How much power can a 2 bolt handle??
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Mascoutah Illinois
How much power can a 2 bolt handle??
Well my engine needs rebuilt And i was wondering if it would be a better choice to rebuild it or just buy a new built engine. If a new engine is in mind then does anyone have any options that they have tried? Looking for something that will relatively just drop in without cutting/ welding anything. Was planning on a future turbo/ supercharger mod and wanted to get some ideas. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Mascoutah Illinois
cool i think ima turbo the vette because their are a couple of vettes in this area supercharged but I have yet to c one with a turbo.. Just something different! So better to build than to buy? I have rebuilt engines before so its no prob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
with a turbo, the problem becomes turbo lag.The turbo plumbing can be somewhat of a nightmare as well.
There were some people removing the spare, putting the turbo back there, and spinning up the turbo with ducted exhaust pipes to eliminate that.
There were some people removing the spare, putting the turbo back there, and spinning up the turbo with ducted exhaust pipes to eliminate that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,374
Likes: 86
From: Corbin KY
Well my engine needs rebuilt And i was wondering if it would be a better choice to rebuild it or just buy a new built engine. If a new engine is in mind then does anyone have any options that they have tried? Looking for something that will relatively just drop in without cutting/ welding anything. Was planning on a future turbo/ supercharger mod and wanted to get some ideas. Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
a machine shop can drill new holes in the block so you can use the 4 bolt caps. A 4 bolt engine is stronger because it can withstand higher rpms without tearing itself apart, the same is true with the added stress of forced induction or nitrous.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,525
Likes: 2
From: Houston TX
A two bolt main factory block that has been converted to "splayed" four-bolt main block is stronger than either the factory two bolt or the factory four bolt (truck) block. I currently run a splayed factory L98 block with nearly 30 psi on it.
As an aside, I ran a factory L98 two bolt block with lots of boost for many years that was just over 575WHP. No failure, just wanted more cubes and better components.
The factory block (when prepped/built properly) will hold up to all but the most extreme builds....
As an aside, I ran a factory L98 two bolt block with lots of boost for many years that was just over 575WHP. No failure, just wanted more cubes and better components.
The factory block (when prepped/built properly) will hold up to all but the most extreme builds....
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
You could also buy a ZZ-383 crank and have the block clearanced to make 383 cubes without boring or changing rods. Well provided you have a one piece rear main block.
My best friend is building a 1989 L-98 for his 90 vette with a zz-383 cola crank, 6 inch carillo rods, splayed 4 bolt caps, afr heads, ati procharger.
however with boring he will have a 396.
read up on the zz383, guess chevy did it with stock length rods and bore. However like I said a production block must be clearanced to run a zz383 crank, which doesn't look that hard. Or you could buy a zz383 crank and block.
My best friend is building a 1989 L-98 for his 90 vette with a zz-383 cola crank, 6 inch carillo rods, splayed 4 bolt caps, afr heads, ati procharger.
however with boring he will have a 396.
read up on the zz383, guess chevy did it with stock length rods and bore. However like I said a production block must be clearanced to run a zz383 crank, which doesn't look that hard. Or you could buy a zz383 crank and block.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 3
From: NORTHEAST
A 2 bolt using a 3.750 stroke does side load the mains caps more then a 2 bolt with a 3.250 stroke, We have put alot of caps on blocks where guys have tried the 2 bolt caps and used a 383 because it was done in a magazine. If your using a stock block have it sonic tested before any work is done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here are some good links to look over.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ps-1992-a.html
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/advanc...ever-seen.html
Another good block choice might be the block SHP block from Dart here are some links on those blocks
http://speedtalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12112
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237241
When putting splayed caps on stock blocks its a good idea to buy caps thar have a 10 degree outter bolt angle as more then that may get you into the water jacket.
We have been using the caps from http://pro-gram.com/ and so far have never hit water.
Here is a one peice seal block we machined for another shop with splayed caps.
Good luck with your build
Here are some good links to look over.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ps-1992-a.html
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/advanc...ever-seen.html
Another good block choice might be the block SHP block from Dart here are some links on those blocks
http://speedtalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12112
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237241
When putting splayed caps on stock blocks its a good idea to buy caps thar have a 10 degree outter bolt angle as more then that may get you into the water jacket.
We have been using the caps from http://pro-gram.com/ and so far have never hit water.
Here is a one peice seal block we machined for another shop with splayed caps.
Good luck with your build
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 3
From: The Motor City
Blockman, what is your take on blocks going .100 over.
Last edited by mseven; Apr 5, 2009 at 09:56 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
correct me if I'm wrong, using a 3.75 crank to get to 396ci. would require a +.100 over. I am not sure that would be something I would want to to do w/a gm block (even w/lots of fill), now w/a dart or bowtie I think that's no problem.
Blockman, what is your take on blocks going .100 over.
Blockman, what is your take on blocks going .100 over.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 3
From: NORTHEAST
Adding studs does not make the caps any stronger as they are just stock grey cast caps, Its like adding ARP rod bolts to an old set of rods its better hardware in an old set of rods and there no stronger.
