First off, yes, I am aware my LT1 is a small block Chevy. Second, it looks like I'll be buying a stroker crank, rods, and 4 bolt roller SBC block soon. I could just sell the block to recover some costs. However, it got me thinking if I should just build it instead of my LT1. The reason I'm thinking this is due to the ridiculous number of cylinder heads available for the SBC versus the LT1. Also, I'm seriously considering getting a carb intake converted to port injection for my LT1 simply so it will allow me to mount my shaker scoop on the engine. (Anyone know where I can get this done? AS&M doesn't offer the service any more). I'm also thinking of going with EFI Connection's kit for a SBC which isn't very expensive or difficult for me to wire up. Ultimately, I believe the costs of building each engine will be so close as to not really matter. That's why I'm asking which do you think might be the better choice? Better being defined as which one makes more power, especially average power/area under the curve. I'm just a canyon carving street car. The broader the torque curve the better. I'd be elated with a little over 400hp and tq at the wheels. More is always welcome too

Thanks

 

What kind of vehicle is this engine going into, if a 4th gen fbody then do the LT1 if another chassis do the Gen I sbc 383.
If all you want is 400 rwhp/tq then Just build your LT1 and send your stock heads to Ai or LE and have them ported along with a matching cam then build a 383 LT1 engine. Because as you said the cost is going to be nearly identical so you might as well keep the LT1 IMHO.

 

The LT1 is in my 79TA already. It's running and driving and will remain that way while I slowly build up the engine and continue to build the car itself too. My thoughts on going with the SBC are that I might be able to make more power due to more/better choices in cylinder heads and intake.

 

In a 79 Ta, SBC for sure. As you said there are parts everywhere for a SBC that wont work on an LT1. If your a tight wad like me you can find used parts for a SBC as well.

 

Why all the concern about heads for an LT1? You can make 400+ with ported stock LT1 heads.

 

I would use the LT1 heads, Fred. I even have a second pair from a 94 already, too. If I stick to the LT1, I'm fairly certain I'll be working with Ai to make sure I get what will work best for me. I just don't know how well LT1 heads compare to aftermarket offerings for the SBC when there are many more options available for the SBC. I guess that's the crux. I'm sure either combo will perform in a manner that satisfies me. It's just a matter of can I maximize my power output by building the SBC or the LT1?

 

The Gen 1 SBC guys love the Vortec heads for "bang for the buck". The Vortecs are copies of the LT1 heads, in cast iron. I've seen LT1's converted to work with the Gen 1 block. The LT1 block is physically similar to the Gen 1 "Bowtie" block with respect to strength. The LT1 block was designed for 4-bolt mains. Buddy of mine made 1,125 flywheel HP with a Corvette straight 4-bolt block. Used aftermarket LT1 heads, stock LT1 intake. When he decided that wasn't enough, he went Gen 1 Dart Iron Eagle block with some expensive aftermarket Gen 1 heads. Makes sense when you want 1,350 HP out of 383ci. Another buddy bought the LT1 block an rotating assembly from him, and used it for a 1,000+ HP nitrous motor.

You've got a great block and great heads for 400rwHP setup. Cheapest way to make that kind of power.

 

Thanks for the feedback, Fred. Do you happen to know anyone that can convert the LT1 carb intake from GMPP to port EFI for me? I'm still debating if I want to do that or not. Guess I'll make it dependent on the cost involved.

 

Several people have converted single-plane Gen 1 carb manifolds to LT1 EFI. Do a search on "Victor" and "Victor Jr".

The GMPP carb intake is dual-plane.

 

Thanks, Fred.