what is the longest stroke crank that can go in a LT1?

 

Depends on what you mean by "can go in". The deck height of 9.800" is the same as a "short deck" big block. So, I suppose the cylinders are long enough for a 4.25" stroke, just as in a big block. But you would run into problems with cam clearance, the pan rails, and the water jacket with a stroke that long. So, it depends on what you would be willing/able to do to accomodate it. The longest "practical" stroke is the 3.875" used in a "396". And even with that stroke there can be clearance prolems depending on the rods used, cam size, etc.

Rich

 

Guys have built LT1's with 4.125 stroke cranks. Not "drop-in" by any means, but it is possible with some modification to the crank as well as the block.

I was personally told not to try anything larger than 4" and after even more discussion with the gentlemen who'd built a 408 LT1, I just decided to get the power I wanted out of a 383. 4" stroke would be the largest I would consider for any kind of reliability. If you want big cubes, you're better off going to the gen1 small block.

-Mindgame

 

guys I appreciate the info. I think im gonna go with 3.875'' and just stick with a 396.

 

Rich,
Stadard deck on a lt-1 is 9.025. Max stroke is 4.150 with a lot of work, and hardblock.

 

Doh, of course. Must have had a brain fart.

Rich