vettefast

My custom 383 stroker engine has just been completed at the machine shop and it has a four bolt main. What I was wondering is does the original 1990 L98 engine come with a 4 bolt main or a 2 bolt main. If it did come with a 2 bolt main is it more labor because of the new 4 bolt main? I am not doing the work I just want to know when it is time to pay what to expect :shocked: Thanks!!!

Corvette0096

2 bolt

scorp508

Definitely just a 2-bolt for all Corvette L98s. The only added labor would be torquring down the extra bolts. I currently have a 4-bolt block in my own car that was taken from a GM Van.

vettefast

Will it be a lot to modify or just drilling extra holes? Or are the holes already there? Thanks!


[Modified by vettefast, 10:37 AM 3/31/2004]

corvetteronw

Ask your machine shop. I rebuilt an 81 once and my machinist said that with my moderate mods it would be a waste of money. He did say that he could easily convert it to 4 bolt mains but I did not ask how they did it at the time. I stayed with the original 2 bolt as my project was already causing a major hit to my Visa card as it was! :lol:

scorp508

Personally I think that it would be a waste of time and money to modify an OEM block for 4-bolt. They are so plentiful just pick one up if you really one want and start from scratch. If you're making the kind of power that NEEDS 4-bolt then you should probably have an aftermarket block.

vettefast

[QUOTE]Personally I think that it would be a waste of time and money to modify an OEM block for 4-bolt. They are so plentiful just pick one up if you really one want and start from scratch. If you're making the kind of power that NEEDS 4-bolt then you should probably have an aftermarket block. [QUOTE]

This engine was recapped from a 2 bolt main to a 4 bolt main because it will have a est. 500+ hp. Also I wanted to have the 4 bolt main incase I decide to go with a shot of nitrous down the road. I wanted to prepare for any upgrades I may do down the road.




[Modified by vettefast, 12:50 PM 3/31/2004]

Bruthish

:iagree: I personally have never rebuilt a block but I have read numerous article on the subject because I plan on doing it soon. Most of them state that having a 4-bolt is just a more strength and insurance against failure. Most also state that anything under 500hp probably would not require a 4-bolt.

vettefast

My plans are to be over 500hp. I hope to be higher once I pay this tab off. Thanks :thumbs:


[Modified by vettefast, 12:53 PM 3/31/2004]

vettefast

I think what my real question was is there any modifications that will need to be done to the car to allow a 4 bolt main that had a original 2 bolt main engine in it? :confused:

96LT1

The 4 bolt main is more expensive for a couple of reasons. One of course is the labor involved in drilling and tapping the extra holes. The new holes are drilled at an angle into the meat of the block parrallel with the piston walls, hence the term 'splayed'. The second is that splayed caps are much more expensive.

A splayed block is actually stronger than a 4 bolt. A 2 bolt SBC should be able to handle up to 400hp, a 4 bolt SBC should be able to handle up to 500hp and a 4 bolt splayed SBC should be able to handle up to 750hp.

scorp508

Yes, more bolt holes drilled/tapped. Sometimes the machinest will pour block fill into the bottom of the engine for a little more rigidity too.

vettefast

Thanks I guys! I now can walk in the shop with this extra info :cheers:

HC4-Vette

:iagree:

Just slap in an ARP main stud kit and it should easily handle 500+hp.

CFI-EFI

A.) No ather mods to the car to change from 2 to 4 bolt mains.

B.) Whether straight bolts or splayed, the block will have been align bored.

RACE ON!!!

vettefast

Just slap in an ARP main stud kit and it should easily handle 500+hp


Thanks again guys!!!! :thumbs: That helped answer the rest of the question!!! :cheers:

HeeHaw89

Hey vettefast - where are you having your work done?

vettefast

Hey HeeHaw89 I was just down your way tonight on the water in Chase. I am having my engine custom built from scratch from AHM Performance in Rosedale this includes the Accel plug & play intake with the programable computer with the Calmap program. The Machine shop is about !/4 of a mile south of Corvette performance (the owner of CP is Keith my buddy!) on Philadelpia Rd. It is right before Philadelpia dead ends at Rt. 40 at the 895 onramp. My engine will be sent out Thursday to the shop and I will be receiving pictures through the email along with the :shocked: total the same day. Let me know if you want me to email the pictures! :cheers:

HeeHaw89

Yes you were right by me. I live in Bowleys Quarters on the water.
I have heard about Covette performance but have never been there. Nice to know there is a dedicated Vette shop nearby.
I would love to see your progress pics, and the bill for some laughs :lol:
It will all be forgotten when you nail the gas for the first time!