C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Boring out LS1

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 16, 2024 | 03:30 PM
  #1  
jamed30's Avatar
jamed30
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default Boring out LS1

So I have a question, I have my block at the machine shop right now (LS1 Block) & they're recommending me go .020 over which will put me at a 3.91 piston/bore. I'm skeptical on it due to the cylinder lining reliability let alone just reliability in general. I have 3.903 pistons for it already and wanting to go that route first but was wondering if anyone has had luck with a 3.91 bore? Also kinda curious how it could have gotten that out of whack as well so I could know how to prevent in the future. Thanks

Its a 1999 Vette that the block is coming out of.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2024 | 03:46 PM
  #2  
Fast one's Avatar
Fast one
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,995
Likes: 503
From: Hilton NY
Default

+.020 doesn't sound like a good idea, https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/ma...for-ls-blocks/
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2024 | 03:51 PM
  #3  
jamed30's Avatar
jamed30
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default

Thats what I was thinking in my mind & was skeptical but apparently the cylinders are that out of whack from what I was told. I plan to get it honed to 3.903 since I have the pistons along with getting the deck cleaned up along with heads as well for smoothness and putting arp mains since I plan on boosting it. I dont understand how it could have gotten that bad though which seems odd to me.
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2024 | 01:07 AM
  #4  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,970
Likes: 24,705
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

Moved to C5 Tech for more discussion.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 11:36 AM
  #5  
Beast's Avatar
Beast
Drifting
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,659
Likes: 683
From: Pingree Grove IL
Default

Isn’t it pretty common to make an LS1 a 383??? I don’t know what your bore sizes mean. I had a 350 block back in the day bored out to a 383. Professional done, a place in California called speedomotive. Wonder if there still around.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 12:56 PM
  #6  
mmartinez's Avatar
mmartinez
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 799
From: Espanola New Mexico
Default

A LS1 can't be bored out to a 383, there simply isn't enough metal between the cylinder bores. When 350 engines were changed to 383 they installed a stroker kit which means that the crank was swapped out which increased displacement by increasing the stroke. The same can be done to a LS1.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 01:30 PM
  #7  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,398
Likes: 1,139
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by Beast
I had a 350 block back in the day bored out to a 383..
While they may have cleaned up the cylinders in your engine work, extra cubic inches is achieved from the additional stroke (different crank)......not from boring.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 01:42 PM
  #8  
helga203's Avatar
helga203
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,002
Likes: 722
Default

Originally Posted by lucky131969
While they may have cleaned up the cylinders in your engine work, extra cubic inches is achieved from the additional stroke (different crank)......not from boring.
Sorry lucky, this the first time i think your wrong, Yes cleaning up the bore don't get xtar cubs. Dont yell at me.

Engine boring is when the cylinder diameter is increased. This is done by machining the walls of the cylinder so that it becomes wider but remains functional. For example, it is not uncommon to bore out the cylinders of a 400 cubic inch engine to make the engine displacement 500 cubic inches.

Yes stroke adds cubs also
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 02:13 PM
  #9  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,398
Likes: 1,139
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by helga203
Sorry lucky, this the first time i think your wrong, Yes cleaning up the bore don't get xtar cubs. Dont yell at me.

Engine boring is when the cylinder diameter is increased. This is done by machining the walls of the cylinder so that it becomes wider but remains functional. For example, it is not uncommon to bore out the cylinders of a 400 cubic inch engine to make the engine displacement 500 cubic inches.

Yes stroke adds cubs also
You're right, you have to be .030 over plus the 3.75 stroke.


Last edited by lucky131969; Oct 18, 2024 at 02:30 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 02:30 PM
  #10  
helga203's Avatar
helga203
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,002
Likes: 722
Default

Originally Posted by lucky131969
I certainly do not mind being wrong , but I'm not following your point. Are you trying to point out that I did not specifically say an engine builder may have to go over .010 or .020 to clean up the cylinders? The stroke on a 383 SBC comes from changing the crank. What am I missing?
Y
Just reread your post your right cleaned bores does nothing to make more cubs

mDame it i though i had you.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 02:32 PM
  #11  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,398
Likes: 1,139
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by helga203
Yes, thats why i said your right but you can bore out in engine to get more cubs, As far as max. bore keeping the engine safe i don't know. Maybe thats what u were trying to get through, This block cant by bored to a 383, but blocks can be bored for more cubs. That's all i meat. Yes you have to start with at least .030 over and more to make a difference. Hope you understand, what said in my brain sometime don't translate to paper.
You're right. Stroking alone only gets to a 377CI, 0.030 over is required to get to 383.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 02:35 PM
  #12  
helga203's Avatar
helga203
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,002
Likes: 722
Default

Originally Posted by lucky131969
You're right. Stroking alone only gets to a 377CI, 0.030 over is required to get to 383.
If your not fuking around.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 03:26 PM
  #13  
93Polo's Avatar
93Polo
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 31,976
Likes: 487
From: Guinness Its whats for B'fast JAWGA
CI 3-4-5-9 Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by lucky131969
You're right, you have to be .030 over plus the 3.75 stroke.
That is on a 350 Gen1/Gen2 motor. 350 cubic inches 4.00" bore 3.48" stroke

Gen3 5.7 Ltr 346 cubic inches Bore 3.898" Stroke 3.622"

LS1 383 is .005 over and a 4.00" stroke crank.

