I'm a newbie to engine building. I have purchased the recommended books and studied them. I have disassembled my LT-1 and have the parts ready for the machine shop.

This motor is going to be a 383.

My question is; What would an experienced engine builder ask to be done to their block and parts when they take it to the machine shop. I don't want to just take for granted that the machine shop and I are on the same page. Could someone help me make a checklist? Start the flaming...

Thanks.

 

I'm sure about every machine shop in the country is framiliar with any small block in variety (since GM made enough of them to reach the moon and back, if lined up end to end). a 383 is a pretty common small block, so I'm sure they'll be on the same page. boring, honing, block clearance, knowledge of rod bolt clearance, pan clearance, etc. usually there are a variety of ways u can get a block honed and bored. some are straigher or more true than others. align honing with a torque plate is common practice, but it can also be done by a man and a drill with a hone. common stuff. just ask questions.

 

some of the thngs you will need to decide are.

what kind of mains are you going to use? 2 bolt, or 4 bolt splayed
Compression ratio and hp goals.
Depending on your goals they will have to set up your clearances and you should ask them for a build sheet and if they provide one.
Have they built any LT1's before?

you need to have everything figured out first and double checked like what kind of heads are you going to run, what size combustion chamber because that can change your compression.

Are you goig to use nitrous ect because that will effect your ring gaps

Find out their time frame and triple it because I'm on my third shop and everytime they tell me a week its friggin 5

get pricing from them in writting and if they are building it make sure you have every part they need. Also find out if they want you to purchase everthing thru them of if you can bring some parts in.