Possible to use conventional 400 block and build a 377ci LT1?

Is there any way to adapt the pieces together to work properly? Reason being is I have a VERY nice 377 just laying around and a worn out 94Z28.

I don't think so. I would rather have a convential SBC just to get rid of the opti anyway. You can convert to reverse cooling and use most of the pieces but you will have to figure out a way to have an optical sensor for the PCM to read

You could do it but it won't be very easy. There is a way to use a distributor for the signaling but I don't know the specifics. There are a couple guys doing it on the board. The cooling part I have no idea on that one but it could be done. Later Clint

Motor mounts are different. Distributor drive is different (though better). Water pump is different, even where it bolts up. Heads are different.

By definition.... if it isn't built with an LT1 block, it can't be an LT1. :)

It is possible to put a Gen 1 SBC in a 93-97 chassis, but there are some difficulties, as mentioned above (plus a few more).

I know some guys want to use a GM BowTie block with LT1 heads.
They say the LT1 has a really thin casting in between the cylinders front to rear, especially the 2 center cylinders. They want to use the bowtie block so they can squeeze out enough power to hopefully compete with the LS1's!
There are 2 water holes in the LT1 heads`that need to be welded.

I know some guys want to use a GM BowTie block with LT1 heads.
They say the LT1 has a really thin casting in between the cylinders front to rear, especially the 2 center cylinders. They want to use the bowtie block so they can squeeze out enough power to hopefully compete with the LS1's!
There are 2 water holes in the LT1 heads`that need to be welded.

If he is using LT1 heads he won't make enough HP to need a bowtie block.

If he is using LT1 heads he won't make enough HP to need a bowtie block. I know of several LT1's that are making some serious HP. You can make more horsepower with thicker cylinder walls. That's why engine builders use utrasonic gauges. Block filler helps also.

I know of several LT1's that are making some serious HP. You can make more horsepower with thicker cylinder walls. That's why engine builders use utrasonic gauges. Block filler helps also.

I know about the ultra sonic as I have one.
It has nothing to do with wall thickness or the bore. It's all about putting air in with more fuel to make HP and the stock head castings won't get it done.
LT1 is OK to .030 bore.

LT1 is OK to .030 bore.

.060" over and 22 psi boost. . . no problems . . . yet.

.060" over and 22 psi boost. . . no problems . . . yet.


With a LT1 block ya are lucky or went through a truck load before ya found one that would do it.

It has nothing to do with wall thickness or the bore.
You want to find a block that has a greater thickness on the thrust side of the bore.

Doesn't matter about the thrust side ya just don't want to run less than .200 anywhere.
If ya got .200 on the thrust side and .100 on the rest it will crack where it's the thinest below .200.
I have run .180 but wasn't comfortable with it.

It has nothing to do with wall thickness or the bore.

I think you went off topic on this.
In theory, the cylinders should be perfectly round. The thicker the wall thickness the better chance that it will stay round and have a good ring seal. This is were you pick up the horsepower. That's why engine builders use torque plates and block filler. The also check several blocks with the ultasonic gauge before they pick one to use. You can machine 2 different blocks exactly the same and one will make more horsepower than the other on the dyno.

You can machine 2 different blocks exactly the same and one will make more horsepower than the other on the dyno.

I posted some dyno results a while back to this effect. We dyno'd a 406, AFR heads, big solid roller (257/269), Victor Jr., and made 63X hp. After cracking the production 400 block, the owner switched to a Little M block. The machinist set up everything identical (he keeps full records on every engine he builds) and went back to the dyno. It gained only 4 hp, but 24 ft-lb torque. Makes sense because the cylinder pressure is highest near peak torque.

Mike

I think you went off topic on this.
In theory, the cylinders should be perfectly round. The thicker the wall thickness the better chance that it will stay round and have a good ring seal. This is were you pick up the horsepower. That's why engine builders use torque plates and block filler. The also check several blocks with the ultasonic gauge before they pick one to use. You can machine 2 different blocks exactly the same and one will make more horsepower than the other on the dyno.

If it's under .200 the the wall is to thin IMO. That's why I said that and you quoted it out of text
I build engines and am well aware of WHAT bores do and don't do..
IF ya take two different blocks that are identical ya won't see a difference, but if ya did like Mike said switch from a block that was to thin and cracked and went to a Bowtie or dart then ya may see some gains.
Ya got 2500 for the block and 2500 for the machine work to get it ready to go? I don't and below 550/600FWHP the factory block is good enough for most.