Sorry if this isn't technical enough to be in here, please don't get pissed at me it's the only time I've posted here. GM is going to be offering a new crate motor(496ci, EFI) big block and I was curious what modifications to the engine bay would have to be made to fit this in my 2000 SS. The engine specifics are in the December edition of Hot Rod magazine. Thanks for any help.

 

is that the new aluminum ZL-1?

its a big block, so it would be a real *pain* to fit in a 4th gen f-body...

with an LS1, there are much easier ways to get 500hp

 

I've recently been looking into this too. I'm currently planning to build my LT1 to 1000+ turbocharged horses, but the though of a good ol' 454 or something with a healthy shot of N2O is tempting. If tubing the front end and/or cutting the fenderwells can be avoided, I might do it. 496 cu in.....heh

I guess you might as well start looking for the dimensions of the engine and your engine bay/trans tunnel to decide. I think I heard on here a while back that someone did put a big block in a 4th gen without too much hassle.

 

No it's not the new ZL-1. It's a new engine they developed origionally for marine use but now will offer it to us Pick up Hot rod magazine it's in there. But anyway, I know it's not terribly difficult to get 500 horses out of an LS1, that's not the point. I want the BB for more reasons than just power. But anyway, does anyone know specifically what would have to be done to fit a BB in?

 

I would assume it is the Vortec 8.1L engine out of the Chevy/GMC truck line.... the L18. 107.94mm (4.25") bore x 111.0mm (4.37") stroke, 9.1:1 compression, rated 340HP@4,200rpm, 455lb-ft@3,200rpm. Not sure but all the other truck engines are cast iron block. A friend on mine has the 8.1L in his 2500HD Silverado.

 

it similar to the truck engine last I knew, but built for top end and not just all lugging power. I think it was like 500hp and 525tq or something. Pretty sick if you ask me. And it was an Iron block, so your front end weight is going to go WAYYYY up.

 

If this engine interests you, why not get the ZZ502EFI motor that is offered by GM? It has many of the same features plus, "traditional style" aluminum heads & common bore/stroke. Either will not likely fit under the hood of a Z28 due to the height of intake & front mounted t-body.
Lonnie

 

Wouldn't a aftermarket hood handle the height issue? And the engine is rated conservatively at 525hp and 560tq.

 

You could lok to the ZL1 concept cars as an inspiration. Those were both big-block-chevy swaps.
An aftermarket hood would definitely help things as would an intake similiar in design to the SuperRam.

Take care,
Chuck

 

I've seen a few big block 4th gens, one today as a matter of fact. 94 T/A that had/has a 638 in it. You can forget about a/c but other than a tubular k-member to make things easier there really isn't much to do. Obviously I say that "loosely" because a novice shouldn't even glimpse about a project like this; there is some serious involvement but its not nearly as "out of the ordinary" as you think. There just isn't alot of reason to do it with the head selections of a small block. You get the hp (albeit at more of an expense) but you keep the weight off the front end of the car. At the same time its always serious appeal for someone to open the hood and see a big block residing in the bay

 

that is basicly my dream car.... maybe a 97 ws6 or 98+ firehawk though.....
632/638 engines are scary

got any links to that car?

 

Well I am mechanically a novice but my friend has a shop where he restores cars and trucks of all sizes so a project like this wouldn't be anything hard with his help. I basically am interested because 1. The sheer coolness factor of the BB. and 2. I want serious power without an enigine i ever have to worry about. I don't want it straining. The way this new BB has been tested they say it should run for years trouble free. I mean it's making those numbers at 9:1 compression! Oh yeah and I also understand the weight issue, this car isn't a g-machine, it's just for cruisin' and the occasional 1/4 mile appearance. Another question for you guys too if I raised the compression with domed pistons to say 10.5:1 or so, low enough where i could still run it on 93 octane, is there any way of acurately calculating the HP benefits?

 

No links, this is a local deal. This was also no street car obviously

I do understand trying to be different. Thats what I'm all about. Having access to a shop would definitely make things easier, especially with the tools found in a body shop. I think it would be safer to leave the standard cooled motor at 9 to 1 and focus your attention on the cam/head package if your planning on driving the car on the street. Thats just my opinion tho...

 

You don't need (or want) domed pistons to make 10.5:1 comp. Not trying to be an a$$ but you really need to do some reading before getting too serious about this.

How to Build Max Performance Chevy Rat Motors by John Baechtel, would be a good start.

-Mindgame