lt1 boost limit?

[UnforgottenPresence]

How much boost/power can an lt1 handle. I am looking into getting a 1970 0r 1979(which is cheaper here but front end uglier) and dropping in either an lt1 if i can make more then 550hp or an ls1.

[WishIHadACamaro]

Its more about your components than the actual block...

If your planning on no more than 700hp, make sure you got forged components, some mean ass head bolts and some good gaskets. I hope your not planning on something like 22psi or anything...

[UnforgottenPresence]

well more if the block could take it if not ill go for the ls1

[Black93Z]

a stock internaled LT1 can handle 6~7 psi, one with forged internals can handle more im not sure how much more but it is more...

[Rare4thgens]

I don't recomentd boosting a stock internal LT or LS engine. Most bolt on kits run 4-6 PSI and will make well over 500 hp with headers, intake, tuning, etc but the engines don't last too long. I have seen it many many times.

[REDXTCY]

Originally Posted by Rare4thgens

I don't recomentd boosting a stock internal LT or LS engine. Most bolt on kits run 4-6 PSI and will make well over 500 hp with headers, intake, tuning, etc but the engines don't last too long. I have seen it many many times.

:smt120 It's all in the tune and a tuner that knows how to tune...

[Rare4thgens]

Originally Posted by REDXTCY

:smt120 It's all in the tune and a tuner that knows how to tune...

uh, no, and that sounds familiar. tuning won't solve durability issues. No matter how you tune it, there will be more stress then before, period. :smt120

[Godhatesimports]

Pretty well said, if anything tuning would create more power and possibly put a tad more stress on the block. But Im not sure on that so dont quote me.

[Colossus]

For the record I'd just like to say that a cast iron block (LT1) is stronger than an aluminum one (LS1). LS1 is a good motor, don't get me wrong, but the LT1 block is stronger. If you want a stronger LS1 style block go with a LQ9 6.0 litre truck block. Its cast iron.

If you opt for the LT1 I reccomend the Corvette engine as it is a four bolt main. If your building the engine get the Camaro/Impala engine and splay it to a four bolt.

If your putting boost to a stock block go with a Procharger kit. With the intercooler option you can push 12 psi to a stock LT1 if I'm not mistaken. Don't do anymore though. With that I would do supporting mods (i.e. headers, intake, etc) but wouldn't go heads and cam. The engine won't like it.

Also a tune can be more conservative and use more fuel and give the engine a longer life. The leaner you go the more power you make but theres a bigger chance you can lean out the engine. Not a huge deal on an naturally aspirated car, hell, not even a problem really. If you lose fuel pressure the engine doesn't care too much. On a boosted vehicle a loss of fuel pressure will immediatly kill the engine, blowing ring lands, melting pistons, and a whole mess of bad things.

The only thing I would worry about on a stock engine would be the rods. If the tune is good your pistons will be fine. The rods on the other hand are the real limiting factor as I understand it. You will break them around 550 hp I do believe.

[j0n]

I agree with colossus with the exception of the rods...LT1 rods iirc are some crazy strong pieces, and the pistons will self-destruct long before the rods do...some good advice regardless :smt023