new to me lt1

[KRAKER]

I got my hands on a lt1 from a 95 camaro with 102k miles. i plan on rebuilding the engine to a 355. What is involved on going to a 355? what would be the best choice for heads/cam/intake? also would i need a new bottom end? i do not plan on doing any forced induction or spray. the engine runs but i do know that it needs a rebuild just from the mileage. the engine is complete including harness and computer. I plan on under 400rwhp. the suspension will be redone as well also the transmission will be a 4l60e built up to handle the engine.

[chile]

first welcome to LTXtech. second what is your budget? a 355 is bored over i think .030". don't know exactly what you are trying to do.

[94Blackbird]

To get to 355, you will have to get the engine bored .030 over, which means new pistons and balancing the rotating assembly. Honestly, for your goals, and to save you a little cash, I would stay at 350, just give the bores a quick, light hone unless they really do need to be bored. You would then be able to re use the stock pistons. An extra 5 cubes isn't going to make any noticable difference in the performance of the engine, especially at the power level you are looking for. Any readily available head/cam package should more than meet your needs, Lloyd Elliot and AI are the two most popular vendors as far as that is concerned I believe.

As far as the rotating assembly goes, the stock bottom end is plenty stout, especially for an NA build. As long as everything checks out, all you should need is new rings and bearings plus whatever it takes to clean up the block and de-glaze the bores.

[CamaroZGuy]

To get to 355, you will have to get the engine bored .030 over, which means new pistons and balancing the rotating assembly. Honestly, for your goals, and to save you a little cash, I would stay at 350, just give the bores a quick, light hone unless they really do need to be bored. You would then be able to re use the stock pistons. An extra 5 cubes isn't going to make any noticable difference in the performance of the engine, especially at the power level you are looking for. Any readily available head/cam package should more than meet your needs, Lloyd Elliot and AI are the two most popular vendors as far as that is concerned I believe.

LOL, i was too slow typing....^^^this^^^

[MeanTA]

punch it .030 over. swap the stock rod bolts for some arp ones. obviously get crank and rods checked. and a LE2 top end package. that's the basics of it

[KRAKER]

so just clean the block up?
i have been looking at the elliot le1 with the cam

[KRAKER]

do i need a rebuild kit?

[94Blackbird]

do i need a rebuild kit?

I would look for one that comes with gaskets, bearings and seals if possible. I looked awhile back, I don't believe they were all that expensive.

[casey20000007]

do i need a rebuild kit?

It wouldn't hurt man, if I was you I'd completely do the internals bc If you ever decide in the future to make more power it'll be one less thing to worry about


SMOKE TIRES NOT DRUGS

[94Blackbird]

so just clean the block up?
i have been looking at the elliot le1 with the cam

You still need to check the block and make sure stuff is still within spec, but if everything checks out, I'd just clean it up and re use all the stock bottom end stuff with new rings and bearings

[KRAKER]

i plan on tearing the engine down this weekend and getting it prepped to be sent over to the machine shop to get cleaned up.

[popo8]

To get to 355, you will have to get the engine bored .030 over, which means new pistons and balancing the rotating assembly. Honestly, for your goals, and to save you a little cash, I would stay at 350, just give the bores a quick, light hone unless they really do need to be bored. You would then be able to re use the stock pistons. An extra 5 cubes isn't going to make any noticable difference in the performance of the engine, especially at the power level you are looking for. Any readily available head/cam package should more than meet your needs, Lloyd Elliot and AI are the two most popular vendors as far as that is concerned I believe.

As far as the rotating assembly goes, the stock bottom end is plenty stout, especially for an NA build. As long as everything checks out, all you should need is new rings and bearings plus whatever it takes to clean up the block and de-glaze the bores.


THIS^

[KRAKER]

which vendors do rebuild kits?
so im looking for a rebuild kit with just seals and gaskets and bearings?

[94Blackbird]

which vendors do rebuild kits?
so im looking for a rebuild kit with just seals and gaskets and bearings?

Yup, piston rings as well, but that is pretty much it.

you should be able to find one on summit or I think the parts stores carry one as well.

[CamaroZGuy]

which vendors do rebuild kits?
so im looking for a rebuild kit with just seals and gaskets and bearings?

IIRC Felpro has a good one on summit and jegs.

[Bersaglieri]

Just gives me more reason to update and add to my thread: http://ltxtech.com/forums/showthread.php?20438-My-Daily-Driver-Budget-Build-350ci-GTP-Heads-Comp-XE503

Really if it doesn't knock, have oil pressure issues or something severe I'd run it as is. Leaks?! Leaks prevent body rust :cheers: Stay 350 like someone else said and re-hone with new Mahle [Specific to LT1 piston] rings. That saved me big money on my budget rebuild. Take a look at that thread, it should answer many of the same questions you're having now.

Under 400rwhp can be done several ways; read around and decide what sort of motor characteristics you'd prefer and what other people have done to get similar results to what you want. BIGGEST thing is going to be budget, if you spend your money wisely it can go much further and faster than you may think. You're already heading down the right path by bouncing ideas off folks who have been down the same road before.

[Badbird_96]

Welcome. I have nothing else to add besides what's been said just wanted to welcome you lol

[KRAKER]

thanks for all the help everyone.
i am new to the engine rebuilding side of cars. what should i tell the machine shop to do? terminology wise.

[KRAKER]

What could i eliminate from the engine as far as sensors and block offs? i am in an emissions free county.

[chile]

you can get rid of the egr. As far as sensor i think none unless you are an OBD2 car then you can get rid the O2s behind the cats

[warriorcustoms]

Most good machine shops can get ya good priceson rebuild kits. IF ya feel like shoppin Northern Auto Parts has em for like 500!!!! ARP fasteners for rods & head bolts are a must!!! My 2cents on Daily Drivers & buildin motors goes like this... 350 = 22x @ .05 , 383 = 23x @ .05 & a 396 = 24x @ .05 I would get the AI 200cc heads with a AI ported intake & 52mm ASM or TPIS throttle body!!! Get a good set of 1.6 Comp stainless roller rockers (or 1.7s if needed), studs, guides & push rods. IF ya bore it .030 for a 355 get 2 valve relief forged pistons Dont worry about rods unless the build snow balls into Over 450rwhp LoL Make a check list / build plan & stick to it otherwise youll end up with a Dart headed 396 & some nitrous kits Lmao ask me how I know lol You can delete the AIR, EGR & cats :) I got my EGR billet block offs on Ebay for 24 bucks Just ask if ya need more help!!