Settle an argument please
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
From: Rock Hill SC
Settle an argument please
Buddy has a 92 coupe lt1 engine with 128 thou on it. He has a race 406
small block engine. Is there a difference between the lt1 block and a
standard block? I am trying to convince him it will be easier to sell the 406 and build the lt1 engine into a 383. Can a lt1 block be bored 60 over? I am trying to explain to him it would be a whole lot easier to have a motor that is has a front distributor and would be plug in play kinda then try to gerry rig the 406 into the car. Please settle this argument-thanx
small block engine. Is there a difference between the lt1 block and a
standard block? I am trying to convince him it will be easier to sell the 406 and build the lt1 engine into a 383. Can a lt1 block be bored 60 over? I am trying to explain to him it would be a whole lot easier to have a motor that is has a front distributor and would be plug in play kinda then try to gerry rig the 406 into the car. Please settle this argument-thanx
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 64
From: Mystic CT
Personally I would put the 406 in with an aftermarket computer and call it done. Very easy to tune etc. From all the threads here the Classic fast system might be a bad choice. I think I would go with a GEN 7 DFI and not saying as an offhand opinion as I have been in the aftermarket EFI biz since the 80's and have worked with almost all of them.
Dave
Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
You are right, the LT1 could use the stock computer.
The LTx only came in 350 blocks, so going to a 396 is as far as you can go without crossing into a cost point where there is no reason to stay with an LTx. Through an aftermarket computer on it and you can use 400 blocks and ditch the opti-crap system.
So yes, the 383 will be easier and cheaper, but I'd bet it makes less power and the $/hp figure may change when you try to equalize them.
The LTx only came in 350 blocks, so going to a 396 is as far as you can go without crossing into a cost point where there is no reason to stay with an LTx. Through an aftermarket computer on it and you can use 400 blocks and ditch the opti-crap system.
So yes, the 383 will be easier and cheaper, but I'd bet it makes less power and the $/hp figure may change when you try to equalize them.
Last edited by USAsOnlyWay; Sep 17, 2010 at 01:04 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Weyers Cave VA
What parts would be needed to install the 406 into the 1992 Corvette? Is regular rotation water pump OK? Std radiator OK? Is there room to use the HEI distributor? Finally, can I use the compurt electronics that came with the car? I am the guy referenced by the the original Poster. Thanks for everyones help.
Rich
Rich
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
It will be a fair amount of work to use the Gen 1 stuff.
Sure would be a lot easier to build a 383 or 396 LT1 stronger block, you just lose a little bore size thats all.
Sure would be a lot easier to build a 383 or 396 LT1 stronger block, you just lose a little bore size thats all.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 773
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis MN
If building a race car I would install the 406 but if going with a nice full interior example,I would build the Lt1.Thats what I will do hopefully someday.Plug & play=less headaches.My opinion
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Buddy has a 92 coupe lt1 engine with 128 thou on it. He has a race 406
small block engine. Is there a difference between the lt1 block and a
standard block? I am trying to convince him it will be easier to sell the 406 and build the lt1 engine into a 383. Can a lt1 block be bored 60 over? I am trying to explain to him it would be a whole lot easier to have a motor that is has a front distributor and would be plug in play kinda then try to gerry rig the 406 into the car. Please settle this argument-thanx
small block engine. Is there a difference between the lt1 block and a
standard block? I am trying to convince him it will be easier to sell the 406 and build the lt1 engine into a 383. Can a lt1 block be bored 60 over? I am trying to explain to him it would be a whole lot easier to have a motor that is has a front distributor and would be plug in play kinda then try to gerry rig the 406 into the car. Please settle this argument-thanx
If he's willing too throw enough money at the project he can swap in the 406 but, for my $$, it's a lot more work and money than the benefits justify.
Yes a LT1 block can be bored .060"; e.g. mine. Not all can though, so the chosen block should first be sonic tested. Ideally you'd want a MINIMUM of .200" cylinder wall thickness AFTER all boring and honing is done.
Years ago I considered a 415 L98 move into my 96 LT1 Vette and decided against it due to all the work, down-time and expense involved. Same thing as when I considered stuffing a Big Block into the 96.
Jake
Last edited by JAKE; Sep 18, 2010 at 09:10 PM.
