Pre 86 or post 86 block?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Pre 86 or post 86 block?
Pre 86 or post 86 block??
I am planning on putting together a 383 for my 91 Vette.
Forged everything and a Superram or Stealthram. But the SR or SR (?) will be later. I am going to build the low end first and then upgrade with new heads and intake when I can afford it. I was planning on using the LPE219 camshaft since that is what you guys recommend. It is going to be – not a daily driver but something that can be driven on my spare time (if the weather is nice).
I bought an old block some time ago, 4 bolt 010 block from 1969. It needs some work to be in perfect shape, but not much.
The question/problem:
- Should I keep the old block or build my new engine on a rollerblock?
- Will I be able to find a roller camshaft that is equal to the LPE219 that will fit my old block? Roller lifters? Hydraulic rollers?
- Can I find a 4-bolt rollerblock?
- Will my L98 heads fit on an old block?
- Is the supply of crankshafts that will fit in a new block as good as it is to the older blocks?
OR should I buy a 400 block instead?
Thanks in advance
BR
Kristoffer
:cheers:
I am planning on putting together a 383 for my 91 Vette.
Forged everything and a Superram or Stealthram. But the SR or SR (?) will be later. I am going to build the low end first and then upgrade with new heads and intake when I can afford it. I was planning on using the LPE219 camshaft since that is what you guys recommend. It is going to be – not a daily driver but something that can be driven on my spare time (if the weather is nice).
I bought an old block some time ago, 4 bolt 010 block from 1969. It needs some work to be in perfect shape, but not much.
The question/problem:
- Should I keep the old block or build my new engine on a rollerblock?
- Will I be able to find a roller camshaft that is equal to the LPE219 that will fit my old block? Roller lifters? Hydraulic rollers?
- Can I find a 4-bolt rollerblock?
- Will my L98 heads fit on an old block?
- Is the supply of crankshafts that will fit in a new block as good as it is to the older blocks?
OR should I buy a 400 block instead?
Thanks in advance
BR
Kristoffer
:cheers:
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (VetteNoob)
Your 91 block is a roller block. Id stay with either your current block or go with a 400.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (corvette0096)
I would build it on a roller block. :yesnod:
Problem is that I live in Sweden and it is not as easy to find a good roller block as it might be where you live. But if it is much better to build it on a roller block then I will consider it.
Thanks
:cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,655
Likes: 24
From: Charleston SC
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (Cratzy)
[QUOTE]Pre 86 or post 86 block??
- Will I be able to find a roller camshaft that is equal to the LPE219 that will fit my old block? Roller lifters? Hydraulic rollers?
-[QUOTE]
The Problem, is cost the retro roller lifters alone are about $500 from Comp (prices may varry). You will be able to get the cam you want for a roller block but how close is your old block (does it need machine work?). Getting a roller block for a couple hundered bucks should be no problem the cost will be in the machine work (Cleaned, bored, ect..... figure another $250). Your heads and intake will fit either block. I would try to find a cheap roller block and build it and sell your old one.
- Will I be able to find a roller camshaft that is equal to the LPE219 that will fit my old block? Roller lifters? Hydraulic rollers?
-[QUOTE]
The Problem, is cost the retro roller lifters alone are about $500 from Comp (prices may varry). You will be able to get the cam you want for a roller block but how close is your old block (does it need machine work?). Getting a roller block for a couple hundered bucks should be no problem the cost will be in the machine work (Cleaned, bored, ect..... figure another $250). Your heads and intake will fit either block. I would try to find a cheap roller block and build it and sell your old one.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,506
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver,Wa.
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (ejfagala)
Pre 86 or post 86 block??
- Will I be able to find a roller camshaft that is equal to the LPE219 that will fit my old block? Roller lifters? Hydraulic rollers?
-
The Problem, is cost the retro roller lifters alone are about $500 from Comp (prices may varry). You will be able to get the cam you want for a roller block but how close is your old block (does it need machine work?). Getting a roller block for a couple hundered bucks should be no problem the cost will be in the machine work (Cleaned, bored, ect..... figure another $250). Your heads and intake will fit either block. I would try to find a cheap roller block and build it and sell your old one.
- Will I be able to find a roller camshaft that is equal to the LPE219 that will fit my old block? Roller lifters? Hydraulic rollers?
-
The Problem, is cost the retro roller lifters alone are about $500 from Comp (prices may varry). You will be able to get the cam you want for a roller block but how close is your old block (does it need machine work?). Getting a roller block for a couple hundered bucks should be no problem the cost will be in the machine work (Cleaned, bored, ect..... figure another $250). Your heads and intake will fit either block. I would try to find a cheap roller block and build it and sell your old one.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (corvette0096)
OK, thank you! :cheers:
I have now decided to do what you suggest, I will sell my old block and buy a used roller block instead.
Is there anything particular that I should look out for? Are there any differences like deck heights, casting etc.?
:seeya
I have now decided to do what you suggest, I will sell my old block and buy a used roller block instead.
Is there anything particular that I should look out for? Are there any differences like deck heights, casting etc.?