We get a lot of calls in an years time about 2 bolt blocks not living up to what people say there good for and most guys base all the info on one engine that ran for two years or so.
And most shops that don't build performance engines for a living and can't install splayed caps will always say there good for 600 horse LOL
Here is another link as this was a good debate
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38173
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ps-1992-a.html
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/advanc...ever-seen.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
Interesting as GM rates there 4 bolt blocks just under 400 horse and a 2 bolt is a better peice HMMMM, Its the added stroke that makes the caps walk around.
Adding studs does not make the caps any stronger as they are just stock grey cast caps, Its like adding ARP rod bolts to an old set of rods its better hardware in an old set of rods and there no stronger.
We get a lot of calls in an years time about 2 bolt blocks not living up to what people say there good for and most guys base all the info on one engine that ran for two years or so.
And most shops that don't build performance engines for a living and can't install splayed caps will always say there good for 600 horse LOL
Here is another link as this was a good debate
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38173
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ps-1992-a.html
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/advanc...ever-seen.html
Adding studs does not make the caps any stronger as they are just stock grey cast caps, Its like adding ARP rod bolts to an old set of rods its better hardware in an old set of rods and there no stronger.
We get a lot of calls in an years time about 2 bolt blocks not living up to what people say there good for and most guys base all the info on one engine that ran for two years or so.
And most shops that don't build performance engines for a living and can't install splayed caps will always say there good for 600 horse LOL
Here is another link as this was a good debate
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38173
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ps-1992-a.html
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/advanc...ever-seen.html
I hope you are not indicating that I quoted myself as saying "2 bolts mains are better/stronger than 4 bolt mains" and obviously studding will not make the "caps" better...
I agree; 4 bolt main caps are a better piece......basic engine knowledge....I had my engine built by a AMT Racing Engines in St. Louis....very good reputation......I have had very good results....this engine has been running longer than 2 yrs. as well......seen plenty of track time w/mid 12 sec. passes, however my engine was bored .030 and not stroked....if stroked I agree, 4 bolt caps would be preferred...
also GM does not handbuild and balance/blueprint normal high production engines and they have warranty claim issues, so their 400 hp claims on a 4 bolt block is warranted....
having said that, I agree w/you and other engine builders.....4 bolt mains are a better piece.....BTW, when has GM put a 400 hp restriction on their 4 bolt main blocks??? not aware of that one......I know a lot of guys running well over 400 hp on 2/bolt and 4/bolt blocks for quite a while now......
Last edited by 856SPEED; Apr 5, 2009 at 04:40 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 3
From: NORTHEAST
I hope you are not indicating that I quoted myself as saying "2 bolts mains are better/stronger than 4 bolt mains" and obviously studding will not make the "caps" better...
I agree; 4 bolt main caps are a better piece......basic engine knowledge....I had my engine built by a AMT Racing Engines in St. Louis....very good reputation......I have had very good results....this engine has been running longer than 2 yrs. as well......seen plenty of track time w/mid 12 sec. passes, however my engine was bored .030 and not stroked....if stroked I agree, 4 bolt caps would be preferred...
also GM does not handbuild and balance/blueprint normal high production engines and they have warranty claim issues, so their 400 hp claims on a 4 bolt block is warranted....
having said that, I agree w/you and other engine builders.....4 bolt mains are a better piece.....BTW, when has GM put a 400 hp restriction on their 4 bolt main blocks??? not aware of that one......I know a lot of guys running well over 400 hp on 2/bolt and 4/bolt blocks for quite a while now......
I agree; 4 bolt main caps are a better piece......basic engine knowledge....I had my engine built by a AMT Racing Engines in St. Louis....very good reputation......I have had very good results....this engine has been running longer than 2 yrs. as well......seen plenty of track time w/mid 12 sec. passes, however my engine was bored .030 and not stroked....if stroked I agree, 4 bolt caps would be preferred...
also GM does not handbuild and balance/blueprint normal high production engines and they have warranty claim issues, so their 400 hp claims on a 4 bolt block is warranted....
having said that, I agree w/you and other engine builders.....4 bolt mains are a better piece.....BTW, when has GM put a 400 hp restriction on their 4 bolt main blocks??? not aware of that one......I know a lot of guys running well over 400 hp on 2/bolt and 4/bolt blocks for quite a while now......
Look in any of their catolog at HP ratings
4 bolt repalcement P/N 10066034 rated at 350 Horse
4 bolt one peice seal block 10105123 rated at 350 horse
In the older catologs the 2482 cap stock block was rated at 450 horse.
I am sure they have done more testing then you or I
We build alot of circle track engins and one class 450 lift rule, 11:01 camel hump heads 500 HP carb run about 370 horse and 430 on the torque and I seen guy over the last 36 years try 2 bolt blocks and we have seen caps that have walk in there registers at that level. And these only turn appox 6500 RPM
If 2 bolt cap blocks had a wide register like the 400 block it wouls not be such an issue at least GM did one thing right with the added stroke of 3.750 stroke on the 400 blocks they used wider caps as they are more stable with tah much stroke.
I have a bucket of broken caps and caps that look like they have been welled on the bottom because they were over powered.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
