My question is, short of rebuilding mine, is there a replacement short or long block for the 89 available? I have brand new 58cc heads and would like to use all the rest of my TPI set up as well. I'm not looking to buy other upgrades just get a new block for at least equal performance. I have a good feeling my #8 cylinder is cracked TIA.

 

Ls7!

 

http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/514/...e-Assembly.htm

That crate short block should work just fine. Compression will be about 9.9:1 w/ 58 cc heads. Probably still able to use low octane fuel - at most mid grade.

 

Any old Gen I SBC will work, ZZ4 is the usual short block people get.

Do note that no matter how high the HP rating is the the crate, it aint gonna make that power with a TPI on top, and you will need the chip reprogrammed for a different cam.

 

The ZZ4 is the "expensive" option that is, of course, more desireable. An L31 shortblock will drop right in as well and is usually a bit cheaper.

And as Vader86 mentioned, any Gen 1 will work. You can get them remanufactured from eBay for under $1000.00. The only thing to worry about is that you have a "roller" block, which means that it is newer than 1987 and so it uses cam lifters with wheels on them. If you get a block that is older than '87, it will use flat tappet cam lifters, and your existing cam will not work in the other block.

It was not long ago that SDPC actually offered an L98 shortblock that was a new engine, but a bit cheaper still than the L31. And I think I remember them being available as recently as this April. If you want to get a "new" engine, and another 200 bucks will make the difference, you might want to call them and see if they have one still available. Of course going to the 4-bolt (L31) would be worth the cash - if you have it.

Of course if you have the budget, the BEST solution I can think of is calling Lingenfelter and having them ship you one of their L-98 stroker 383 forged short blocks.

 

Paul,

I don't remeber speaking with you until now, but apparently you've chosen an appropriate forum name, since an LS-7 would indeed be the Illinest solution I could think of to this question.


Howdy

 

Just got off the phone with SDPC and either the person didn't know or the ZZ4 is what they sell for L98 replacements and the price is the ZZ4s. Money is always an issue lately, being a combat disabled vet I hadn't planned on this. BTW the reason for the bad block is due to a badly rebuilt head and I'm going to pay the machinest a visit, of course I'll leave my hand gun at home Am I right in thinking both the L31 and ZZ4 can be roller motors?

 

I was caught off guard by usage of my first name. It took me a minute or two before I figured out where you must have gotten it.
Hey nice car Fozzy Bear! and nice to meetcha.


back on topic, it also seems like it might be an option to buy a used engine, bore it out and build up a 383 of your own with forged internals. Might be cheaper and more satisfying while leaving open the possibility of crazy future upgrades?!?

 

Sorry dude, - didn't mean to go all psyco-stalker on you. Nice to meetcha too.

As for building the motor piece by piece; Yeah sure you can do that, but from what I have seen you end up paying more total money, but you get to spread the cost out over a longer time. And that doesn't seem to be what Wayne is looking for. The exception to that is if you have the machinery on hand yourself, but since he is currently "having issues" with his local machinest, I am guessing that's not his situation. - Of course I could be wrong.

Wayne,
I'm sure the ZZ4 what what they would like to sell you. But they are the ones looking to make money. The L31 is better than what you have now, and it is cheaper than the ZZ4 by hundreds of dollars. And SDPC is NOT the only place you can get a L31. It is a GMPerformanceParts component and almost anybody can order one. Thus there is a lot of competition. google away! But I will say that SDPC has a great reputation from what I can remember. - FWIW

 

As stated any Gen 1 short block will work but the L31 and ZZ4 are roller cam versions same as L98 but with 4 bolt mains.

 

The people at Superior Chevrolet treated me well and others
here have spoken highly of them also.

Here is a link to their website. unfortunately the site has
fairly long-standing issues with not being able to serve
up the key .ASP pages. Chris there knows about it.

Don't let the buggy site put you off. Try calling and see
what they can do to help out.

.

 

Unless you really want to use a new block, I would advise that you call one of the Corvette salvage yards. I'm sure you'll be able to get a complete L98 motor out of an '89 for less than the price of a new block. And, you can sell off all the parts you won't be using (heads, intake, etc...) to offset the cost.

 

I would think with shipping cost you would want to pick a dealer thats close with best price. Also don't know if youy have auto or 6-speed but would think you would want 1pc. rear seal. I think last time I checked that HT383 short block is a bit more but might be an option?? Good Luck! There was a new L-98 on EBAY a month+ ago.

 

There are quite a few salvage yards that will ship an L98 roller block! But then again, if you don't have the machinists in the area you trust, it may not be a good idea to start into a salvaged block???

 

I picked up a 96 vortec truck motor cheap ($300)at a salvage yard. Same 4 bolt roller cam block as a zz4 I believe.

 

This is the way I went, L31
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWN%3AIT

As was pointed out I'm not fond of the local talent for machineing and even though money is tight this is the quickest way to get up and running trouble free. This purchase does lead to a couple of more questions since there are three items, at least, that I would like get new while I'm at it. recommendations?
Oil pump--std, HV, brand?
Timing set?
Cam-- since I don't want to have a chip burned and don't know what the stock specs were?
Again, thanks much for all the help.

 

Oil pump, std

You can get a cheap Cloyes True Double roller which will be more than adequate (~50-60$ if I remember right) for the timing chain and as for cam, do you not think you will be able to reuse yours?

 

My suggestion on the cam would be to call Comp Cams help line. Tell them what you have and they will help you select the cam that best suits your application. They have a direct stock replacement cam that will use your existing chip. Then go to Summit Racing or Jegs and get the Comp Cams, cam and lifter kit at the best price. If your getting a new short block you definately want to put in a new cam and lifters.

 

I only thought a new cam was a wise move since the engine had a slight miss for years and I tried all the usual fixes. Plus if I pull it then decide by inspection it should be renewed I end up with more down time. I'm just getting a little paranoid at this point I guess

 

No I htink its a good call on your part. Just curious.
Being that it is a roller cam, I really doubt it will be bad. But, I would hate to have that more downtime like you say.

I think 86Pacecar is money on.