Check out this Donovan 400 Converted to LT1 Block

[SexyTransAm]

Not mine just had a friend show this to me and I thought yall here would think it was cool. Wish I had the money cause that would be bad ass
http://www.yellowbullet.com/classifieds/viewlisting.php?view=41961

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

[firebird_1995]

Oh wow. Very cool! I wonder if this would be allowed in the shootout. In outlaw maybe?

[SexyTransAm]

outlaw would be my guess. still be bad ass in a street car lol.

[noice]

26111

26112

26113

"All the headbolt holes have been helicoiled with 1.125" long helicoils, which are also coated with thread locking compound. There is one head bolt hole that needs to be repaired, as the Time-sert that was in it broke. There is enough material there to use a Big-sert to repair it. I have photos available upon request."

The bores have scratches in them that are visible from the photos, then in the description he says that a headbolt hole is broke. Sorry he wore the block out and I wouldn't put a rotating assembly that I cared about into that block.

According the rules for outlaw it has to have an LT1 block, I doubt they are are going to call it that.

[95slowmaro]

I wonder if the cylinders have sleeves, no way that aluminum cylinders would last

[MeanTA]

This is the block originally owned by the guy with the impala SS with the Donavan 343 LT1. He purchased 2 and ended up selling this one.

From what I know of this blocks history. Guy purchased it. Put it in his drag car then raced with it couple seasons. Engine took some damage. So he sold it and it was repaired. Used in another nitrous feed drag setup. Till it took this damage

Both times it made amazing power. But you would need to send it to Donavan and have it resleaved(which isn't cheap)

By the time it is back in working order. You would be out the price of a new modified Block almost.

[dawdaw]

Just curious anyone have a Link/info on the guys car?

[NoScrewz]

"All the headbolt holes have been helicoiled with 1.125" long helicoils, which are also coated with thread locking compound. There is one head bolt hole that needs to be repaired, as the Time-sert that was in it broke. There is enough material there to use a Big-sert to repair it. I have photos available upon request."

The bores have scratches in them that are visible from the photos, then in the description he says that a headbolt hole is broke. Sorry he wore the block out and I wouldn't put a rotating assembly that I cared about into that block.

According the rules for outlaw it has to have an LT1 block, I doubt they are are going to call it that.

The block is currently in my possession. The bores do not have scratches in them. The scratches you see are from the sleeves being pulled out to inspect the block. One of the Time-Serts that were installed broke due to improper installation, so we pulled everything back apart and checked the block. Whoever had the block before me installed 0.500" long helicoils in holes that averaged ~1.3" deep. We didn't torque any of the other head bolts, so I went and replaced them with 1.125" long helicoils that I got from the original owner (Jeff Green) which is the same way his block is set up, and has been set up for years. That is the only damage that I have seen thus far on this block. I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary other than the sleeves needing a hone to get rid them back concentric. If there is anything that I don't know about it, please feel free to contact me via PM.

[firebird_1995]

Thanks for clearing that up. One question though, in the ad it says that it was originally set up for a double roller so the mechanical wp and opti can't be used. I understand that it won't drive the mechanical wp without a stock type timing set but why not an opti?

[NoScrewz]

Thanks for clearing that up. One question though, in the ad it says that it was originally set up for a double roller so the mechanical wp and opti can't be used. I understand that it won't drive the mechanical wp without a stock type timing set but why not an opti?

No problem. I just didn't want anyone to think I was out trying to sell junk, as that is far from what I'm trying to do. The build has just changed directions, and I figured someon would have the oppourtunity to build a bad a** N/A motor. I will tell you one thing, they didn't think before milling the deck to get rid of the ring for the custom copper gaskets, so the deck height is slightly shorter than it was.

I don't see any reason as to why it won't drive an opti honestly. I think it's all in the timing set that's chosen. I'll have to give Jeff a ring about that as I'm curious now.

