LT1 block strength

[Jeffz28]

I'm just looking for an honest opinion on the strength of a stock LT1 block half filled and with billet 4 bolt main caps. What kind of H/P numbers can it handle?? :hmm:

[Jperran]

I haven't heard of a block failing because it was overpowered to be honest, and guys are taking the stock crank to 900+ whp

[jakesz28]

I just talked to a person that does some engine work and he told me of a nitrous combo that cracked the block at 1100hp. That number was off of an engine dyno and it never made a pass. It cracked right there on the dyno. Right in the lifter valley.

[Jeffz28]

Hopefully the motor that broke on the dyno was little on the weak side or they didn't have the tune up just right. My motor will be finished up by early next spring and should be in that neighborhood power wise. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[jakesz28]

I wonder the same thing about the tune. I know I have a lot to learn but some people have said an engine dyno could be to hard on a nitrous combo. I think the dyno has the ability to load the motor to hard. But the person that told me about it has more experience with motors, heads, and cams then most of the people on these forums.

[Jeffz28]

I completely agree with you. I know I have a lot to learn and over the years of reading and working around high horsepower cars it doesn't come easy. From what I've read and been told nitrous is a little harder on an engine than forced induction is. That was one of the reasons I decide to go the turbo route. Not to mention I already have put a turbo on my 01 R1 and it has changed my life. I really just hoping my motor just stays together and makes good power. If the car can get into the 8's I will be very happy.

[CALL911]

4 bolt mains, guys have ran 1000 RWHP no problem. I would say that would be about the safe limit though. 1100-1200 RWHP range and I really don't know. Fly wheel HP would be different of course.

[Jeffz28]

thanks for the feedback. I will probably need close to 1000 at the wheels to get the times I'm looking for. Hopefully this time next year I'll have some data and times.

[dsmawd350]

yeah id say 1100-1200 rwhp is getting close. There are 2 LT1 customer cars on forced inductions site making 1012 and 1097 rwhp

[96SilverRam]

I thought big Rick (old school) from Houston was making in the 1100 +, maybe a little more on his LT1 Turbo car back 5+ years or so ?? I also thought someone else on Tech was making in the 1200 rwhp range with an EZ94 on a LT1 car, once again IIRC ??