Are there any good books or manuals out there that give you all the specs and how-to's on assembling your LT1 shortblock?


I seem to be reading more bad stories than good when it comes to rebuilding an LT1 shortblock.

I was thinking about sending my block off to a reputable shop, having everything bored, decked, machined, etc..then buying my own pistons, rods, and crank and just assembling it myself. A couple shops have told me they will balance and fit everything, and pack it up and send it back with the block for me to assemble.

I have assembled many H-D engines, so I have a basic knowledge of assembling pistons and rods. I have no experience degreeing a cam.

Should I leave the assembling to a shop, or do it myself?

Any decent places to buy the crank, pistons, and rods?

 

I have been referencing a good book. It is sold on ebay, HPBooks, How to rebuild small-block chevy lt-1 / lt-4 engines.

 

How To Rebuild Small-Block Chevy LT1/LT4 Engines, Mike Mavrigian


And as a free bonus.... I'll throw in a move to "LT1 Tech".

 

This is an excellent book. Check your local library before you buy it. You can just keep renewing it because these kind of books arent in very high demand.

One thing about the book that is frustrating is the amount of specialty tools this guy uses. I was hoping to do all the work myself, but by the time i bought all the tools etc. it wouldnt be very cost effective. At least it will give you the overall knowledge needed when taking it to a machine shop.