jvest

I've got a 69 camaro that I'm doing a complete restoration on (pro-touring). It's currently on the rotisserie getting some underside sheet metal work. I'm wanting to use one of the new genIII small blocks, but I'm not that up to date on them. I've always been an old genI small block guy. I'm not ready for an engine now, but would like to start looking for one to build. I know there are several choices out there now, like the LS1 aluminum block and the vortec cast iron block truck engines. What I want is the strongest block and the one that is capable of getting the most cubic inches out of. Can anyone tell me what would be the best genIII small block to use? Where is the best place to look at stroker kits and other internal engine parts for the genIII?
Will the old 350 turbo transmissions fit these engines? Will the 4L60E transmissions hold up as good or better than the 350/400 turbos?
Thanks for the help,
Jim

blkZ28spt

Check out the sponsors for engines. A lot of them offer good kits. The latest GM High Tech Performance has an article showcasing many different long block stroker kits for "Less than 5 grand". It sounds like you want a 6.0L iron block. A lot of people take the LQ9 (iron) block as the base and build engines that are a minimum of 402 CI. The 4L60E isn't the greatest transmission. If you can live without overdrive or lockup get a TH400.

jvest

Thanks for the info. Is the LQ4 block the same as the LQ9? I think they've made more of the LQ4 engines, but not sure if it's just cam, compression, etc.... The little info I do have, shows the bore and stroker the same as the LQ9, but the LQ4 has 9.4 to 1 compression while the LQ9 has 10.0 to1. As long as the blocks are the same, I may find a better deal on the LQ4.
I've looked at several of the crate engines, but just to see what combinations works the best. I could buy one of the crate engines cheaper than I could build one, but I enjoy building engines more than I do anything on a car.
Does anyone know if there's any good books on building the gen III small block(torque specs, cam profiles, clearances, etc...)? I like to get as much info as possible before I start a project.
Thanks,
Jim

jrp

iTrader: (16)

the sky's are limitless, all depends on how deep your pockets go.

347ci Alum LS1 3.905 x 3.622 x 6.125

364ci Alum LS2 4.000 x 3.622 x 6.125

370ci Iron 6.0L 4.030 x 3.622 x 6.125

382ci BigBore LS6 4.100 x 3.622 x 6.125

383ci Alum LS6 3.905 x 4.000 x 6.125

393ci Alum LS6 3.905 x 4.125 x 6.200

402ci Alum LS2 4.000 x 4.000 x 6.125

402ci Iron 6.0L 4.000 x 4.000 x 6.125

409ci Iron 6.0L 4.030 x 4.000 x 6.125

415ci Alum LS2 4.000 x 4.125 x 6.200

421ci Iron 6.0L 4.030 x 4.125 x 6.200

422ci BigBore LS6 4.100 x 4.000 x 6.125

427ci Iron 6.0L 4.060 x 4.125 x 6.200

427ci BigBore LS2 4.125 x 4.000 x 6.125

434ci BigBore LS2 4.155 x 4.000 x 6.125

436ci BigBore LS6 4.100 x 4.125 x 6.200

441ci BigBore LS2 4.125 x 4.125 x 6.200

441ci C5R Block 4.125 x 4.125 x 6.200

447ci BigBore LS2 4.155 x 4.125 x 6.200

449ci BigBore LS6 4.100 x 4.250 x 6.200

454ci C5R Block 4.125 x 4.250 x 6.200

461ci BigBore LS2 4.155 x 4.250 x 6.200


i suggest you check out all the links in my sig for information. then check out the conversions and hybrids section and also protouring.com (i believei it is).

jvest

The pocket depth is not an issue(got a good wife with $), but longevity is. I'll spend what ever takes to make the bottom end bullet proof. I like to build them, just don't like to trash'em. I've built anything from a 99 suzuki gsxr drag bike motor to 520cuin 2500hp two stage three turbo alky burner( a friend of the family with very deep pockets), just wanted to try something different. All old buddies say I need to stick to the old 400 small block chevy, but it seems a lot of the younger guys are getting a lot out of a little on these new cars. Just looks like there's a lot of potental there.
Jim