Hey guys, I'm getting ready to start a replacement shortblock and was curious.

As far as pistons crank and rods go are they LT1 Specific? or will your average sbc parts work?

 

smallblock parts are what you need to look at, rotating assembly wise the LT1 is just a one piece rear main 350.

If buying a crank the $200 aftermarket stuff is a step backwards, by the time you look at forged the "cheap" stuff will be cheap in every sense of the word though usually functional BUT for about the same price you can get the Callies Compstar Speedpack. This kit REALLY deserves a look from anyone looking to build a shortblock, some familiar names in the dealer list too.

 

Where can I find information on the speedpack?

 

A good starting point might be:

http://www.callies.com/

 

Only if you are going to forged components(crank, pistons)...the LT1 pistons are specific, lighter weight and smaller ring pack. The LT1 crank is specific too, it is balanced from the factory for the lighter weight pistons, so you need to have your crank polished or ground, not an exchange crank.

What are your goals for the motor? Stock replacement? - because the stock components will handle 400+rwhp and live just fine.

Callies parts are only needed if you are pushing past 500hp, otherwise save your money and just rebuild the motor.

What is your budget and desired HP level?

 

stock rods and crank for an LTY1 are much better than the crap GM was putting in their small blocks before, like stated above they can handle quite a bit of power, in my opinion, if you're not going to get too radical save some money and use the stock rods & crank

 

I'm looking for 350-400 horse from the motor and will be doing 100-150 shot of nitrous on top of that.

My budget is a college students budget. Ideally under 2000... but I know how these things go..

What route do you guys think is ideal? I don't want to sacrafice my goals for money. I will just prolong the build to ensure I get what I need.

 

You will be very tight trying to make it at 2k for the rebuild. Nitrous on top of 350-400 hp? Are we talking rear wheel hp + 150 nitrous hp? If you do this , spend the money to do it right.

 

as long as the crank and pistons are for the same (lt1 or sbc) you will be fine.

i would just reuse the stock crank though, meaning you will have to buy pistons for a LT1, although i have SBC pistons with my stock crank but i am not sure how they the machine shop did that

 

I am looking for that at the engine. I understand it will be tight.

Anyone have parts recommendations? I've seen alot of used pistons/rods ect but I am wary of that.

 

If your going to go with the Callies Speedpack go to VRE they have the BEST deal on it.

 

I didnt see the Callies Speedpack, only some Compstar Speedpacks.

 

Compstar is Callies "budget" line.

MachinistOne is right with his post. I was answering based on an assumption that you wanted to replace it all.

 

You have got a HP goal that's right on the brink of being dangerous with stock components. If you were shooting for 500 flywheel/430rwhp, I would say you can do it on the cheap and use stock type parts. But when you want a 400hp motor and a 150 shot on top of that I would want to see some forged pistons and better rods in the motor, the stock crank would still be fine.

You are not going to do it for $2,000 - we charge about $2600 for a bone stock rebuild on these motors, so I think you will need to honestly decide how much $ you have to spend, then we can tell you how to get the most hp for the dollar.

 

What can I realisticly getfor 2000 dollars. I plan to do everything beyond shortblock assembly.