I have a 4 bolt LT1 engine that i'm going to start to rebuild but i kneed to know if the LT1 crank, rods, pistons are the same as a regular small block chevy 350. whatever it is, anyone have some recomendations? i'm planning on 355.

TONY

 

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no, basically you cant use anything for a regular SBC on an LT-1.

do a lot or research. little details could mean big problems....

 

Rotating assembly is sbc, the crank is single piece seal and that’s not unique to the LT1, all small blocks from mid 80’s were single piece, no big deal if you get an older crank there’s an adaptor for it.

 

Basically like he said. A 1 piece rear main seal sbc crank (I think 86 and up) will work and is basically the SAME. An lt1 is basically a reversed cooled sbc. The bottom end parts interchange without modification, and even the top end parts with CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS done to them will fit and work. Just make sure it is a 1 piece rear main seal crank from I think 86 and up , or you will have to do like the above states , and get an adapter.

 

so basically i just need a 1 piece seal crank and any sbc rods and pistons?

TONY

 

i read that the crank is ballanced differently on the LT-1 and to never use just any SBC crank. even though they have the same cast number......is this wrong?????

 

That article you’re referring to states that the LT-1 crank is balance for lighter piston and rods but so the best is to use a 305 crank (not LT-1). When you’re getting a new rotating assembly, it’s a must to balance it no matter what the engine is.
If you get a rotating assembly from a 67 camaro (that’s the first your for the 350) you can put it in an LT-1 provided you fix the mentioned seal adaptor.

 

if that is so , would this kit here work on a LT1/LT4 ?here

 

don't know that page that you linked doesn't have anything on it.

TONY

 

so can i use a crank out of another LT-1 when i put forged low compression pistons in for my rebuild or should i have it balanced?

im buying a used LT-1 for a build so i can have an extra motor and also so i wont have as much down time trying to pull the motor, rebuild it and then put it back in.

 

The weight of your new pistons will be different than stock, so it’s better to have the assembly rebalanced. You might get away with it if the engine doesn’t see high rpm, but if that’s not the case then an out of balance engine would not live a long happy life.