The grim reaper of Lt1's finally decided to pay a visit, and my 94Z is currently sitting in my driveway as an automotive ornament. From what repair shops told me, the bottom end took a dump and would be a 3k repair cost ( I had previously repaired the top end because of blown head gaskets as well)


So I'm not really sure where to go from here. I could probably find another used lt1 motor for cheap, but would doing a basic rebuild for my current motor being any good/cheaper?


I was thinking I might as well throw a set of le heads but not sure what to do with the bottom end. This wont be done for awhile, so any input would be great. Want to do it once and be done.

 

If you bottom end "took a dump" it will not be cheap to rebuild. Best bet is to find a low miles engine and it you want throw rings and bearings and new seals in that.

 

for about 7k you can have a nice 383. about 3k for a 383 sort block built by speed shop you provide the block. a short block crate lt1 from a good shop will be about the same or less in cost than to do a rebuild yourself. machine shop costs always were the big one on any i did.

 

your budget will be the determining factor, the sky could be the limit if you have the cash.

If the car is tired elsewhere such as paint, interior, suspension, and you have to pay someone to do the work, then it might be time to move on.

If you have discretionary cash and the above scenario is where you are, and you just like that car, then restore it.

Again, your budget, need of a vehicle and timeline will be the deciding factor, not us.

 

I'm driving another car at the moment, so I have all the time in the world to get this done, just no cash( college student problems). But it will be done! even it takes 5 years to build a 383 w/ le heads, I cant let my first love go lol


In other news, I did find a used built 383 motor for sale in my area for 2200. Guy said it had : CNC machined heads, dragonslayer crank, weisco pro true forged pistons, 5.7 eagle h beam rods, arp head studs, titanium pushrods, and 1.6 rr crane


I am no pro yet when it comes to this sort of thing, but that sounds like a damn good deal...its just sketchy to me, dealing with used engines for sale.

 

is it a lt1? need that opti. otherwise you will be looking at cutting your body.

 

I wouldnt mess around with basket case engines for $2200. If u want to drive the car reliably just go to Auto Zone, O'Reilly, Pep Boys or where ever locally and buy a ATK rebuilt LT1. AZ sells them under Surefire but they have the ATK part #DCM3. Surefire only gives a 12mo warranty but if u buy from ATK u get a 24mo warranty. U will have to give up your original block as core charge though. But u are guarantied a drive for 2yrs and more like at least 100K mi.

Buy a rebuildable core somewhere and learn how build a 383 as u have the time.

Another option is a low mileage iron headed LT1 in a impala or roadmaster and u could buy the whole car just for LT1. Keep your eyes out but make sure the LT1 block has 327 cast on its side. There was a 265" 4.3l "baby LT1" called the L99 in those cars also. Hey it would work and save u on gas but i dont think u want to waste the effort unless u are desperate.

Hope this can help.