Max bore can depend on the LS1 block but .005 to .010 is common.

Last edited by 93Polo; Oct 18, 2024 at 03:37 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 03:31 PM
  #14  
93Polo's Avatar
93Polo
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 31,976
Likes: 487
From: Guinness Its whats for B'fast JAWGA
CI 3-4-5-9 Veteran
Default

Max bore:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...ls1-block.html

Last edited by 93Polo; Oct 18, 2024 at 03:37 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 05:38 PM
  #15  
Lowend's Avatar
Lowend
Pro
25 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 639
Likes: 334
From: San Jose CA
Default

I'm so glad people with actual knowledge came in at the end here.

Gen1 / Gen2 small blocks share almost nothing with LSx engines.

Yes, Gen1/2 engines could be over-bored up to .060 (most commonly .030) and yes that makes more displacemt a Gen 1 350 over-bored .030 becomes approx 355cid

LSx engines have cylinder sleeves and can take almost no overbore. .005 is the max number I've always heard. If a machine shop wants to take an aluminum LS1 .030 over; find another machine shop.

Reply
Old Oct 18, 2024 | 07:04 PM
  #16  
jamed30's Avatar
jamed30
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Lowend
I'm so glad people with actual knowledge came in at the end here.

Gen1 / Gen2 small blocks share almost nothing with LSx engines.

Yes, Gen1/2 engines could be over-bored up to .060 (most commonly .030) and yes that makes more displacemt a Gen 1 350 over-bored .030 becomes approx 355cid

LSx engines have cylinder sleeves and can take almost no overbore. .005 is the max number I've always heard. If a machine shop wants to take an aluminum LS1 .030 over; find another machine shop.
I’m having a hard time believing that my cylinders are that out of whack. Car was running fine and compression was good when I pulled it just had shavings in the oil (still don’t know what the root cause was they were saying trash was still in it but then was also told it was normal wear so idk what to believe) They’re wanting to bore it to 3.91 and everything that I’ve read says that’s not the greatest idea due to cylinder wall reliability etc but was told by said shop i would be fine. (Still not feeling 100% committed to it)






The thrust bearing doesn’t look like normal wear but maybe I’m wrong. I’m just going to get it honed to 3.903 and send it since I already have pistons for it.

Last edited by jamed30; Oct 18, 2024 at 07:29 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2024 | 10:20 AM
  #17  
Lowend's Avatar
Lowend
Pro
25 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 639
Likes: 334
From: San Jose CA
Default

Take the engine to another machine shop, these guys don't know Aluminum LS engines. It doesn't mean it's a bad shop, Aluminum LS' are their own thing. If they try to rebuild this like a Gen 1 Iron motor there are going to be all sorts of issues.
Where are you? Maybe someone here can recommend a good local shop for this.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Boring out LS1

Old Oct 19, 2024 | 03:06 PM
  #18  
jamed30's Avatar
jamed30
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Lowend
Take the engine to another machine shop, these guys don't know Aluminum LS engines. It doesn't mean it's a bad shop, Aluminum LS' are their own thing. If they try to rebuild this like a Gen 1 Iron motor there are going to be all sorts of issues.
Where are you? Maybe someone here can recommend a good local shop for this.
They told me they would hone it to the 3.903 pistons that I have and if they say it is a must for a 3.91 then I'll be taking it out of there regardless. I'm in Madison AL if it helps at all.

Do the bearings look like normal wear or is something going on that I need to look for when I get it back?
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2024 | 05:45 PM
  #19  
helga203's Avatar
helga203
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,002
Likes: 722
Default

Originally Posted by jamed30
They told me they would hone it to the 3.903 pistons that I have and if they say it is a must for a 3.91 then I'll be taking it out of there regardless. I'm in Madison AL if it helps at all.

Do the bearings look like normal wear or is something going on that I need to look for when I get it back?
Something diffently wrong. To me anyway. If the engines getting rebuild it doesn't matter.
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2024 | 05:51 PM
  #20  
jamed30's Avatar
jamed30
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by helga203
Something diffently wrong. To me anyway. If the engines getting rebuild it doesn't matter.
Yeah I understand that I just couldn’t find what was the culprit when I had it apart before I took it over to the machine shop. Just seemed odd I guess oil pressure was fine also.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:49 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-1
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE