Ok, Here it is. I'm trying to build my LT1 for my 95 Z28. Needless to say this is a task that is becoming over my head. I though I know at least enough to build an engine. Guessed wrong. So can someone please give me a crash course in number reading. I.E. Cam numbers, Head numbers. How do you measure out compression......Any information that will help my with a build would be great. Even if you want to give me general principles on how stuff works. Anything would be grateful.

 

Wow, seems like you jumped in with noooo preparation whatsoever if you're asking those questions. It's not the numbers on the stuff you really need to worry about but the measurements of components. Especially if you're changing out parts. The numbers will help you out some degree but if you're asking about just reading head numbers then you're far off from starting an engine teardown and rebuild. Getting compression stats requires knowing piston to deck height, compressed gasket thickness, stroke length and combustion chamber volume. Not something you can just get from the numbers. You can get a "round about" to the compression there but other than that it'll only be a guess. Are you torquing stuff to spec? Do you even have a manual for torque specs? An LT1 is also a different beast than a simple Gen1 block.

Is everything going back stock or are you putting new stuff on there?

 

u will do just fine, go slow, do the research and when u get frustrated take time out and do more research. what hp goal do u have and at what rpm? oh yah welcome to the forum. great place for info. pictures?

 

Kypur-I'm putting new parts in the build. Stroking to a 396. New heads, cam, and valve train. As far as the torques, I didn't know that LT1 has different torques then any other engine.
Kraby- this build is aiming for 475-500 RWHP a weekend driver/pro stock. I really don't have a rpm in mind but, at least the low-mid range. Here is some pictures http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3235888

 

I'm just going to bump this. Hopefully no one minds.

 

I don't think anyone will mind.

To get the HP range you want you'll need to focus on your top end first. A different set of heads with high flow runners would be a good consideration also. A cam with good lift and a higher duration would be in the cards also. You already have roller lifters so I would stay with that and get a more aggressive cam. A mid 500 lift with a 300 or so duration at seat will probably put you in that area at the crank. Talk to an engine builder in your area and see what you can do about a TB, intake, head and cam combination to net you the best for your needs. A good combination can yield great and better results than just trying to brute strength it out of your parts. If you want it to be streetable and mean on the strip you can do it but it takes a lot of forethought and experience helps. Every engine is different but you can look at similar setups and other people's experience to help you through.

Yes, there are different torque measurements from a GenI sbc to a Gen III LT1 but not many. If you're messing with aluminum parts the torque measurements change because it's easier to compress aluminum.

This is a friend of mine's 408 sbc:




It's running a full roller setup with 1.6 crower roller rockers, crower mechanical roller lifters and a .673 cam with 325+ duration at seat. 235
aluminum Pro-topline 64cc heads and 2.08 intakes. You can almost shove your fist down the runners. It'll be topped off with an Edelbrock Victor Jr intake and the entire upper assembly is port matched. This is a monster of an engine that wasn't cheap and we're only expecting it to deliver around 500hp or so naturally aspirated. There's a couple of us going to get it dyno'd in a few weeks and we're all taking our cars. I don't plan on mine coming ANYWHERE near his, ha ha.

An LT1 is a pretty good platform to build on also. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Sure the LS1 is a superior platform but the LT1 isn't something to turn your nose up at either.