| Re: 4 Bolt Main Corvette Block versus Splayed Caps 2bolt LTx |
Subject: Re: 4 Bolt Main Corvette Block versus Splayed Caps 2bolt LTx by rklessdriver on 2010/9/28 11:06:31 The biggest problem with the stock 4 bolt block is the caps. Specificially the fact they are made of regular old grey cast iron. It dosen't matter what kind of bolt/stud or anything you put on them... the cap itself is weak. Aftermarket caps (good ones) are usually made of billet steel. The outer bolts being angled (splayed) put the threads in a stronger part of the block. That said factory 4 bolt blocks are very strong. Plenty strong enough for the kind of HP most anyone can build N/A on pump gas. Passing emissions throws a completely different wrench in selecting the cam. Personally I think cam 2 is as big as I would try and I think your tuner is going to have to be spot on. Those that said to watch your compression ratio are correct. I know Mahle offers a 26cc dish, 16cc dish and flat top piston. You SCR would be very high (near 12.1) in a 383 with the flat top and 54cc LT1/4 heads. It would be crap with the 26cc dish. The 16cc dish would probally be the best. Definatly get rid of the cast crank. I don't see why would spend $$$ to convert a stock block to splayed caps and then run a cast crank. Forged is the way to go. Should be about a $400-$500 upcharge for an import forged 4340 crank. One last thing. KNOW who you are buying from. Just because they advertise on the internetz dosen't mean they are trust worthy. I've seen a few street engines from a "former NASCAR engine builder" shop in NC that were thrown together junk. A few guys that bracket race around here have bought engines from a place in "Henderson NV" that had "oil pan failure" at the first oportunity as well. Will |
