I have been asking around to find out whether or not the LT-1 engine in a 94 Z used a specific block or if it is just a standard 350 and the heads and intake are what made it a LT-1. My gut tells me that it is in fact a special block but I have been told by older camaro guys that is is just an everyday 350 that was built different. Any help would be great. thanks

Caln8tiv

 

Special block, reverse cooled.

 

The block shares many characteristics with the standard SBC, but the front is machined differently to accomodate reverse cooling. As a result, it's considered a whole different block.

 

Also, unlike the older Gen I blocks it uses a 1-piece rear main seal (as do the later Gen I blocks). Consequently the correct crank and oil pan must be used.

Rich Krause

 

http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/ar/ar99928.htm

The LT1s have "327" cast into the front, back and sides of the block. (no, it does not mean 327 c.i.)

 

Thanks for your answers. My goal is to go to a pick and pull yard and find a short block that I can build up over the next winter. So I would be using my stock heads and pans and intakes but beefing up the guts with forged pistons and an lt4 cam kit. Do you guys have any ideas that you have tried and found make good power with the engine. I am not in the ball park of being able to afford a super charger but have decided to go with a MSD box and get the larger throttle body. thanks..

 

With no pwer adder, if you are on a tight budget, a good set of hypereutectic pistons (KB) may be a good bet. You need to think through the cam you will be using before you select pistons as the cam determines the CR needed. With stock heads a stock crank and rods may be quite adequate as it;s not going to be turning high rpm or making huge amounts of hp.

As Shoebox said, look for the "327" casting mark.

Rich Krause