scored a 4BM block off ebay for $149.99
prolly $50-75 to ship

opinions/options wanted about buildup of shortblock

Goal 400-425 RWHP

top end will consist of Lloyd elliot ported LT1 heads, cc306 cam, 1.6rr's, port matched intake. Most bolts on's.
either AS&M or Jet Hot LT's and off road pipe. Tuning by madwolf.

I will probably use these parts on my stock shortblock till it goes belly up.

Want some opinions on what you guys might do with this block etc..

 

I am a fan of engines that are bored a bit, say a 355. I would keep it simple with some strong forged pistons with a little higher compression than a stocker. I would stay away from nitrous and superchargers. Not to say there's a thing wrong with them. It's just personal preference. Strong NA motors are a thing of beauty.

 

John,
you willl most likely have to refreshen the walls. If the block that you got is from who I think it is, then you will definetely need it overbored.

 

I don't think it would be worth it to simply "swap blocks" with your stock internals.... there is no benefit to the 4-bolt mains on anything under 500HP. The cost of freshening it up and changing everything out would not show any payback. Save it for a big buildup, with forged parts, and possible a major power adder.

 

here is the link ebay link for block

I was going to keep it, and in time get the work done. I am thinking I can get 2-3 years out of the shortblock that is in the car I bought.
Over this time I would prolly bore it 0.30 over and have it tanked etc....

what do you think
am I stupid for getting this

I figured I would like to have an extra block to start the buildup before I hosed my motor, then simply swap the heads/topend off the older motor and use on the new one eventually.

 

I'm doing the same thing. I kept an extra block I had for myself to biuld up. I am going to make it into a 383. The engine in my car has a stock short block and that is holding up fine for now, but I want more and I'm sure I'll blow it apart sooner or later. This way I have plenty of time to build the new short block and I can watch for real deals since I'm in no hurry. I just had the block tanked and bored .030 and I had them put in the cam bearings for me. I'm all set to gather parts and assemble it at my liesher. O.K. I don't think I know how to spell liesher but anyway. This way you have plenty of time to decide what you want.

 

I have a spare stock 2 bolt Lt1 block on my porch. I will be using that for my 383. I plan to have the caps splayed

 

i agree with fred.
this sounds like a disaster

Why swap blocks? Lt1 blocks are good for a ton on power, most likely more than you could make. your crank will break before the caps will.

 

Is it an LT-1 or LT1 block? I once read an article stating the LT-1 was the first gen and the LT1 was the second gen. Just curtious if any body else ever heard that

 

Good God you guys are picky at this guy. obviously he has an LT1 block from a corvette or a crate motor not the old Lt-1. Give him a break.

He's also not using his stock rotating assembly in it. Hes buying a top end and using it on the stock bottom end till it dies, then gonna build the 4 bolt block up....

 

A standard 2-bolt block converted to splayed mains is stronger than the factory straight 4-bolt...just an FYI.

 

yeah, it's a newer LT-1 not the early 70's block.

I guess I figured it was a descent buy and why not get a 4BM vs a 2BM for roughly the same price?
unless I'm gorked and 2BM are that much cheaper!!!!!!

 

And guys the point of this thread was to recommend shortblock buildup parts to make 425 or so RWHP which should be about 500-550 flywheel HP which if I'm not mistaken is pushing the limits of the stock crank and especially the rods.

I wanted opinions on good bang for the $$$ parts for the buildup once I can begin assembling the shortblock
thanks

i was never gonna stick stock junk in this

and yes maybe some day in 2-3 years I MIGHT go forced induction so yes I will used forged pistons and better rods and cranks, hence reason I wanted this 4BM block