i know Goerge Bakster managed 1125hp with a factory 4 bolt LT1 block? but was it align bored? i mean can the factory 4 bolt LT1 block handle 800rwhp or more without align boring and without a faluire? i want experts in here. thanks.

 

honestly....any 4 bolt main block that hasn't been abused in its life and checks out well to sonic checking should be able to sustain that amount of horsepower because the bore is so small you shouldn't have a lot of problems

 

Only one way to find out.

Chuck Riddeck

 

Are you suggesting you want to build an 800HP motor, but don't want to align bore it? Why would anyone do that????

Or have I misunderstood?

 

Fred, because i don't want a complete short block it will be a little more expensive. i want actualy to assemble it myself and here in Kuwait i don't think they do align boring the mains.

 

Building a bottom end like that without ALL the proper parts, machining, and assembly is just plain foolish.

I could see not line honing/boring a stock bottom end rebuild, but an 800+hp motor....(see above).

Jason

 

just have the main checked.GM probably got it right.if not it well need line honed.

 

You are on the right road LT1. Align boring/honing for the sake of saying you did it, is a waste of money. No logical point to it. What you are really saying, without checking it is, GM doesn't know how to align bore a block. If you feel it is a necessity from the git go, you are obviously align honing with torque plates installed. How 'bout running hot coolant thru the block while you are at it. Where does it end.

Bottom line; have it checked. That is necessary. Usually it is ok. That means, leave it alone. Putting on different caps is another matter however.

 

Arnie and Jason said it. Just to clarify one point Arnie made: if you are installing new caps, you must align bore/hone.

Rich Krause

 

Rich, that what i was trying to say with the factory main caps there is no need to align boring otherwise there is a need to. aftermarket splayed main caps are not even with the block that is why they need align boring.

 

You should be at least considering a set of main studs to support all that power. Stock bolts would be unwise. This will alter the clamping force on the main caps & block, most likely distorting the mains and requiring an align hone.
Lonnie

 

i was already considreing studs with the factory 4 bolt main caps

 

Yep, Lonnie is right. I tried to install studs and it opened up the oil clearance from the stock .0025 to .0040", too much. I ended up just using ARP bolts. The oil clearance became .0030", okay I was told. If you install studs, you must have the block align honed, just ask ARP.