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Post by ponchokel on Nov 24, 2016 19:23:34 GMT -5
Ok All, asking for some friendly advise and recommendations. Re-building a 1970 LT-1 350 Chevy Corvette Engine.
I am getting very mixed messages on part numbers for "Head Gaskets" kits and "intake gaskets" compared to a regular 350 Chevy V8 4 bolt main of that era. Any advise? or exact parts number for "Fel-pro" gaskets kits for this engine. It is a true roller cam and rockers, not hydraulic with so called reverse flow? for cooling? DOH...HELP...I am confident about a regular 350 V8, but this is a mystery to me and do not want to mess it up. Thank you...:-)
I am going to use an"Edelbrock Air Gap RPM Performer Intake" on it with either a "800 CFM Edelbrock Carb" or 750 Holley double pumper. Replacing Camshaft, lifters, timing chain and maybe go roller rockers and new push rods, only if it requires it. Just cleaning up pistons etc., as it's only supposed to have about 10K miles on it after a re-build and run strong.
This all said, I still have too tear it apart and get into it, but doing preliminary research and seeking good advise...
When all starts to happen I will post pics etc., as it goes...as well the finishing of the other 350 Chevy block 4 bolt main for the Big Poncho...Muhahahahaha
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Post by henrystoys on Nov 30, 2016 13:01:53 GMT -5
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Post by MERSEY on Dec 1, 2016 6:11:35 GMT -5
Kel......GM apparently liked the LT-1 nomenclature so much that they decided to use it on a few generations of their small block engine designs. The Gen I SBC includes the original 265 cubic inch engine which made its debut in the '55 Chevy. Your '70 350 LT-1 would be a Gen I engine and would have had a standard flow cooling system and a flat tappet camshaft. The Gen II SBC ('91-'97) includes another 350 LT-1......or more commonly badged as the 5.7L LT-1 as found in many Camaros, Corvettes, Buick Roadmasters and the Chevy Caprice. These engines introduced the "reverse flow" cooling system and the LT-1's have hydraulic roller cams and fuel injection. My Monte Carlo SS is equipped with a transplanted '94 Gen II LT-1. Many components "are not" interchangeable with the Gen I SBC. The Gen III SBC (otherwise known as the LS series) also includes an LT-1 and in the newest Corvette the LT-4. The LS Series engine is a totally redesigned engine from the original Gen I engine. I hope this helps to clear up some confusion. Check this Wikipedia link for more info....... Chevy Small Block LT-1
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Post by henrystoys on Dec 1, 2016 8:36:15 GMT -5
Prior to 86 engines up to 350 were internally balanced, in 87 the crank was changed to be externally balanced by the flex plate/ flywheel when they went to a one piece crank seal.
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Post by ponchokel on Dec 18, 2016 21:48:50 GMT -5
Hi guys, thank you for all the information. Unfortunately I have discovered this new engine I acquired is a normal "Hydraulic cam, lifters etc., " it is a 4 bolt main. Running the numbers, it's a 1970 to 74 year motor. I discovered all this after finally getting it apart. That said it's in very good shape and will be a easy straight forward re-build, or upgrade with better components. The person who sold it to me, was simply misinformed on the engine. I am going to port and polish the heads, re-seat the valves, port and polish the intake and put a nice healthy "Comp Cam with new lifters and Springs" in it, install new rods and use roller tipped rockers, plus some other goodies and see how it rocks...if I can get it to run 400 HP or close to it and be reliable and healthy I will be happy with it.
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Post by MERSEY on Dec 18, 2016 22:22:10 GMT -5
Comp has a nice XE-268H cam that you'd probably like the performance and sound of. It probably has sufficient vacuum to accommodate your power brake requirements. It would require a valve spring and pushrod upgrade over stock. Check out the specs on the Comp site and compare to the Summit cams and Howards cams and you will likely find similar specs available for a lower price.
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Post by ponchokel on Jan 6, 2017 0:10:35 GMT -5
Thanks Mersey...been doing my home work. was looking at this set up. I may add a vacuum canister to be sure...when time comes I will test everything out. Comp has cam kits, comes with springs to match, lifters and timing chain. About $425 or so..not bad
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Post by MERSEY on Jan 7, 2017 19:17:08 GMT -5
Thanks Mersey...been doing my home work. was looking at this set up. I may add a vacuum canister to be sure...when time comes I will test everything out. Comp has cam kits, comes with springs to match, lifters and timing chain. About $425 or so..not bad Kel.....I just discovered that I made an error in the Comp Cams model I mentioned for your car. I've corrected it in my post. It should have said XE-268H.
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Post by ponchokel on Jan 8, 2017 13:20:32 GMT -5
Hi it's OK. Unfortunately I have discovered this engine is not an LT-1 solid roller cam. Just a normal hydraulic set up, but very clean and healthy. It is a 70 to 74 block 4 bolt main. So going another route now. Got some nice camel hump heads for it, new springs, guide plates, screw in studs. Going too port an polish them up and probably install a nice comp cam Xtreme energy 284 cam in it or 272. Comp has a nice magnum cam kit as well. Pondering things, need to verify valve spring pressure first. lift will be in the 244/244 range of 250/244 range.
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Post by MERSEY on Jan 8, 2017 20:28:14 GMT -5
Kel......don't go Xtreme Energy 284 unless you plan on spending way more time drag racing than cruising. Bigger IS NOT always better with cam choice or stall choice, especially with a car that spends the majority of its time street cruising. If you look up any of these cams on the CompCams website or any other manufacturers website they spec the RPM range of the cam. Pay close attention to that spec and compare it to the RPM range that you car typically spends the majority of it's time and choose accordingly.
Also, I am puzzled as to why you say that your engine is "UNFORTUNATELY" not a solid roller cammed LT-1? {Solid cams, either roller or flat tappet variety require much more maintenance than an equivalent hydraulic cam} If your engine is a '70-'74 vintage as you've indicated then it would be a "flat tappet" cammed engine and you've already indicated its a 4-bolt block (a very desirable block).
Solid cams are typically used in Highest RPM / Highest HP engines.
Cam type choices are: A. Hydraulic - Flat Tappet B. Solid - Flat Tappet C. Hydraulic - Roller D. Solid - Roller
The least expensive cams are the Flat Tappet cams. The most expensive cams ate the Roller cams.
Best choice for a street engine (if cost isn't a consideration): Hydraulic Roller
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Post by ponchokel on Jan 9, 2017 11:26:04 GMT -5
All very good advise my friend. I will take this into consideration. I do prefer flat tappet hydraulic over true solid roller cams. Yes it's a very nice engine to work with. I will find a happy medium for cam choice. :-) That XE 268 cam looks pretty sweet. That may just fit the bill nicely.
Thank you
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Post by ponchokel on Jan 9, 2017 11:46:35 GMT -5
I am all over the map on this, due to the fact the heads I just got are from a real race guy. So they all have one mind set...Bigger Cam, bigger everything etc. etc., LOL...plus reading way too many forums on guys that have a variety of cams and all have different views on what they like. Again I will find a happy medium. Your recommendation of the XE268 does get an impressive thumbs up for most guys that run it.
Narrowing this all down, looking at going with XE268 or XE274...whatever I do, all components will match up.
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Post by MERSEY on Jan 14, 2017 15:05:47 GMT -5
Torque is something you can "feel" every time you squeeze the GO pedal and it's a necessity for getting heavy cars in motion Therefore, "in-my-opinion" you need to be sure that you pick a cam with the best RPM range for your car. If you choose one that has a range of 2300-6500RPM vs 1500-5800RPM I doubt you'll be happy with the performance in your ride {assuming no changes to your rear gear and torque convertor}
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Post by ponchokel on Jan 16, 2017 23:20:24 GMT -5
Ah so, you would be correct. The cam will match the converter as well gear etc., All will flow..:-)...I have 2 builds on the go, one will be a slight upgrade for the Poncho, one will be extreme...LOL..the extreme is for a friend of mine.
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