are the lt1 vette 4 bolt main blocks as good as getting a 2 bolt block converted?
im going to build a 396 and i want it 4 bolt but i am looking at a 4 bolt vette block as a foundation. any info will be appreciated. thanks
Rob

 

Yes, the GM 4-bolt LT1 blocks are every bit as good as a splayed 4-bolt conversion. The fastest LT1 on the planet, 9.04@155 in a 3,900# 30th SS Convertible was done with a Vortech blown 383, built on a GM 4-bolt LT1 block. 1,125 flywheel HP, no block fill.

 

cool i appreciate it injuneer.your one of the ones i can always believe when it comes to lt1 stuff. if you happen to read this i think im going to buy an lt1 vette block (bare) this weekend for about 250. does this sound like a decent price? thanks again

 

$250 for a used 4-bolt LT1 in good condition is an excellent price in my opinion. I paid $300 + shipping for a 2-bolt block for my stroker, then sold my old 2-bolt block for $300. And that was a couple of years ago.

In all honesty, I doubt there are many people lucky enough to have a friend that could build and race a 1,000+HP LT1. Being part of his "crew" is a great asset for me. Seeing the engine go together, knowing what went into it, and what it looked like after he was done with it was also invaluable. Just to confirm the strength of the 4-bolt LT1, he sold most of the engine to another friend of ours, and the same block is being reused for a 1000+HP nitrous motor.

 

With only ~850hp (733rwhp) last year, my 4-bolt iron straight cap block held up fine. I am using a small amount of block filler though. Well see how it holds up to another ~150hp this year.

Rich Krause

 

I guess the new 4-bolt short block I just bought will at least support my measley 400+ crank HP.

Hopefully though, the mech. will not f it up, since my original with only 8K is now history.

I frankly doubt that my 2-bolt could be in that bad of shape, but I will probably just tell them to keep the damn thing, since I have no use or room to store it.

 

ok injuneer i bought the block this weekend. i ran the numbers and its either a 92 and up lt1 4 bolt or a 96 or 97 lt4 block? the casting numbers are the same for both blocks. do you know how to tell a difference? if it is the lt4 block will parts for the lt1 fit it? as in the 396 stroker kit im going to buy from nu-tek? thanks

 

hey injuneer - would you be talkin about george baxters SS? cuz that thing is mean as hell, btw are you in CJCFO? i been trying to register via their website and i cant do so, i really want to join how else can i?

 

Saying "LT4 block" is a misnomer. All the LTx blocks are the same. The blocks put in all LT1 Corvettes had 4-bolt caps fitted and all the Camaros got 2-bolt caps. I assume the 100 factory LT4 F-bodys got the 4-bolt caps.

Since the blocks are identical, all the parts will fit.

Rich Krause

 

from what I understand about the LT1 blocks there is no way to tell if it's a 4 bolt until you pull the pan.

I have a 4 bolt block at the machine shop right now. I'm just having ARP studs put in it.

 

Yes, that was George's engine from the 30th SS. Cliff Briggs owns it now. We are all members of CJC/FO (which is really more like the Central NJ pickup truck club, because everyone's F-Body is always up on blocks, or "in the shop".). The website should work. Send me an e-mail with your info, and I will forward it to Jim Hogan, who owns fbody.com, where our club website is located. Jim is also CJC/FO.