Getting a great deal on a 96lt4 shortblock but want to make sure everything will match up to a 95lt1 as far as my heads and etc....
Does anyone know if this will work? Will I gain a great deal in power switching to the lt4 shortblock over the lt1 block? What
do I need to know before buying this shortblock?


Thanks
-Mike

 

Yes, it will work just fine. But you will not gain any power from the short block. The hp from the LT4 comes from the heads and cam.

 

yeah LT4 and LT1 are the same shortblock cept for different heads and cam and stuff. Without the heaads and cam it is gonna be the same as LT1 shortblock, maybe with a different casting number?

 

but the compression on the lt4 is 10.8:1 comapred to the lt1 10.5:1.. I was told I would get better low end torque.. that would be real nice!

 

the heads are the cause of that higher compression ratio. Still having a fresh motor will give you better low end torque.

 

Will my hooker shorties from my 95 fit on the 96 block or are they different?

 

You are getting a shortblock, right. So you will be re-using your old heads? You know those aluminum things that your headers bolt to. Ummmmm...yeah I think they will work fine.

 

Before I purchase the block, what should I look for? What hints are there in purchasing a block to be seen?

 

 

If it's really an LT4 shortblock, it IS different than an LT1 shortblock..
See:
http://www.malcams.com/legacy/misc/LT4.htm
Different crank,rods,pistons,rings,etc...

The question is, however, is he SURE it's an LT4? [NOT just an LT1 with '4 bolt mains' which many people think is the only difference..]
People tend to confuse the 'LT4 head/intake CONVERSION with a 'real' LT4... there is a big difference tho..

 

MTRHDZ94Z, how can i tell physically though if i am looking at the shortblock? Is there anything evident to look for to make sure it is a lt4 shortblock and not just a 4-bolt main?

 

Why do you even care if its an LT4 vs Vette shortblock?

 

I would "think" I would pick up a tad bit more power with the lt4 block compared to a lt1 block. If not, I guess it really doesn't matter. I guess the block with only 20k on it would be better than my block with 120k on it, dont you?

 

All things being equal, then yes it would run better, but in your shoes I would buy the spare and keep it around "just in case" and keep running yours till it's burning to much oil, has crappy leakdown, or just plain blows up. THEN it's time to put another motor in.

 

well thats why i am wanting this block. i ended up throwing a rod in my lt1 block with 120k on it and i think it would be better just to get this short block with low miles on it and run it for a while and take out my old motor and maybe refreshen it up later down the road and build it up nice.