I figure this is TPI related since most people using LT1 intakes used to have TPI.

I have an oportunity to get a 400 SBC for very cheap. It needs a rebuild.. no biggie. I was planning to rebuild whatever block I got anyway.

I already have an LT1 intake, fuel rails, etc. to modify. I also have ported L98 aluminum heads. I would put larger valves in the heads but keep the 58cc chambers. Since I'll use new pistons with my rebuild I'll just get ones that'll give me around 10.5 CR with the small chambers

So onto my questions.
Is there any problem with drilling steam holes in my L98 aluminums?

Any other problems that would arise with this combo?

thanks
Hodge

 

Great question, I have been toying around with a simmilar combo idea for a while. Anyone?

 

Your compression with the 58cc chambers, SRP -16 dish pistons, .039 inch gasket, and 0 deck height comes out at 11.08:1.

With standard -5 flat top pistons, compression is 12.63:1. The larger bore increases compression.

LPE uses the L98 aluminum heads on their 400's with no problems.

 

11.08 : 1

think an aluminum headed engine can run that on 92 octane?
I'm looking at the 400 tomorrow. I still might end up going 383 since I can get a L98 roller block from another guy.

I'd like the roller cam set-up but I don't want the added expense of converting the 400 block.

Seems as though the added cubes in the 400 would make up for the slower ramps of the non roller cam I'd have to use and it'd be pretty much even in power to a roller cam 383.
Comments?????

Hodge

 

If you can get the 400, then do it. 11:1 will work with tuning.

 

I would agree, get the 400 if you can. Just remeber, you can't safely go over +.040 w/ a 400. - rhuarc30 has a really good post about porting heads. There is a reply by tpi_roc that has a link to a really good tutorial on porting the aluminum L98 heads. - Just thought it would be some valuable info.

later, justin...

 

Thanks guys. The 400 I was looking at got sold from under me but another has come up for $200. I'm going to look at it tonight at 8:00. wish me luck.....

aluminum headed 406 with a TPI intake. That'll be one sick puppy.

Hodge