[firebird_1995]

FWIW many guys have used standard SBC timing sets with an opti. I didn't know if there was something done to the block that didn't allow it to work for some reason. Not that anyone that would build a 435" lt1 would still be running one. :p

[NoScrewz]

FWIW many guys have used standard SBC timing sets with an opti. I didn't know if there was something done to the block that didn't allow it to work for some reason. Not that anyone that would build a 435" lt1 would still be running one. :p

Interesting. I'll get a definite answer to quell my curiosity. As far as the Opti, they run them on Funny Cars so it must be good enough for a street car. Ok, I lied...horribly...

[firebird_1995]

Keep us posted on what he says. Also, if this is still for sale and you want this thread moved to the sales section, I'm sure popo8 would be able to do that.

[popo8]

Keep us posted on what he says. Also, if this is still for sale and you want this thread moved to the sales section, I'm sure popo8 would be able to do that.

Just lemme know.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[Chopstix]

Jeff Green ran an opti on his


http://www.gmhightechperformance.com/features/ghtp_1108_1996_chevy_impala/photo_06.html

[MeanTA]

NoScrewz you got a PM

[JCzNova]

Just lemme know.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

There's also 3 threads on this same item, if it gets moved, can they be combined?

[firebird_1995]

Probably, but it looks like its getting ready to be bought for a standing mile car

[JCzNova]

Hmm, a twin turbo Donovan running 200mph... That will blow your hair back!

[MeanTA]

Probably, but it looks like its getting ready to be bought for a standing mile car


Hmm, a twin turbo Donovan running 200mph... That will blow your hair back!

Yep. A TT aluminum big inch LTX block. Making big numbers. Setting records:D

[firebird_1995]

Man do you think it will take away from the feat of going 200mph in a non-factory block?

[MeanTA]

Man do you think it will take away from the feat of going 200mph in a non-factory block?

The way I see it. The top LS powered car among many more of them are doing so with aftermarket blocks.

The block will still be using the LT1 architecture. Down to the LT1 water pump. And fully capable of using a opti if chosen to. Only real change is using a aluminum to gain more power and reduce weight. Something many of us would do if blocks was available to us.

I fully believe 200 is possible with factory block. But if I can go aftermarket and go faster then what a 20 year old block can do. Im going for it.

[firebird_1995]

I hear ya. Plus the extra cubic inches will help too

[MeanTA]

I hear ya. Plus the extra cubic inches will help too

Ya the extra size will open up head options among other things. Just waiting on NoScrewz then I can get payment worked made. Then get it in my hands to start building.

[firebird_1995]

You might be better to contact him through YB. I think he mentioned in one of these threads about not getting on here much. This thing is gonna be insane!

[MeanTA]

You might be better to contact him through YB. I think he mentioned in one of these threads about not getting on here much. This thing is gonna be insane!

Ya I messaged him on YB also.

The plan is to get more of the modern platform owners to take notice of our platform. And not brush us off so easy.

I thank I can do it with this block;)

[Featherburner]

Ya I messaged him on YB also.

The plan is to get more of the modern platform owners to take notice of our platform. And not brush us off so easy.

I thank I can do it with this block;)See If you can make these guys take notice...or just make this your new goal. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPbj19mJ02Q#t=30

[ZOHAN]

Wow...

Making you silky smooth...

[MeanTA]

LOL. Im not to worried about the euro trash. There stuck up no matter what.

Im going after the LS and mod guys. Since they both look down on the LT1.

Just got to make contact and buy this block. Then go from there. I already have bought parts since I was basing the build on a factory block. So I will need to change some parts. But its a worthwhile hiccup in the build.

I got the time, resources, and support from the wife. So no matter what I will hold this record. And become the one to beat;)

[Bersaglieri]

Just saw this thread, I was hoping someone on here would pick it up.

MeanTA: If you pass on this let me know, I'll buy the damn thing and get stoopid with it.

[MeanTA]

Just saw this thread, I was hoping someone on here would pick it up.

MeanTA: If you pass on this let me know, I'll buy the damn thing and get stoopid with it.

Ive tried to contact him through here and YB. And he has not responded yet

[rjmarazzi]

Any word on the purchase of this block that thing will be fast.