thoughts on rebuilding LT1?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2
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From: Wisconsin
thoughts on rebuilding LT1? I currently have a 96 z28 and the block wound up being bad. I bought a used LT1 with 2 bolt mains to replace the bad block. Should I do a clearance check on the bearings and put the engine back in the car or is it worth doing some work on the engine? If i did the rebuild I would get a new cam, lifters, rods, valves, valve springs, valve guides, rocker arms, and pistons and rings (depending on wear). Any recommendations for cams and internals as far as brands and quality? Am I going in the right direction? Am I missing anything absolutely crucial? I was thinking about getting some Lloyd Elliot LE2 heads with the more aggressive 232/240 cam. Anybody know about any clearance issues between the valves and pistons?
Thanks for any advice!
Thanks for any advice!
Last edited by IronMike42; Feb 12, 2017 at 11:36 PM.
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 34
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From: Marianna, Fl
The proper question is what is your goal for this engine? daily driver, weekend cruiser or race car? Your power goals are also going to effect the list of proper parts.
On that here is what I used for mine to daily with a goal power near the LT4 numbers:
LT4 hot cam, LS7 lifters, LS6 springs, rest of valvetrain is stock
Hand ported heads, milled .010 off the head, mr gasket 0.026 head gasket
Mahal rings stock pistons and deglazed the cylinder walls
Had to replace the crank due to a spun bearing so I used the King bearings that came with the refurbished one
remember if you are going for near stock or reasonable numbers do not be afraid to cleanup and reuse good stocks parts. And good luck glad to see another LT being saved
On that here is what I used for mine to daily with a goal power near the LT4 numbers:
LT4 hot cam, LS7 lifters, LS6 springs, rest of valvetrain is stock
Hand ported heads, milled .010 off the head, mr gasket 0.026 head gasket
Mahal rings stock pistons and deglazed the cylinder walls
Had to replace the crank due to a spun bearing so I used the King bearings that came with the refurbished one
remember if you are going for near stock or reasonable numbers do not be afraid to cleanup and reuse good stocks parts. And good luck glad to see another LT being saved
Staging Lane
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Clemmons, NC
Definitely set a power goal in mind. I am going with a Comp Cams 503 cam but am using stock heads. I think that if you are gonna open up the motor you may as well do the whole top end like you mentioned. If you talk to Lloyd himself he will know what you need to do to run his stuff.
Space387: Do those LS6 springs work good for you?
Space387: Do those LS6 springs work good for you?
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 124
Likes: 3
From: "U aint frum round hur ar ya boy" Texas.
and that is what everyone whos lookin for guidance on building an engine should lead with. cause depending on what your application is gonna be will dictate what direction build you should go in.
i started off thinking i was just gonna build up my LT1 with new heads cam and all that, but through several threads and spelling out what i want the car for, i was guided into building a 383. lots more money, but in the end i see that i would be more wanting if i didnt go in that direction.
i started off thinking i was just gonna build up my LT1 with new heads cam and all that, but through several threads and spelling out what i want the car for, i was guided into building a 383. lots more money, but in the end i see that i would be more wanting if i didnt go in that direction.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2
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From: Wisconsin
Thank you for the the quick feedback! I was thinking between 350 and 400rwhp. It would be a seasonal driver/ weekend cruiser. I will look into doing my own port work otherwise I have a motor guy near me. My list of modifications now is looking like long tubes, full head work, probably piston rings, cam, hand ported throttle body, and a good tune. I was recently looking for the exact specifications for the Lloyd Elliot LE2 heads so I could send them to my motor guy but I have had no luck so far. Again, Thanks for the great responses!
