Z28barnett

My background is in mechanical engineering and aluminum casting.

It would be a major project to build an aluminum LT1 Block, but not out of the realm of possiblity.

If I built it, would they come?

I am guessing here, but I think a 20-50lb weight reduction would be possible.

I would expect that iron sleeves would be needed.

What features would people want?

Things that come to mind are.

1) Taller deck height

2) Greater bore dia. potential.

3) Compatiable with existing LT1 heads / cranks and accessories.

What would be a reasonable price for a bare aluminum block?

I realize LS1 has stolen the thunder when it comes to NA smallblocks and aluminum construction.

But for some reason an upstart LT1 aluminum block seems interesting to me.

What do you guys think?

Z28

rskrause

An aluminum small block weighs ~100lbs less than an iron block. They go for over $4,000 (Dart, Bowtie). I can't see anyone buying a >$4,000 block to put mediocre 23 degree heads on it. So no, I do not think it could be sold at a realistic price.

Rich

camaroz28racer2

With the availability of the LS1 and parts for it, I dont see it being worthwhile. I like the LT1 a lot, but at that point i'd get an LS1 block, greater headflow capability and the block costs a lot less.

camaroz28racer2

However, a larger bore iron block, priced comparably with the dart / world sbc blocks I would seriously consider.

GreenDemon

Some would come.

What I would want to see in a block like that is greater strength, coupled with the ability for more cubes. Compatibility with other LT1 stuff would be absolutely neccessary.

I don't think it would sell like hotcakes though. Most that are looking for street power are going with LS1s, dragsters will take the SBC (which can be had in aluminum for a decent price as well now) or BBC, etc. The market would generally be restricted to 92-97 f-bodies & vettes that had the LT1 in the first place and want to keep it, plus a few swappers that like it's uniqueness.

It's a nice idea, but making a profit out of it would be difficult.

atljar

If i want aluminum i would go something other than LT1. Reverse cooling, big deal if its lost. Stuff out there is stronger and cheaper and most lt1 parts internally are interchangeable with it if wanted.

96capricemgr

There is supposed too be one Impala out there with an aluminum block modded to accept the opti and I believe LT1 water pump. If someone wants an aluminum block that bad I am sure they could just go this route. The R&D needed to make a new LT1 aluminum casting would put it at too high a price point. If you still want too look at this maybe look at converting existing aluminum blocks for LT1 usage price should be lower which would expand the market still not going to be a big seller but should help you more more pieces.

nin97

hmm

The LS1 motor doesn't fit under the 93-97 hood because of the measurement differences (thus the new front fascia was introduced for the LS1) *correct me if i'm wrong*

so i'd say that the only people that would buy it is the LT1 camaro guys

most other cars have more than enough space under the hood for an LS1 so i dont think they'd opt for an all alluminum LT1 block because of the lack of aftermarket support

i've always wanted to put an LS1 in my car...im not a fan of the 98+ fascia (unless you modify it a little bit) except the WS6's ofcourse...so an LS1 in a 93-97 camaro would be like a dream come true ahaha

atljar

aluminum lt1
http://www.blackout.nu/BLACKBILDER/E...AluLT1_Big.gif

CCCCCYA

I can't think of a single solid reason for wanting an aluminum LT1 block. Honestly I can't. There are much better, stronger blocks out there if you just HAD to have an aluminum block too. Yeah, you would have to use old style parts, but hey 18* heads arent THAT bad of a thing huh? For what you would save in the cost of the block though, you could change over the front of a pre-98 to the new style front, and build an LS1 and get infinately better results.

So do I think it would sell? Not really. Certainly not enough to even begin to cover the cost of manufacture..

Dave C.

neil350

If there was no LS1, then yea. It would be cool, even a big cube iron block.

GreenDemon

The engine will fit. The air intake assembly will not, you have to use an LT1 or custom style.

nin97

hmmm really? i would need a new bellhousing and driveshaft though too right?

that would be so badass

quickSS

I'd buy one if it were no more than $2000 bucks.

Karl Ellwein

indieaz

Bellhousing is the same...they still used the T-56. Driveshaft should also be the same.