:seeya
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
Likes: 1
From: Framingham MA
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (Cratzy)
The 87 and later block are roller blocks, a 86 1 piece block would need retrolifters. Don't worry too much about looking for a 4 bolt block, a 2 block is usually strong enough and if you feel that you need 4 bolts you can have the additional 2 bolts splayed into a 2 bolt block which is actually stonger than the factory 4 bolt blocks.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (dgoodhue)
Since I now have to buy a new (used) block, should I try to find a 400 block instead of a 350 roller block? Or will it be allot more expensive to build a stroker on a 400 block. :confused:
I would love to see a 427 in my Vette... :D
What about hydraulic roller camshafts and lifters that will fit in a 400 block?
Heads? Will my L98 heads fit?
Decisions decisions.... :banghead:
I would love to see a 427 in my Vette... :D
What about hydraulic roller camshafts and lifters that will fit in a 400 block?
Heads? Will my L98 heads fit?
Decisions decisions.... :banghead:
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
Likes: 1
From: Framingham MA
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (Cratzy)
Since I now have to buy a new (used) block, should I try to find a 400 block instead of a 350 roller block? Or will it be allot more expensive to build a stroker on a 400 block.
What about hydraulic roller camshafts and lifters that will fit in a 400 block?
What about hydraulic roller camshafts and lifters that will fit in a 400 block?
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: santa maria ca
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (dgoodhue)
look at it this way...u want power lookin 2 the 400,big bore short stoke,retrofit it with hyr.roll.lifter cause its true they never were factory roller motors.keep your old block and build on it,if u have money put it in some after market heads,like world products because your old factory castings are about as good as they can get(machinest's advice)portings not gonna help as much as u think,pockets aren't made for it.a 400,2 piece is all u can get so just go for it
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 26
From: Winchester VA
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (Cratzy)
First, a piece of advice- be sure what you want and have a well thought out plan. I did not and paid ($) for it.
Second, if you're going for a 400 block, they may be hard to find in your neck of the woods. SBC blocks are not very expensive and several companies offer much improved versions, brand new. Check out...
www.theengineshop.com
Don't know how much you want to spend, but his 450HP 9.5:1 427 sounds pretty driveable. There is a link on that page to http://www.worldcastings.com , check out the info on thier 400 block. Very compatible to your existing components.
Enjoy, this is the most fun thing you can do TO your Corvette (w/o getting really funny looks from the neighbors)
Second, if you're going for a 400 block, they may be hard to find in your neck of the woods. SBC blocks are not very expensive and several companies offer much improved versions, brand new. Check out...
www.theengineshop.com
Don't know how much you want to spend, but his 450HP 9.5:1 427 sounds pretty driveable. There is a link on that page to http://www.worldcastings.com , check out the info on thier 400 block. Very compatible to your existing components.
Enjoy, this is the most fun thing you can do TO your Corvette (w/o getting really funny looks from the neighbors)
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 471
Likes: 0
From: Queens NY
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (Ski2Tee)
Roller block.
I have a non-roller motor in my '86 and i'm rebuilding my old roller block as a spare. Why?
1. roller cam
2. one piece seal wont leak as fast (even tho my 86 has that)
3. blocks in good shape/good cores are abundant
4. you can get a 2-bolt block cheap and go with the 4 bolt caps
5. want displacement? stroke it and use a long rod
It's the next step in small block evolution.. nothing wrong with non-roller blocks, but roller blocks just give you a little more room to play
I have a non-roller motor in my '86 and i'm rebuilding my old roller block as a spare. Why?
1. roller cam
2. one piece seal wont leak as fast (even tho my 86 has that)
3. blocks in good shape/good cores are abundant
4. you can get a 2-bolt block cheap and go with the 4 bolt caps
5. want displacement? stroke it and use a long rod
It's the next step in small block evolution.. nothing wrong with non-roller blocks, but roller blocks just give you a little more room to play
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (CarAteMyMoney)
Is it only hydraulic roller lifters that wont fit in my non-roller block? Can I put in a roller camshaft and non hydraulic (solid?) roller lifters in my block, or is that not recommended?
Thank you for all your inputs. I keep hearing that I need a good plan, but I don't have one at the moment. I am trying to decide what my plan will be. So that is way I seem to be a little bit lost...
:cheers:
Thank you for all your inputs. I keep hearing that I need a good plan, but I don't have one at the moment. I am trying to decide what my plan will be. So that is way I seem to be a little bit lost...
:cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
Likes: 1
From: Framingham MA
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (Cratzy)
Is it only hydraulic roller lifters that wont fit in my non-roller block? Can I put in a roller camshaft and non hydraulic (solid?) roller lifters in my block, or is that not recommended?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Re: Pre 86 or post 86 block? (dgoodhue)
OK.
Is it possible to find a solid roller camshaft/lifters that are equal to the LPE219?
I would really like to keep my old non roller 4-bolt block (economical reasons)
:cheers:
Is it possible to find a solid roller camshaft/lifters that are equal to the LPE219?
I would really like to keep my old non roller 4-bolt block (economical reasons)
:cheers:
