small cubes

[zooguy]

okay i know that TONS of stuff with the top half of the motor has to do with HP stuff but i want to discuss the bottom half.

I know its easy to go to a 383 or even a 396 and make big numbers but i have always liked the idea of a smaller cubes motor making big power. now after i get my motor built i want to spray big hits to make my power. so i know that forged is a good place to start. but i dont know how i want to build the bottom end. i like turning lots of RPMs so i want to keep that in mind. but
what are the major difference in different smaller cubes combos like 350,353,355,357,360

i am not just asking about the size but which one will be happy being a DD and more, longevity is a factor as well, which combo will give me the most options on piston and rod size, and if i am right dont all those use the stock crank?

REMEMBER i know top end has a bunch of options but i just want to discuss the bottom end of the LTx and smaller cubes size.

(popo if this is the wrong section feel free to move this thread)

[Mystery Bird]

I think a 355 will give you the most options. You can use the stock crank and rods with some ARP hardware for a nice low end. For high revving and longevity you'll need quality machine work along with quality parts.

[96LT1355Z28]

For "high rpm" you'll want to spend money on lightweight parts. You can use the stock crank just make sure you get good rods light pistons and quality hardware.

[SexyTransAm]

high rpm will be fun but parts to hold it will cost!

[97firehawk]

My engine is 30 over with splayed billet Mains scat forged standard stroke crank scat forged 6 inch I beam rods and SRP forged pistons my pistons are super short all ARP hardware it revs fast everything was done with nitrous and high RPMs in mind it wasn't cheap to build but i love it.

[popo8]

....

I know its easy to go to a 383 or even a 396 and make big numbers ...

WAIT A MINUTE.... you sure about that?

[zooguy]

WAIT A MINUTE.... you sure about that?


easier ... sorry

[popo8]

easier ... sorry

I think its equal... its two different sciences..... small cubes,,, expensive light parts for spinning high.... Big cubes, expensive strong parts and associated parts so it can spin and breath.......

[Badbird_96]

My formula had a 357 and it acted like a stock car until you romped on it. Made plenty of power also. Just don't use fram oil filters lol

[zooguy]

when i say high rpms i want to turn like 7500 max and shift the car at 7K

and because i want to spray it has to be strong ... any tips on a STRONG rod and piston that is LIGHT WEIGHT

[Fastbird]

355 Solid Roller, rev it to the moon.

[SexyTransAm]

Stock pcm only goes to 7001 rpm I think

[zooguy]

hmmm ... i thought it was 8k

[zooguy]

this may not be for this section ... but what is difference in a solid roller and a hydro roller ... is it just the lifters?

[Fastbird]

hmmm ... i thought it was 8k

Nope. It's either 7 or 7200......I can't remember........never go that high, lol.


this may not be for this section ... but what is difference in a solid roller and a hydro roller ... is it just the lifters?

Solid rollers are as they sound. They are solid lifters. The cam profiles are typically MUCH larger in both duration and lift and ramp rates way more aggressive than your normal Hydraulic cams, and spring pressures need to be greater also. Definitely meant for high RPM use unlike Hydraulics.

[zooguy]

do they ware out faster ... cause i am looking in to longevity?

[Stephen Ertel]

Nothing fancy is needed for 7500 rpm with a SBC. I'm going 7500+ through the traps with a hydraulic roller, heavy cola crank, heavy 4340 H beam rods, and 434 gram pistons.

[SMok3 Em A11]

Good thread I will be keeping up with this one cause I'm planning something similar.

[Joker Z28]

Optis are good for only 7K too I believe.

[zooguy]

faust has built a 383 that did 8 grand with the opti ... i heard and seen it first hand he reved his old motor there and held it there for like 3-5 seconds and it loved it

[popo8]

faust has built a 383 that did 8 grand with the opti ... i heard and seen it first hand he reved his old motor there and held it there for like 3-5 seconds and it loved it

There is a guy that is mia


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[Puck]

Nothing fancy is needed for 7500 rpm with a SBC. I'm going 7500+ through the traps with a hydraulic roller, heavy cola crank, heavy 4340 H beam rods, and 434 gram pistons.

This.

7500 isn't crazy high RPM, especially for a 355. Just make sure the rest of the valvetrain is up to task - thick stiff pushrods, quality lifters, good quality rockers(preferably shaft mounts), and don't forget GOOD springs. Keep in mind you will also need an aftermarket computer, and a cam that size that still makes power up there will not be a perfect daily driver. My 383 will spin 7500+ and the bottom end is nothing fancy...Forged Eagle crank, Eagle H-Beams, L-19 Rod bolts(overkill for now), and SRP flattops. Half filled too "just in case", since I change my mind a lot and might decide to spray it or get the itch to swap pistons and boost it down the road.

As for solid rollers, if you have to ask then its probably not for you. While fundamentally its just a different cam and lifters, a few things need to be considered like running higher spring pressure, low RPM oiling, valve adjustments, and other things that may not be ideal for a daily driver. It can be done of course, but you have to know what you're doing :).

[Stephen Ertel]

Opti is good for 7640 rpm in mine... highest rpm I've seen with it. I don't worry about it one bit at that rpm.

[zooguy]

what is the max rpms a hydro should be spun to before i need to go solid roller

and i have a msd opti ... so its good to 8k i be leave

[blackbird1084]

It's not the opti but the lt1 computer that isn't good for much past 7000.

[Stephen Ertel]

7500 is comfortable without needing hollow stem, 5/16 stem, or titanium valves. If we're talking 110 grams or less on the intake side there's alot you can do. Pushrods are as important as the springs. You NEED a 3/8" pushrod.

[chile]

Also keep in mind that if your spinning a motor above the 7k. You need to have matching hardware i.e. convertor, intake, heads and i don't think anybody mentioned it but when you spin a motor high you are also change the power band. Spinning a motor to 8k mean you probably dont start making power till 3k.

[z_speedfreak]

Not tryin to be an ass, just thinkin back to the discussion on ls1tech about the creation of an advancef lt1 section n what would be in it and what wouldnt.. and heres the difference between hydro & solid lifters being explained. Lile i said not tryin to be an ass just sayin b/c I know allot of the big dogs didnt want basic stuff in here n even went so far as to suggest limited access...just sayin cause I dont want those guys to shy away from here cause im sure we'd all like to see more advanced discussion from those guys.

Back on topic, anyone know if darren(gizmo) ever built that 302 lt1 he was talkin about buildin awhile back? Haven't seen him active on any boards ina while..

[BIG CAT]

Nothing fancy is needed for 7500 rpm with a SBC. I'm going 7500+ through the traps with a hydraulic roller, heavy cola crank, heavy 4340 H beam rods, and 434 gram pistons.

X2

now if you want to really turn it up. Say 8k plus. You need a well picked combination. Especially the valve train. Also what to do you consider a big shot of n2o?

[zooguy]

wow this still is alive cool ... so i still want a 355 LT1 but i am close to having the short block out of kyle mckenzies car forged 383 ... he is going to a 5.3 Ls and a big turbo
and just got the LT1 back from the shop getting re honed all new bearings ect ... so i guess i am going with a 383 now