Mike96z

Alright stock LT1 4.000 x 3.480

If I put a 3.750 crank it will be a 383 w/ 4.030 but what size rods does the stock lt1 have? It says 5.7" req for 383 and I think Lt1 is either 5.7 or 6". You'd mesure from the center of the journals right? If this is true that they are 5.7" I am going to throw a 3.750 crank it my car and it will be a 393 w/ 4.060 or 400. I just need to know the rod size stock really. But also if anyone has the Chilton repair manual it is wrong on the bore and stroke of 96/97 because it says 4.000 x 3.800 which would make a 383 not a 350.

ABA383

Rod length has nothing to do with cubic inches. Its the bore and the stroke. Stock crank stroke is 3.48 and the bore is 4.00 and a 5.7" rod. I opted for 5.85" rods to help lessen the rod angle inside the bore with the longer stroke.

--Alan

Mike96z

I understand it's just bore and stroke that make ci. I was just wanting to know the stock rod length, but if you use too big of a rod wouldn't you have problems with valve clearance? I believe you can only do between 5.7-6" rods. Which would be better? 5.7 or anything 6 and under? Will it make the same power or not? Or will I have to do some grinding with a shorter rod? Just wanted to know would the 5.7 rods work and what's the best. Thanks

Turbo6

The longer rod is compensated by using a piston with the pin relocated higher up in the piston. The LT1 has 5.7" rods from the factory and 3.48" stroke. I'm using 6.0" rods in my 383 and due to plans for nitrous in the future, decided not to use 6.125" rods. If I was going N/A I would have used the 6.125" with the 3.75" crank.