Discuss I have $8k to modify LT1. Need suggestions on build. What would you do.

[Jc803]

Ok, I have a 96 Z-28 with T-56. I posted the same question on LS1tech but with a LS build. But honest to God, I just love the LT1. Golen Engines sells a 396 making 550hp at the crank for 8 grand. I actually do have $8k to spend, this isnt a hypothetical question. I just think for that amount of money I can do better than 550 crank hp.

Heres my goals. about 500 to 550 RWHP, plus a 200 shot of nitrous. This is not a daily driver. I do not care about emissions, dont care about fuel economy, and dont care about luxuries. I have already removed EGR, Air injection, AC, heat, PS, cruise, ABS and installed line lock, front sway bar, interior, rear seat, gutted dash, air bags, front and read bumper supports, and anything else you can think of that I'm forgetting.

I will be switching to the EFI connections 24x and LS1 PCM.

I already everything in my sig, obviously so dont include that stuff. This thread is just for the motor.

Now for the questions. I've read that if you are using a 200 shot or more you dont want more than a 4.00" stroke. Can anyone confirm? What heads do you recommend? What intake do you recommend? If you recommend the stock intake and/or heads be ported, who do you recommend do it? I live in El Paso, Texas, there are no good machinist here. The closest people to me that I would even let touch my parts is Texas Speed who are 320 miles away. I dont have a problem with shipping either.

Just want to get some opinions of a total engine build that you guys would recommend. Thanks

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[KW Baraka]

Originally Posted by Jc803

I have $8k to modify LT1. Need suggestions on build. What would you do.

I'd stroke it with fairly high compression, like about 11.5:1 to 12:1.....a solid roller cam with about 235 to 245 degrees of intake duration and about .610" to .630" lift......put a nice set of heads on it with a stout valve train.......electric water pump........58mm or monoblade TB........and you already have headers and exhaust, yes?

This will get you right at 550HP without nitrous.

KW

[ShowNoMercy]

This is a loaded question, and will get you a ton of responses, my only one is to be wary of Golen.

[KW Baraka]

Originally Posted by ShowNoMercy

.......be wary of Golen.

I'd be inclined to agree; their quality control on finished products has been way below what it should be.....

KW

[Jc803]

KW Baraka, Thanks. What displacement would you recommend? Also what heads?

So far what I have in mind, correct me if I'm going wrong:

396ci, 11.5:1 comp, AFR heads (recommendations on size?), ported stock intake (or would porting an edelbrock LT4 intake be better?), 58mm throttle body, and all the fuel stuff to go with it.

I guess most of my questions are about what displacement, heads, and intake to use?

Yes I have pacesetter LT's and catless Y pipe. I'm open to suggestions for better headers too/exhaust system.

[DUDBIRD113]

With wat u have u and to make 500rwhp u just need a good bottom end, def heads n cam (ai is pretty good), a good machinist, and some nitrous. Do you know how to work on internals like build a your own motor?

[Jc803]

ShowNoMercy and KW Baraka, thanks about the Golen warning. I also have a couple budies that said, "sure you can buy a motor from them, if you only want to get 30k miles out the motor before it goes".

[Jc803]

Dudbird113, Sorry but whats AI? I installed the Comp cams 292 cam along with the lifters, springs, 1.6 RR's, and stem seals. I'm pretty confident about my ability to build the top end. I've never messed with the LT1 bottom end. But I did build a turbo 240sx KA24DE forged motor a few years ago. I'm not too scared about doing the bottom end and I'm sure I can find forums to help. Just dont know what I have to do machine work wise.

[Jc803]

I also realize that the 292 cam is way too big. I put it in a year ago knowing this but was planning to change bottom end out and heads, just never got around to it. I cant wait to do something because I literally didnt gain or loose any time at the track before and after the massive cam. I'm ready to get this build moving.

[Jc803]

Anyone recommend a turbo LT1? I'm assuming with 24x and LS1 PCM? Go or no go?

[DUDBIRD113]

Ai is andvanced induction. A lt1 is still a chevy small block

[KW Baraka]

Originally Posted by Jc803

KW Baraka, Thanks. What displacement would you recommend? Also what heads?

So far what I have in mind, correct me if I'm going wrong:

396ci, 11.5:1 comp, AFR heads (recommendations on size?), ported stock intake (or would porting an edelbrock LT4 intake be better?), 58mm throttle body, and all the fuel stuff to go with it.

I guess most of my questions are about what displacement, heads, and intake to use?

Yes I have pacesetter LT's and catless Y pipe. I'm open to suggestions for better headers too/exhaust system.

A 383 or a 396 will get you there.....so take your pick on that.

AI is Advanced Inductions:

Advanced Induction - Trick Flow 215cc Competition Head Package

.....they can do you some ported Trick Flows for a pretty penny and will port your stock intake, too. AFR 210's are what I have, but I still had some minor work done to them. AFR 195s are also high quality......

The AFR heads will require LT4 intake......the Edelbrocks are costly. A stock LT4 is just as good (or better) and can be bought for less.

BTW......I have a 383 short block AND a LT4 intake that I can sell ya to get you going. Heads (and cam) from AI or AFR, lifters and rocker arms would be the main parts needed to finish the engine build.

KW

[KW Baraka]

Originally Posted by Jc803

Anyone recommend a turbo LT1...........

A stroker AND a stroker for $8K ain't gonna happen, IMO.

You'll either have to go with one or the other.

KW

[Jc803]

I checked out advanced induction. Looks like good work. I have a buddy (actually the same guy that told me not to buy from Golen) that started a 396 build but never finished. He is selling the forged kit and LT block for $1k if I decide to buy it.

So with a forged 396 you would say to use the AI trick flow 215 heads, have them port the stock intake, and they will include custom cam for $395? This will get me to 500 rwhp?

I know I cant do stroker and turbo, just wondering if anyone hits 500hp with 350 and turbo setup. I'm not too fond of turbos, just open to suggestions.

[DUDBIRD113]

Stands for advanced induction. That cam has alot of duration lifts not that much though