I just made 850 whp in my SBE C7 Z06 and it has gotten me to thinking about upgrading to a better more durable short block. Does anyone have any input of if this is necessary. From what I read the LT4 should be relatively safe until about 900rwtq, but this is just a generalization and anything at anytime can go wrong and cause me to destroy the block/rotating assembly. I think I am just thinking of trying to get some insurance against that. I want to get something that will hold quite a bit of power 1200whp+. I plan on staying around 1000whp for the time being but do not want to have to upgrade the motor again when I inevitably want to step it up, fueling will not be an issue. I have done my whole build myself, but at this high power level, I think it may be in my best interest to leave building a motor to the professionals who do this day in and day out. I was looking at an LME, particularly there 1800whp 390ci motor (but a sleeved aluminum block, not an iron block). Does anyone have any experience with this motor? The build for it says that it uses a Callies magnum crank and Callies I beam enforcer rods. I did some research and these seem like some solid components but I was wondering if anyone would recommend any different component that could be stronger or better in some way. I don't think that I would stray away from a Callies crank, but I was debating Oliver rods as well as Lunati rods. I was also looking at pistons and was thinking about doing the CP pistons to drop compression down to around 9.5:1. Any advice or experience in regards to certain components or the LME 390ci motor itself would be greatly appreciated. I would prefer to get some thoughts based on your own experience with built motors before dropping another 10+ grand. Thanks. (Side Note: If I do go with a new motor, I would be willing to sell the stock lt4 block to someone on here also (only 15k on it))

 

I admit I am a fanboy of Steve Morris. If I were to build something to go to the moon, it would probably be something from him. I cannot remember what a 1800 LME engine is for money. Steve will probably be more but the dude is a artist and builds stuff 3k range every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

That being said, Not sure what you are selling on the motor but I would probably run it to failure for 2 reasons.
1.) Why not, you probably are not going to get what you think you should out of it.
2.) It will probably take a bit for your motor to get built if you go that route.

 

I agree, use a well known shop for this. There are quite a few. Nelson, Texas Speed, etc etc. I would pull the LT4 before blowing it up, sell it, that's a good chunk towards the new engine. Good luck!

 

I would be semi-hesitant about Texas Speed but they are probably going to be the most affordable.

 

Yes I agree I am personally not even considering them. For me the money is not an issue I just want to build it once and build it right so I don't run into as many problems later down the line.

 

Never heard of him, I definitely plan on looking into this. Thanks

 

That's exactly what I want to do. I would rather sell the factory short block before smoking it to save some money on the new motor build rather than having a windowed block just sitting around to look at.

 

BTR (Brian Tooley Racing) has recently started offering short blocks for the LT series. Visit their website and give them a call

 

Didn't know that, I will definitely give them a call! Thanks

 

2nding the Steve Morris route. His SML and SMX engines are insane.

SML

SMX