I have decided to build a new engine for my 96 Z/28. Not that I need one. I like my LT1, but it has 100k + miles on it. And instead of investing k’s of $ into it. I would like to take that money and invest in a new engine. I was thinking of getting a new block and build an LT4. And then clean and rebuild my LT1 for a backup engine incase something happed to the new one. I would have a strong backup engine as a spare. So my question would be. What other choices are there? I read in the parts for sale section here. That someone had a 427 in their 98 Z. Is it possible to get a big block in my car without a lot of fabrication? If so, would a 396 be possible? Also I would like to keep my car street able as possible. And pass Cal state emissions. So can anyone offer any help? Or ideas? Thanks I’ll go back to lurking now

 

Practically speaking, I'd say forget the idea of a BB 4thgen. For sure, it can be done. But no one makes a "kit" or anything like one. It would require a fair amount of fabrication and creativity to install a BB along with all of the accessories you want on a street car. If you want a BB, why a 427 or a396? Just go all the way to 500ci+ if you are going to all that trouble.

When you talk about a "396" do you mean a stroker small block? That's a very reasonable combo.

Rich Krause

 

AH thanks for the info rskrause. I was just wondering how possible the bb would be. But this 396 stroker small block you speak of. Do you know where I could get more info on how to build one, and what it takes to build one?

 

A 396 stroker is built just like a 383, but with a slightly larger crank. The stroke is 3.875 I believe I may be a decimal off though. The big difference is that nobody makes a cast steel crank with that stroke. So you have to buy a forged crank. If you were planning on that anyway no big deal. But if not it will tak on several hundred dollars onto your build plan.

Just out of curiosity would your SN be reffering to battosai the manslayer?

 

I had planned to build a new motor from scratch. So buying a forged crank in no biggie.


Yes, that it is.

 

Hey bud,
General engine buildup suggestions should be posted in a gen specific forum. I'll move this to LT1 Tech.

Thanks.

 

Hey,

The 427 in a 98 is a 427 LS1, which is possible with a sleaved block and a stroker crank.

As for a LT1 a 383 or 396 are the way to go for big cubes.

The real question is about money and how fast you want to go.

Bret

 

@ kmook, sorry bout that. I thought since this discussion would be about building a new engine and have pretty much nothing to do with my Lt1. That it would go into adv. tech. But thanks for the info and the move to the proper spot.

@SStrokerAce, well I was figuring that I have to spend anywhere from 6k to 10k. And I plan to build it over the next year. As for power. I would like at least 400rwhp N/A. So if I got a new block a 396 crank. Then I don't know, I'm just guessing here. I'd need to look into it futher. But maybe Ls6 cam, heads and all the other goodies. What kind of power do think I could make?