How hard would it be to build my own LT1?

[flatlander757]

Since I just ticked in at 194,500 miles... I really need to start considering a new engine. It is my daily driver that I need to get to school and work, so a rebuild I believe would be out of the question. I am working at Sonic making $6/hr right now, but should hopefully be working at a car dealership for my internship at the votech school im going to this year(and next) making $7+ an hour so saving money is a concern. I figured if I do as much work myself as possible, that could save quite a bit. This is a project I'd like to have finished by spring break, or at latest, next summer.

I think my main obstacle is where this will be done, my garage. My dad is a woodworker and there is always sawdust in there... I doubt that is a good thing if I will be building an engine in there, but it may need to suffice. I could cover it whenever I'm not working on it to hopefully prevent any crud from getting inside.

My goals with this engine I plan to build are:
-355ci(maybe 383... depends on how many supporting mods I'd have to do)
-11:1 compression (don't plan on anything but NA)
-probably an LE2(maybe LE3) head package w/ a cam that will produce good power(375+) but still be relatively fuel efficient
-and will aim to keep the budget below $3000 for everything, including labor to get it installed and dyno tuned, seeing as I don't have a lift or the means to put the engine in from underneath.

I'm only 17 and don't know a whole lot aside from the general workings of a pushrod engine, but hope to get some knowledge out of the votech program I'll be in... do you think this is a reasonable feat I can undertake?

[FormulaLT1]

Once the engine is out. Anyone with some know how and some tech aide books or video can do it. I have faith in the fact if you take your time. You can get it done.

[cuda_dude]

its nice to see a Z28 still running strong at 194k+

[cuda_dude]

and about the dust situation, you could always drop plastic from the ceiling and make your own dust free work space.......

[Rod&Custom]

and about the dust situation, you could always drop plastic from the ceiling and make your own dust free work space.......

I do that alot when welding or sanding putty when its raining and we don't want to put the car out. For some reason he won't let me burn the paint on his 30k street rod!?

[supervisor1886]

no dust in any case.

Its fairly easy to build a nice lt since you actually got the engine out. Just take it all apart. Clean, inspect,measure (get all the tools you will need), order the right size kit, send the block and heads to the mashine shop (head job, honning, maybe boring as well) The worst part is the frustration when a bolt wont come out or you break something or there is no proper tool.
$1000 will do with most dis/assebly done by you. depens on what kind of parts you will use and what needs replacement.
How good are your skills?

[flatlander757]

I can follow instructions as long as they are right

I also had a somewhat related question... it would be quite unique to have an original SBC(like... carbuerated or at least throttle body injected) in a newer Camaro... I was looking at RPM and the entire longblocks are dirt cheap for 383 strokers... I was thinking about the $2499 Street/strip stoker:

Street/Strip Stroker SBC 383 4 bolt main block, Eagle cast steel 3.75" crank, Eagle SIR 5.7" rods, KB Performance or Sealed Power hypereutectic 9.6:1 pistons, Sealed Power rings, solid or hydraulic flat tappet cam, double roller timing set, new balancer and flywheel, pushrods, new OEM rockers, OEM heads with Manley 2.02/1.60 stainless valves, HP springs, locks, and seals

Here is the site if you are interested: www.revolutionaryperformance.com

I was thinking it would be cool to see if I could get that but with a bit more bore/stroke to get it to 396... Then rebadge my car as an SS... sort of as a tribute to the 69 SS. It probably wouldn't be the fastest thing still, but would be very simple, clean up the engine bay, and by far the most unique thing I'll have ever seen...

[cuda_dude]

if you are going to be using the car for going to school etc i would say stick with with the LT1 fuel injected platform.... you get awesome power with still good gas mileage....

[flatlander757]

Good point, probably a smart idea.

[supervisor1886]

I have seen it before. It looks pretty cool when you open the hood and threis a carb in there.But I believe the fuel injection is superior. Still nice idea though.

[Savage Messiah]

Damn, how do you afford your car on 6/hr?

[nastyNater]

[quote=flatlander757]
I also had a somewhat related question... it would be quite unique to have an original SBC(like... carbuerated or at least throttle body injected) in a newer Camaro... I was looking at RPM and the entire longblocks are dirt cheap for 383 strokers... I was thinking about the $2499 Street/strip stoker:

IQUOTE]

dont get a carb if you like your gas. 8 cylinders w/ Fuel injection get more mileage and perform better. but hey if you want something unique that would definitely quailfy....i dont think ive ever seen a carb setup in a new F-body.

[y2icon]

he affords it on 6 dollars in hour for his love for the Camaro

[flatlander757]

LOL... I work my ASS off for it. I am in HS so don't have any bills to pay(aside from cell phone - $25/m) so I can afford $600 every 3 months for insurance. I paid $2200 for my car and it was a friggin steal!

I know an LT based motor would be more efficient/smarter, but jeez a 396 SBC is just sweet! What if I got a throttle body setup for it?

I think another option would be to do LTs and CAI since those are supporting mods for more power, then rebuild what I have to 383ci along with new heads and whatnot.

[Savage Messiah]

people who have 383 LT1s are queer... esp. if they recently swapped a vette motor in