Hey guys, I know this is more along the lines of lt1 engine tech, but since its a boost specific build I thought I might get better answers in here. Ive got a factory 4 bolt vette block thats already been machined .030 over and im getting ready to start clearancing the block for my 383 build. Im a little concerned over the factory caps and thier limit. How much can they handle? Id hate to align bore it and do aftermarket caps but if the factory ones with arp studs wont hold it I will. I dont really want to sink money into a 2 bolt block and have it splayed since this one is already machined, but I suppose I could sell this one.

Whats the avg. cost involved with getting aftermarket caps and having the block align bored to stick with this block vs. caps on a 2 bolt block that needs to be bored then align bored and drilled for splayed caps? Im assuming the prior is going to be cheaper, but if the factory caps will hold, obviously thats the cheapest route. Let me know what you guys think.

 

I have been quoted from $300-$550 with me supplying the caps. That includes drilling, tapping, line bore.

I have always read the 4 bolt factory is weaker than the 4 bolt splay conversion, but it would have to be stronger than a 2 bolt stock setup.

How much do you want to make?

 

Here's a couple links to some old posts where this has been discussed before too. There's a lot of them out there:

https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=412066

https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=390937

 

I'd build the 4 bolt block with good studs unless you are going for a monster engine, then use a 2 bolt block with splayed caps and sell your block.

 

yeah, i did a search and didnt come up with anything solid. Funny thing is one of the threads you posted was a thread i argued this topic. I havent been able to find any real world outcomes, but I think the difference is probably negligible, or fate. I think ill stud my 4 bolt and let it ride with 700 rwhp being my max and see what happens.

 

My new shortblock is a factory 4 bolt corvette lt1 block. They are getting pretty hard to find. My motor will see mostly street with a few 600rwhp spirts so I think it will hold up just fine. There are so many other little things to worry about than your mains. I never had any problems with 2 bolt mains and 600hp.

Obviously splayed four bolt mains with good caps would be top of the line. But does everyone really need a NASCAR CUP team engine? LOL. The best part about hotrodding cars is when you can outrun your neighbor who spent more money than you.

 

That's very true, but it's also good to be able to drive your car home from the track after that killer run. So I think building for endurance has it's merits as well. This isn't really a comment on 2 bolt vs 4 bolt vs 4 bolt splayed mains though. But fast is easy - fast and dependable is a lot harder and more expensive.

 

One more thing to put on the mod list.

 

This is true, but I guess this is where it really comes down to what are you going to do with it and the realistic goals and limits of your combo. Thats where Im at and thats what Im trying to get to the bottom of. I will definitely put 500+ rwhp on boost on the 383, plus a 150 shot. Im wondering if the stock 4 bolt block and factory caps with arp studs are going to hold it for very long. I do drive my **** hard. Drive it like you stole it is my moto!