I have a couple questions. I am in the middle of deciding what to do with my 383 project. I have a 96 z with an lt1. I want to get around 425-450 fwhp. I want to run forged crankshaft, pistons, but I was thinking about reusing the PM rods(getting them reconditioned and balanced). What do you guys think about this. Also I will be using lt4 conversion kit and the compression should be around 10.5:1 give or take. What are my chances for passing emissions with this set up.
Thanks
Kevin

 

Well, don't reuse the rods. That is like using 87 octane in a top fuel dragster. Maybe not that bad, but not worth the money later on down the road.

As far as the conversion, you can buy better stuff for about the same price. If you want it to be emission legal, get some software to program it.

 

Well I can get real good deal for the whole lt4 setup....1500 for everything brand new. What else could I get to stay emissons safe for that?

Kevin
96 Stroked Z

 

You don't really need forged "anything" for a 450flywheelHP engine. Any good hypereutectic piston, the stock rods and a cast crank will do fine. The only stock PM rods I have ever seen break let go around the 600HP mark, in "power adder" setups.

All that assumes you are running normally aspirated. If you are considering nitrous in the future, opt for the forged parts, including the rods.

 

I do plan on running nitrous in the future and I am going to go forged everything. I just need to pass emissions.

Kevin
96 stroker Z

 

Then you better used forged "everything". Reusing the stock PM rods would be risky in that case.

Whether you pass emissions depends pretty much on your cam choice, and how well the setup is tuned. An LT4 HOT cam and a little porting on the LT4 heads/intake should make 450flywheel on a 383 with a good CAI and a good set of headers and exhaust system. The HOT cam can be tuned to pass emissions in most states.