LT1 Blocks
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore MD
St. Jude Donor '08
LT1 Blocks
I am looking to buy a 350 block to build an engine for my 1995. My question is what years do I have to look for? Does the opti-spark require a different block? Is there a good book that covers all of this stuff?
Thanks in advance,
Thanks in advance,
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Originally Posted by pwoolford
I am looking to buy a 350 block to build an engine for my 1995. My question is what years do I have to look for? Does the opti-spark require a different block? Is there a good book that covers all of this stuff?
Thanks in advance,
Thanks in advance,
You need to use a 92 and up LT1 block. The F body engines were two bolt main blocks which are easily converted to 4 bolt with aftermarket caps. Or you can use the 93 and up Vette blocks which are all 4 bolt main blocks. I prefer the F body blocks and to use high strength billet caps for a strong foundation. But for any normally aspirated build up to 500+ a four bolt block is adequate, or a two bolt block is good if studs and straps are used or using the conversion to four bolt caps.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
The block number for an LT1/4 is 327 and from 92 to 97 will work ,Some blocks are 2 bolt main.
The water does not go through the intake manifold to cool the intake.
327 blocks have reverse flow cooling.
All should be roller cam blocks.
The water does not go through the intake manifold to cool the intake.
327 blocks have reverse flow cooling.
All should be roller cam blocks.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
An important detail:
There were 4 separate versions of the LT1!
1) 265ci, iron heads, 2 bolt mains, Caprice 1994-1996
2) 350ci, iron heads, 2 bolt mains(b-bodies) 1994-1996
3) 350ci, aluminum heads, 2 bolt mains (F-bodies) 1993-1997
4) 350ci, aluminum heads, 4 bolt mains (Y-body) 1992-1996
I agree with TJ that the Fbody version is a great options for bottom end strength. Splayed caps rock!
There were 4 separate versions of the LT1!
1) 265ci, iron heads, 2 bolt mains, Caprice 1994-1996
2) 350ci, iron heads, 2 bolt mains(b-bodies) 1994-1996
3) 350ci, aluminum heads, 2 bolt mains (F-bodies) 1993-1997
4) 350ci, aluminum heads, 4 bolt mains (Y-body) 1992-1996
I agree with TJ that the Fbody version is a great options for bottom end strength. Splayed caps rock!
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/ar/ar99928.htm
265 - There was only one block used for the 265 cid version of the LT1. It’s a 10168588 casting that had the numbers "4.3" cast on the side, too. It’s real easy to spot if the heads are off because of the small 3.74" bore.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: new orleans La
Originally Posted by bogus
An important detail:
There were 4 separate versions of the LT1!
1) 265ci, iron heads, 2 bolt mains, Caprice 1994-1996
2) 350ci, iron heads, 2 bolt mains(b-bodies) 1994-1996
3) 350ci, aluminum heads, 2 bolt mains (F-bodies) 1993-1997
4) 350ci, aluminum heads, 4 bolt mains (Y-body) 1992-1996
I agree with TJ that the Fbody version is a great options for bottom end strength. Splayed caps rock!
There were 4 separate versions of the LT1!
1) 265ci, iron heads, 2 bolt mains, Caprice 1994-1996
2) 350ci, iron heads, 2 bolt mains(b-bodies) 1994-1996
3) 350ci, aluminum heads, 2 bolt mains (F-bodies) 1993-1997
4) 350ci, aluminum heads, 4 bolt mains (Y-body) 1992-1996
I agree with TJ that the Fbody version is a great options for bottom end strength. Splayed caps rock!
I used a Fbody 2 bolt block and converted to splayed 4 bolt caps on my LT4 rebuild.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by steve9899
Not clear if that was in response to me, but the code for that engine is L99 not LT1.
Yes, there are casting differences, but you just need to be aware such an engine exists.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,308
Likes: 1
From: Portsmouth VA
just in case those other guys weren't clear... the camaro blocks are 2 bolt main, which is preferable because you can easily convert it to a 4 bolt SPLAYED main. a splayed main is going to be stronger than the regular 4 bolt main blocks that come in the vettes.