[DapperDan]

Looking for suggestions what would yall do? I will probably shoot for 900 to 950 whp , want it strong enough to beat the snot out of it every weekend without worrying about it .
Only wanna do it once. Would a factory Lt4 short block be enough? What aftermarket crank, rods&pistons? Stay stock cubes 416, 427? Stock heads with upgraded valves (what kind)or aftermarket heads? Thanks for the options

[Choda]

Do you want to build the engine yourself or order one?

whatever power plant you decide, get ready to spend thousands on a fuel system.

[DapperDan]

Yeah trying to decide if I want to build or just buy one done. I've read people using drop in rods n pistons and then the crank screws up , or next they have valves breaking. Just wondering what others would do to make one strong as possible.

[RabbitZL1]

Originally Posted by DapperDan

Yeah trying to decide if I want to build or just buy one done. I've read people using drop in rods n pistons and then the crank screws up , or next they have valves breaking. Just wondering what others would do to make one strong as possible.

Being that I've done this (built my own motor), I would suggest calling someone like Thompson motorsports and get it built one time. Its easier, and theirs even comes with a warranty as long as they install the oil pump. If you have the ability to do it yourself, go ahead but i wouldnt use drop in anything.

[Choda]

I have bought a short block and built my own. Depends on your skill and amount you want to spend.

If you are building your own, I highly suggest having a machine shop balance the rotating assembly with the new rods and pistons. Its a couple bucks and a little bit of down time but well worth the outcome.

as far as valves in the heads, send your oem heads out for porting, valves and springs. Its much better to have the pros do it with your existing heads.

[laynlo15]

I don't think there is a big advantage to building a 427 if your going to boost it, I'd build a 377 up to maybe a 408. I agree with Choda, GM has done a great job with these heads and will not require a lot of porting, but more of a clean up with new valves and springs. Some light porting will really make them flow much better but you can hurt power by over porting them also. Are you still going to run a Pro Charger?

[DapperDan]

Stepping up to D1X , +30 injectors, big bore hpfp, Aux low side,
Will run MS 109 / E85 not worried about pump gas ,90% drag strip maybe cruise night now n then. Do yall know the GM part number for a LT4 short block? Just bouncing thoughts around , I will get with Brett to finalize everything

[KingLT1]

I would just build your current block if it's in good shape. Rods, pistons, better thrust bearing...etc. You don't need more stroke for boost.

[Choda]

Originally Posted by KingLT1

I would just build your current block if it's in good shape. Rods, pistons, better thrust bearing...etc. You don't need more stroke for boost.

i agree. Order some nice rods and pistons with arp everything. Drop them off at local machine shop for balancing and assembly of the short block. Send your heads out for upgrades.

[laynlo15]

Originally Posted by KingLT1

I would just build your current block if it's in good shape. Rods, pistons, better thrust bearing...etc. You don't need more stroke for boost.

Yup, if you were going NA then the 427 would be the best route but not boosted.