LT1 Engine Questions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 176
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From: Holtsville NY
LT1 Engine Questions
A) How big can you make an LT1, I know of 383, and 396, any bigger?
B) Is there an advantade in engine durability, or power to either a 383 0r 396?
C) Where could I purchase a new or used LT1 bare block? (Not Ebay)
Thanks!
B) Is there an advantade in engine durability, or power to either a 383 0r 396?
C) Where could I purchase a new or used LT1 bare block? (Not Ebay)
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Re: LT1 Engine Questions (Epyon127)
I have seen 409 cid LT1's thats about the largest displacement that I know about. As for used blocks, you can look on the for sale forums of this forum and some of the F body lists. Or you can call around your local wrecking yards to find a rebuildable core.
A 383 is the most common stroker combination for a small block. A 396 is a 3.875 stroke crank, and therefor not as popular and most likely a bit more expensive. It depends on what your purpose of the engine is for. If you plan on doing a blower engine its probably better to do a 383 with 6" rods or a 396 with 5.875 rods. This gives you a higher compression height piston for a thicker dome for use with nitrous or a blower. Either stroke combo should have about the same durability as the other. Of course more inches means a broader torque band.
A 383 is the most common stroker combination for a small block. A 396 is a 3.875 stroke crank, and therefor not as popular and most likely a bit more expensive. It depends on what your purpose of the engine is for. If you plan on doing a blower engine its probably better to do a 383 with 6" rods or a 396 with 5.875 rods. This gives you a higher compression height piston for a thicker dome for use with nitrous or a blower. Either stroke combo should have about the same durability as the other. Of course more inches means a broader torque band.
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Re: LT1 Engine Questions (tjwong)
Hey Tom,
Would a broader torque band be something that would contribute to the drivability and manners of a street car? Thanks...
Would a broader torque band be something that would contribute to the drivability and manners of a street car? Thanks...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 0
Re: LT1 Engine Questions (Epyon127)
if you are using a cast crank, get a 3.75'' its the same cost as the 350's 3.48'' crank.
if you are going forged, get a 3.85'' crank, same price as any forged small block crank. they just dont make a cast 3.85'' crank.
they will all live the same length. they key is the engine builder and parts used and attention to detail.
if you are going forged, get a 3.85'' crank, same price as any forged small block crank. they just dont make a cast 3.85'' crank.
they will all live the same length. they key is the engine builder and parts used and attention to detail.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,875
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From: Olive Branch (Memphis suburb) MS
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: LT1 Engine Questions (TreyZ28)
[QUOTE]if you are going forged, get a 3.85'' crank, same price as any forged small block crank. they just dont make a cast 3.85'' crank.[QUOTE] Trey, I think you mean 3.875. :steering:
