Just got a '95 Z28 auto, the car is stock and has a knock in the lower end of the block. Want to get some advice on the rebuild I want to do. I am going to pull the engine soon and tear it down. Plan on having it bored 30 over and want to use the stock heads. I want to build the lower-end to eventually be able to handle a supercharger, not next week, but sometime in the future. Can I use the stock crank, assuming it's not fubar, and go with forged pistons and stock rods? Next question is cam, I like what I'm seeing about going with the LT4 cam, rockers, etc. anyone have any input on that thought?. This is in the planning stage and I'm not in a hurry, so any advice, suggestions, do's, dont's would be helpful. Last time I did this was back in the early 80's when bigger was always badder, but times and thought processes have changed.

 

my suggestion is if you have the money replace it better now when its all torn apart than in 10k miles when it does finally shts the bed

 

turbocharger is doable on these but supercharger would be challenging and require some cutting up of your car. lt4 cam is not that great. if your looking at a stonger base for boost then you will want to upgrade the crank and pistons. if your going to do that then look at stroking it to a 383 and if you can afford doing that.

 

Ok, no BS stuff on the car! Going to scrap the super/turbo charger idea and just build a good strong torque monster! But, I have to put the motor in my daughters V-6 car 1st, get that done by Thanksgiving, hopefully. Than I can get started on my Z.

 

there's a sticker in the glove box that when you use the secret decoder ring, you know if you have 3.23:1 gears in the rear or 2.73:1

Anyway, the LT1 has gobs of low end torque. Once you repair the engine and freshen it, look to change your gear ratio, slap on some long tube headers, a good cat back exhaust, a CAI and get a good tune. I think you'll be surprised at how potent the LT1 is for an 18 year old design.

 

I just happen to have the "secret decoder ring" and it has the "GU2" 2.73:1 gears, unless they have been changed. Won't know until I check. So far all of this is great and I really appreciate it! I'll start posting pics when I start tearing in to it.