some actual research on what it takes to make that kind of power
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 05:02 PM
  #53  
slomarao's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 0
From: chicago,IL
Default

who had the TT 383 on camaro z28.com 5-7yrs back...


IIRC, he had a AFR 220 heads, and a HR cam. he put down just over 1000rwhp.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 06:29 PM
  #54  
96capricemgr's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,975
Likes: 15
Default

Forcedinductions.com had a turbo 355 make over 1000rwhp with ported LT1 heads.

I think AlekSS made 1000rwhp with his latest turbo build with a Trickflow topend.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2012 | 10:30 AM
  #55  
1slow94z28's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: new york
Default

i was told by karl ellwein, who built my motor, that my 383 4 bolt main would run into issues with the block twisting around 800hp with stock main caps. thats what he called pushing the limit. my engine started life as a GM 4 bolt main factory replacement motor. they are supposedly cast with a little bit stronger material by the mains. you plan on going double that? even with billet mains, i dont see how it will preserve that block.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2012 | 10:37 AM
  #56  
96capricemgr's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,975
Likes: 15
Default

The LT1 4-bolt is the same casting as the 2-bolt. The "stronger in the main web" is an old gen 1 thing blindly applied to the LT1 so the Vette guys could feel a little superior about their "special blocks".
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2012 | 10:47 AM
  #57  
Paul Bell's Avatar
That's MISTER MODERATOR
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,615
Likes: 65
From: NYC
Default

The blocks were pretty much all the same.
The strongest LT1 block you can build is adding splayed four bolt forged main caps to a two bolt block with studs and head studs.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2012 | 12:15 PM
  #58  
96capricemgr's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,975
Likes: 15
Default

AGAIN the "splayed is stronger" can be traced back to older gen 1 stuff where the main web was a bit thin and they splayed the aftermarket caps to get into more meat out at the sides of the block. Then people just blindly apply it to the LT1 too.

There are reasonable arguments for both straight and splayed caps, IMO nobody really knows because the bores will wiggle and the rest of the block show issues before quality aftermarket caps of either style will be a problem.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2012 | 12:33 PM
  #59  
Paul Bell's Avatar
That's MISTER MODERATOR
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,615
Likes: 65
From: NYC
Default

When talking about the rotating assembly of a LT1 block, it's the same as an old school SBC.

I believe splayed is more ridged as it pulls from three different directions. Plus it pulls from the sides of the case.

Pretty much any aftermarket high performance block is gonna have splayed mains, not straight four bolt caps.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2012 | 01:22 PM
  #60  
96capricemgr's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,975
Likes: 15
Default

Yes the rotating assembly is pretty much gen 1 SBC but the block is not the same casting and is not the same casting as aftermarket SBC block either.

The guys that argue straight is better in this block sight the fact GM knew they were installing 4-bolts on the Vette and designed the web for straight.

Like I said though in the real world I don't think there is a tangible difference as other things will be a problem first so long as the caps of either design are quality and installed/machined for correctly.

If you want to bring in other blocks as arguments why when they redesigned the smallblock did the LS get 4 straight and 2 lateral? If splayed were the ultimate then they could have designed it with splayed. Hell they went 6-bolt even with a structural oilpan.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:59 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE