Hey guys, a buddy has a '97 Camaro with a tired LT-1 and is interested in building a 383 stroker out of it.

I have never owned or really played with late model GEN-II LT-1's so I was wondering if any special parts were required other than the normal stroker stuff with earlier blocks.

Would it just use a normal 1-piece rear main seal stroker crank? LT-1's use a crank hub and the balancer bolts onto, so it can't use a normal 400 type balancer. Would that mean you would have to int balance the motor to use the stock type balancer setup?

Also, he was wondering if the 3 center main caps were the same as earlier blocks (4 bolt conversion).

Is there anything else I should warn him about? He has seen lots of the strokers I have owned and thinks an LT-1 383 would rock....I tend to agree.


Thanks for any help guys!!

Have never done one personally, but have looked into it since newer 1 piece seal blocks are getting easier to find than the old 2 piece 350s.

I think you want to do an internal balance. Using 6" rods helps with this since the 6" rods can use a much lighter piston. I bet if you call a Scat of Eagle dealer they can tell you what crank to use and for sure what crank snout fits the LT1 nose (if it is different than a traditional crank snout).

I think all the stock LT1 top end parts will bolt on just fine. Just watch out for crank clearance at the oil pan - some stockers need to be dimpled.

Cam selection and an eprom upgrade might be needed too, but again, I've not done this before.

You just get a 3.75 stroke crank for the Lt 1 block, no big deal.

Hello,

Check out LT1tech.com and http://web.camaross.com/forums/ They have a lot of good technical advice, but not as many people as this website. There are a lot of companies that make LT1 stroker kits. Just do a search on the internet. I know for sure that speed-o-motive, strokerkits.com, and flatlander racing sell kits. I would recommend having the LT1 heads ported, or buy aftermarket. The LT1 heads flow good for stock purposes, but when you install power adders, then they run out of wind. I have read of 383 LT1's making 390 RWHP/NA. The potential is definitely there. I believe you do need to purchase a stroker crank specifically for the LT1. You would definitely need to have the CPU flashed. You could either go through pcmforless.com and do a mail order reprogram for under $200, or have it done on a chassis dyno. The chassis dyno will net a little more power. Usually a dyno session with full reprogram will cost about $400-$500. To get the full benefit of the 383 I would also suggest full length headers.

Kevin C

Thanks Kevin, I figured the cranks might be alittle different.

I wonder if it will still pass SMOG after the ECM has been flashed? Speaking of SMOG, he already planned on buying headers, but the "shorty" are the only one's that are SMOG legal.

I know a guy that builds lots of LT1. He ported the heads on my 350. His work is impeccable. He is the best guy I've worked with in the hot rod industry.

http://www.flow-technics.com/

I have a 396" stroker in my '97 Camaro and it is great. A good alternative to reworking the LT1 heads is to look out for some LT4 heads. All things being equal, a set of ported LT1's are usually comperable to a set of stock Lt4's.

There are lots of sources for parts and kits, who you choose will depend on what your ultimate goal is.

www.adivanman.com (http://www.adivanman.com)

The LT-1 uses the same crank and rods as the ZZ-4 crate motor. You just need a 383 stroker kit for a one piece rear seal block. Plenty of stroker LT-1's out there here's an example http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLine/Products/IEC/IECEKA/Chevy5.html

I have a 396" stroker in my '97 Camaro and it is great. A good alternative to reworking the LT1 heads is to look out for some LT4 heads. All things being equal, a set of ported LT1's are usually comperable to a set of stock Lt4's.

There are lots of sources for parts and kits, who you choose will depend on what your ultimate goal is.

www.adivanman.com (http://www.adivanman.com)

Nice toys you have there!! My buddy still hasn't done anything with his Camaro....

Digging up an old post.....

I am recently in the market for a '94-'96 GM B-body with the LT-1 already installed from the factory. After getting one, I would seriously consider doing a 383 or 396 stroker in the car.

I've heard rumors that the Caprice/Impala SS iron heads flow better than their aluminum Camaro/Corvette counterparts. Plus they like larger valves and/or porting better too. This is just hear-say.

Since GM B-Body's is pretty heavy, I'd think the torque of a 396 would be awesome brute power for it.

I am guessing that a 3.875" stroke crankshaft is used to make an LT-1/4 a 396?

I never hear about GEN I SBC's going to a 396, does the GEN II block accept the increased stroke easier?

If I were to do this it would be built to handle alittle squeeze with a forged SCAT crank, SCAT 6.0" I-beam rods, forged pistons, and I'd have the block machined for 4 bolt mains w/studs.

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm full of them.