93 TA Engine Build Advise
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Teching In
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 44
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From: Sterling, Virginia
93 TA Engine Build Advise Hey guys, what's up?? I am in the process of looking for a LT1 block to start a 355 or a 383 build. I have a few questions for those of you who have done this already. I will list the questions since there are alot..lol.
#1) Does it matter what year block I get, since mine is a 93 w/ speed density or can I just convert any year LT1 block?? I just bought a MSD Opti Spark thats why I'm asking, rather not waste a $540 opti spark if I don't have to.
#2) What would you suggest for a good street engine, probably not going to see the track much. A 355 or 383?? I'm going to spray it too, probably a 125 shot. Also as far as rotating assembly, what should I get? Can I use cast steel crank or should I go with all forged internals??
#3) Have any of you guys got your 383 engines to pass emmisions but still put out decent power?? I know having to pass emmisions limits you on your cam choice but just thought I'd ask.
#4) Should I use my stock intake and heads or LT4 heads, have them ported by Llyod or should I get the new Edelbrock intake and some aftermarket heads and have them ported??
Sorry for all the questions, I just want to do this thing right, if I'm going to do it. I thought since most of you guys have already been through this, that you could probably answer all these questions. If some of these questions have already been asked, I apologize, I searched but nothing came up that answered my questions, unless I overlooked it. Anyways, any help would be greatly appreciated.
-Nick-
#1) Does it matter what year block I get, since mine is a 93 w/ speed density or can I just convert any year LT1 block?? I just bought a MSD Opti Spark thats why I'm asking, rather not waste a $540 opti spark if I don't have to.
#2) What would you suggest for a good street engine, probably not going to see the track much. A 355 or 383?? I'm going to spray it too, probably a 125 shot. Also as far as rotating assembly, what should I get? Can I use cast steel crank or should I go with all forged internals??
#3) Have any of you guys got your 383 engines to pass emmisions but still put out decent power?? I know having to pass emmisions limits you on your cam choice but just thought I'd ask.
#4) Should I use my stock intake and heads or LT4 heads, have them ported by Llyod or should I get the new Edelbrock intake and some aftermarket heads and have them ported??
Sorry for all the questions, I just want to do this thing right, if I'm going to do it. I thought since most of you guys have already been through this, that you could probably answer all these questions. If some of these questions have already been asked, I apologize, I searched but nothing came up that answered my questions, unless I overlooked it. Anyways, any help would be greatly appreciated.
-Nick-
Originally Posted by nhodge93
#1) Does it matter what year block I get, since mine is a 93 w/ speed density or can I just convert any year LT1 block?? I just bought a MSD Opti Spark thats why I'm asking, rather not waste a $540 opti spark if I don't have to.
Most guys stick with OEM opti's anyway, they seem to hold up just as well as aftermarket in some casses and are much cheaper.
Originally Posted by nhodge93
#2) What would you suggest for a good street engine, probably not going to see the track much. A 355 or 383?? I'm going to spray it too, probably a 125 shot. Also as far as rotating assembly, what should I get? Can I use cast steel crank or should I go with all forged internals??
Originally Posted by nhodge93
#3) Have any of you guys got your 383 engines to pass emmisions but still put out decent power?? I know having to pass emmisions limits you on your cam choice but just thought I'd ask.
Originally Posted by nhodge93
#4) Should I use my stock intake and heads or LT4 heads, have them ported by Llyod or should I get the new Edelbrock intake and some aftermarket heads and have them ported??
As far as the edelbrock stuff goes, its pretty much been proven to be junk on the cylinder head side. And the new intake has yet to really 'prove' anything.
And if you have any 93' specific questions, just run over to www.speeddensity.org its a site just for the 93' LT1's
Hope this helps.
Tony.
9 Second Club
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 301
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From: ringgold,ga
i run a 93 with the factory computer (with a chip burned). blocks are the same. 93-94 are non vented while 95-97 are vented. when replacing the cam with an aftermarket, you'll need to shorten the "pin" on the front of the cam. no big deal (dremmel tool). i run a cast crank from scat and havent had a problem with it. although i originally bought one from CAT(cal auto transpeed) and it cracked after about 6 months. the CAT brand cranks are junk.IMO. i have stock heads that are ported(with stock valves). they flow around .250@ .600. the edlebrocks are copies of the lt4 heads and flow around .230@.600. i also run a 200 shot of n2o. i did go with forged rods (5.7) and forged pistons. you'll gain around 1 point of compression when stroking the engine to a 383 if you use the same type of pistons (flat tops). but should still run fine on pumpgas (93 octane).
