Hey Fbods just wondering if you can help me. I have decided that my car that was once an LT1 is now my strip car. I have a turbo 350 9 inch tail shaft sitting in my garage ready to go. And I wanted to ask you all what type of motor if it were you? Would go with. Im looking for N/A application. Possibly 383 or may stay with 350. But my real question is. Do I stay with the LT1? I DO NOT LIKE THE OPTI. LOL so let me know what you think. I'll bracket race the car probably twice a month or less.
Thanks
CHris
Chris@diversitysounds.com

 

Depends on your goals and budget? What "Bracket" (times) are you shooting for?

 

I'm looking for low 12 high 11s with a budget of 3500 um leaning more towards x carb setup but not sure if I should carb the lt1

 

Hey Z28SORR.
What do you think about this? I just asked a good buddy of mine whos a dragster. And he recommended I get a 350 motor out of a truck because there usually 4 bolt main. And he liked the 1 piece rear main seal. Cast Iron heads. This application sounds just like the LT1 but with Alum Heads. He thought I should use a gear drive no Alternator etc.. He also said Go after market EFI! that seems like it could be alot. Im still leaning more towards the Carb only because Im not making this a big deal. I just want something to go draging at the track once or twice a month.
Chris

 

You could reach your goals easily with mid-level ported stock heads and matching cam from AI or LE. The Opti can be made a non-issue with the Bailey LTCC system (or EFIConnection 24X - but that's about two or three times the cost of the Bailey). Strip the weight out of the car and you won't even need "mid-level" heads. Invest in some tuning software and the stock EFI can become your friend. 4-bolt mains aren't necessary at the level you are shooting for.

 

So Fred your thinking stay with the LT1 along with all the EFI. I have seen the LTCC. Also invest in a good software like LT1 edit right? Ive noticed your application is a stroker. Why did you go with a stroker and not 350?
Chris

 

A properly running optispark can be just as reliable as the aftermarket so-called "opti-delete" kits. I have a stock AC Delco opti (no loctited rotor screws, etc.) on my 383 and it's still screaming.

And for low 12s/high 11s on a drag-only car, you won't need heads (IMO), if you do enough weight reduction. An aggressive cam-only setup with your TH350 and proper suspension to boot should be good for EASY low 12s and then some.

 

I just figured it's easier to make HP with the 381 than it is with a 355. My setup is really fairly mild, for street use. The nitrous is really just for the track.

 

Thanks for the imput from you all. I can find an LT1 motor for about 400 bucks now. I would need one complete because I dont have left over parts from my old motor. Maybe I can break it down with new parts.
Chris