LT1 four bolt mains?

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Oct 21, 2003 | 10:31 AM

#16

jgeorger

Registered User

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 299

From: Clinton, MA

I wish GM was still making LT1 blocks.....

One thing not mentioned here - I was told that the splayed mains would interfere with the dipstick tube. My shop convinced me to go with the straight 4-bolt. I know some people have got it to work, but it seemed like it took some work in all cases.

Oct 21, 2003 | 10:51 AM

#17

rskrause

Moderator

Joined: Dec 1969

Posts: 10,745

From: Buffalo, New York

Quote:

Originally posted by Injuneer
The GM 4-bolt block is excellent for a high performance engine... you just need to add billet caps. George Baxter used the straight 4-bolt GM block for his 1,125HP 9.04-second LT1 setup. When the engine was torn down, it was in excellent shape, and the block is being reused in an 1,100HP nitrous setup. I wouldn't be so sure that a "splayed" setup is any stronger than the factory straight setup. Remember... the factory knew they were going to a 4-bolt design, and put the strength in the block to support the straight configuration.

Agree! Current setup: 876rwhp (through a TH400 and 4,200 stall converter) with GM nodular iron straight caps.

Rich Krause

Oct 21, 2003 | 03:58 PM

#18

Josh-'04 GTO

Registered User

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 1,697

From: Petersham, MA

Quote:

Originally posted by Injuneer
I wouldn't be so sure that a "splayed" setup is any stronger than the factory straight setup. Remember... the factory knew they were going to a 4-bolt design, and put the strength in the block to support the straight configuration.

No one said that the straight 4 bolt couldn't handle alot of power. But the splayed setup IS stronger due to the fact that the outer bolts tap into a MUCH stronger portion of the block than straight 4 bolts do. Plus the angled bolts coupled with the 2 straight studs help provide more dimensional stability vs. 4 straight studs. But I guess that this discussion is like a chat about Ferrari vs. Lamborghini....you can't go wrong either way!