Hello, I'm looking to build up the bottom end of an LT1, keeping the cubes at 350, maybe upping it to 355. It will stay n/a, and will see daily driver duty. I mean 4 seasons of the year, through the snow and rain, hot and cold. Longevity and gas consumtion are definate issues. I will eventually put an emmisions heads/cam package on there from LE of AI, and with supporting mods, I hope to be running in the 12's. The motor in the car now is in good condition, so I am in no rush to get this done as it will be on a seperate block. And besides the actualy machine work, the assembly will be done by me and my father. I do belive in overbuilding when it comes to engines is a good thing, but I dont need to build an engine capable of 15+ lbs. of boost or a lopey, "dont take me out on the street" monster (as much as I would like it though). I am open to kits, buying it in peices AND any advice on what exactly I should do as the person doing the assembly and what I need to ask of the shop. Thanks for any help you all can give.

 

Sounds like you have the motor you need: a good running stocker. When it needs to be rebuilt, if your existing rods, crank, and pistons look good, reuse them. A nice set of bearings, rings, etc. and you will be good to go.

Rich

 

Yeah, it is. And my apologizes, I didnt quite word my post right. I actually want to buy and build up a different motor while my car is running to keep downtime to a minimum. I was asking, in people's opinion, what parts I should replace in the build. It will have splayed 4-bolt main caps, but other than that, I am open to suggestions of a n/a build that I wont have to worry about up to 400-450hp at the wheels if need be.

 

Summit sells a nice kit with all the bearings, pistons, and what-not. Keith Black Hyper pistons should suffice. The stock crank with some aftermarket rods would be nice. All ARP fasteners would also be an nice addition. Wont break the bank and will definately be able to handle a smog legal cam. The RPMs for those arent killer.