Lookin' for advice
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Marine on St. Croix Minnesota
Lookin' for advice
So I picked up a '78 LT1 block. I'm thinking of building a 383. What should I use in a street engine? Do I need a forged crank? Cast or forged pistons? What compression should I shoot for? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Never made 78 LT1 motor.
A lot depends on what kind of power you want to make and how fast are you going to spin it. I have all forged bottom end making 500+ HP and turn it 6500+ rpm. I did not want to have any problem. There are plenty of cast crank cast pistoned motors making 400 HP and kept at a normal rpm.
A lot depends on what kind of power you want to make and how fast are you going to spin it. I have all forged bottom end making 500+ HP and turn it 6500+ rpm. I did not want to have any problem. There are plenty of cast crank cast pistoned motors making 400 HP and kept at a normal rpm.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
machine shop
i'd sudgest finding a reputable machine shop or speed shop and talk with them about what your plans are for the engine. they will have years of experince to help you. you'll need a good mahine shop to do the machine work anyway.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 65
From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Lt1 was made 70 thru 72. All were probably 0010 blocks. 78 was most likely a truck block. It was the lt1 insides that made the difference. 0010 4 bolt is a good base for a street engine.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
$250 is not abad deal for a 010 block. The 010 block was made for many years and probably was a truck block. No probelm with that build it up and make some decent HP. A good 383 kit and decent heads and cam will get you an easy 400 HP
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