well, ive decided to build another motor, something for street/strip, but mainly strip.
I already built 1 LT1 motor, but due to the cost of what its gonna take for me to run it, i think i may just scrap it and take a loss since i will need a stand alone, and a ton of other stuff.

So, i can go gen-1 with my choice between
350 4bolt main block
400 2 bolt main block

or i can get another LT1 block and tame it down a little bit

which would you guys choose? I know the gen-1 will probably be cheaper to build with a little more potential

 

Why would a gen 1 be cheaper to build?
The internal engine parts are basically the same and you would have to buy all new external stuff.

 

You could go carbed ls2 364/440... http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...2134&engCat=ls
probably wouldnt be a difficult build, and would make more power than the lt1 or sbc.

 

compare the price of gen-1 heads vs. lt heads. And then cams.....and distributors, etc.
My 383 cost over 8k, i can build a nicer gen-1 for less than that and put out more power....

 

If cost effectiveness is the issue, go witht he gen 1 350.

Rich

 

An LT1 cam is a roller smallbock cam, you looking to step all the way back to flat tappets?

A good gen 1 distributor is a couple hundred isn't it, a new OEM opti is under $300 and is far better than given credit for.

On the heads a big part of why LT1 heads seem so expensive is everyone is way too quick to give up on the OEM castings.
Everyone get sticker shock when they look at buying aftermarket castings then porting them and few of the guys that do run any better than the guys who stayed with worked stock castings.
Been proven stock castings can take an over 3400lbs car solidly into the 9s NA on a unwelded basic ported intake, not saying everyone could get that much out of them but that is a LOT further than the forums would have you believe they can go.

I think what guys need to understand is there is a HUGE difference between what is "common knowledge" on forums and what reality is. The guys that act6ually try staying with many of the stock parts as platforms do amazingly well in part because they then endup spending their money where it actually counts.

 

well, my 383 is:
fully ported trick flow heads
all forged internals
zero decked
243/256 637/644 on 108

My problem is, i went too big w/ my cam (well, for the stock PCM) so now i have to get a stand alone to be able to shift where i need to

If i do a gen-1 SBC, it'll get built up about the same, except more cubes.
Looking maybe a 434.
I can get dart heads, dart single plane intake, and a few other parts (heads are assembled BTW) for under 2k.

 

IMO it is better to correct mistakes than start over from scratch.
Put a smaller cam in it.

 

yeah, but i WANT it at those specs, i just cant afford to get a standalone. If i do a gen-1, it'll get a cam of equal or bigger size, and a gen-1 will probably get a solid roller

 

solid roller 434 with a pro systems carb on it....

One problem you have is you mentioned power and money together.......if money is a problem then just forget it. Go play with your little LT1 with the other children


Dwayne is right......change your camshaft, why have it at specs that you can't even use? If you fix what you have I think you will be happy, instead of having 2 projects dead in the water

 

well, i haev a local guy interested in my LT1 for his bracket drag-only car, so i'd be out a little money, but not much. I also know its not a "little" LT1 by any means

for budget, im thinking 8500, and i know i can build a gen-1 for less than that.

 

You're talking about spending $2k on new heads and intake but you can't afford a FAST ecu? Add it all up with the cost of a new motor (especially a 434) and you'll come out way cheaper with the stand alone.

Check the forsale section, I see FAST systems every once in a while, and they are almost always under $2k.

 

Do your math.........$8500 wont last long

don't forget you got a bunch of nickel and dime stuff you need too valve covers, wter pump, dist, wires, plugs, pretty much everything.

Just find you a DFI for $1500 or less if your not willing to change the cam

 

my buddy just built a 434 that put out over 600hp for 7300.....

I can find the parts, theres TONS of local guys that've had 9 and 10 second small block cars with parts layin around in their garage like none other. The rest of the car willl be setup, and idc about the nicke/dime stuff, im looking 8500 on just the motor, no accessories

 

alright, heres what i have figured
ARP
head bolts - 70
accessory bolt kit - 76
Comp Cams
mech. roller camshaft - 296
roller lifters - 356
pro mag. rockers 276
hi tech pushrods 126
guide plates 23
valve springs 300
locks 23
studs 63

Short block 2600

Dart -
heads, manifold - 1900

carbeurator - 500

valve covers - 90
balancer - 55
retainers - 100
flexplate 40
oil pump/pickup 110
oil pan 240
timing cover - 37

total: 6781
and it'd be a LOT better motor than my LT1, and yeah, i know theres stuff im leaving out.....but it shoudl be around 8500