I am looking to build a 409 stroker and wante da little more info on exactly what I would need to buil a bullet proof 409 stroker for my LT1. My goal is to hit 10's naturally aspirated! Any helpful advise will be appreciated! Thanx for the imput!

 

I hope this advice is "helpful": Don't do it! Build a 383 or a 396 instead. There are a lot of issues with 4" stroke that just don't warrant the extra cubic inches over the easier 3.75" or 3.875" stroke combos.

A 3,600lb car is going to need ~550 rwhp to hit the 10's. The power is mainly going to have to come from a set of killer cylinder heads, also a fairly agressive solid roller cam. You indicate that you want it to be "bulletproof" and I'm not clear on whether you want suggestions on how to make the hp you need or how to make it last, or both. It's never going to have OEM type longevity, and no matter what, it's going to be expensive. I'd figure ~$12,000 for the motor and as with all of these projects, the supporting components to get you into the 10's will add considerably to that.

If I wanted a 10 sec NA 4th gen I would start with an LS1. But if you are still interested in spite of the foregoing, I do have some ideas. It would help if you hgave a little more info about what you had in mind. How streetable does it have to be? How much are you willing to do in the way of weight reduction? What fuel do you plan to run? Etc. The more info you give, the more specific responses you can get.

Frankly, I think a better way to frame the question would be to state an approximate budget, list what your starting point is and any other limitations on the project, and ask "how fast can I go for that amount of $$$".

Rich Krause

 

Also, if I might add to what RK said; when you determine your overall budget, figure half of it for the motor and the other half for the rest of the car.

So if you have a $10,000 budget, you can afford a $5,000 motor, because you'll need to spend the rest on tranny/rear/suspension/etc.

 

Listen to Rich!

Most excellent advice from someone who has been there.

 

Bullit Proff.

I see/hear those words alot.

I am going to say it will take a few yards of Kevlar and don't use to big a gun

Other then that remember ANYTHING can break

 

I plan on using a set of AFR LT4 227cc heads. I wanted a 409 stroker to be BIGGER then the 383's out there. But if I could run 10's with a 396 then I am all for it!. Price isn't really a factor, I want the biggest and best for my LT. Thanx for all the imput so far!

 

Hard to believe....

Almost everyone has a "threshold of pain" when paying the bills.

You might consider hiring an engine builder rather than spec it yourself. It might be cheaper in the long run, even if "Price isn't really a factor."

 

This is "pure LT1" and belongs on "LT1 Tech"..... moving it there.

 

If money isn't an issue, build me one, we can use it at your test mule, then you will have all the info you need.

 

If you really want a big budget NA small block, don't bother with the LT1. The cylinder head choices are too limited. If you want a production based motor, get an LS1. If you don't care if it's production based, get an aluminum Bowtie block and build that up. I think that could be really cool, though far from cheap. I have not seen nor heard of a 4th gen with a Bowtie aluminum small block. If I had $30-40,000 sitting around that might be a cool way to spend it!

Rich Krause

 

So when are you going to start?

 

After my current LT1 blows up??

Rich

 

You could take a lt-1 block.bore 60 over,a 3.850 stroke crank,a 5.85 rod makes a 400.Would be very close with out the 4 inch stroke issue's.If or when my 355 blow's up I have been think'n about 18 degree dfi 427 small block.Anyway have fun what ever you build.

 

I wouldn't take an LT1 block 0.060" over.

Rich

 

The Summer Solstice sounds about right.



From what you said before on the bucks-up SBC. Yep, don't go LT1. Bowtie/World block and some really good heads, or a 7 L LS1.