88 VET

Hi I have a 1988 l98 that has a knock i would like to know what year blocks can i use it has roller cams and alum heads.

Pete K

87-91 vette block
87-present GM Gen 1 block

88 VET

What is cond a gen 1 block and what did they come in. thanks

BADDUCK

Too many to list just search for a Gen 1 SBC 5.7L / 350 CI

TheCorvetteKid

Generally speaking, a Gen I small block is every small block V8 made from 1955 until 1991, before GM switched to the LT1-style (or Gen II) engine block.

Of course, Gen I blocks aren't all the same as there have been numerous updates/refinements though the years, most of which occurred during the last few years of production. As you've mentioned, you need a factory Gen I block that will accept roller lifters, and that didn't go into production until 1987 (in Corvettes at least). So you should be looking at engine blocks made between 1987 and 1991.

I should mention that any Gen I small block will accept aluminum cylinder heads; roller lifters can be run in virtually any Gen I small block, but it will require the use of special roller lifters (you can't reuse your old factory roller lifters).

bwiencek

Most anything 87-1999 (or 2000) will work - there are some minor differences - such as some didn't have the fuel pump pushrod hole drilled and some didn't have the bosses drilled and tapped for the roller lifter "spider" - but that can be easily drilled/tapped at home so the block didn't have to come with a roller cam in order to use one!

Look at caprice's and pickups as donors for the engine block as they will generally be a lot cheaper than asking for a "corvette block" as soon as you say that some places will double the price.

Unless you've trashed the heads then I'd have them re-built and re-use them and the cam - I'd throw in a better cam while you're rebuilding and either re-use the rest of the valvetrain parts or purchase all new....

TheCorvetteKid

While a block from '87-2000 may physically fit, if the OP is planning to reuse his old cylinder heads, then he can't use an LT1 (Gen II) block. The Gen II had reverse-flow cooling, which pumped coolant up to the heads first, then down into the block; the coolant passages in the heads and block were different when compared to the Gen I. The Gen II LT1 block was introduced in 1992 (on Corvettes) and I believe they became the standard small block used in everything from Caprices to pickup trucks and vans starting in 1993. If that's the case, then saying anything from 87-2000 is wrong since the OP's original cylinder heads can't be reused on a Gen II block.

bwiencek

Guess I typed that a little fast and wasn't too clear - I was thinking pickup truck engines for the later models (still have the 'standard flow' cooling) on the vortec headed stuff... (hence the "MOST" comment )

TheCorvetteKid

I was under the impression that everything went to a Gen II style block after 1993. But if what you say is true, that pickup truck engines where still based on the Gen I block, then you're correct in suggesting that these engines could be used as replacements by the OP. And if they are 4-bolt main blocks, then all the better.

I stand corrected.

larry93lt1

Why not keep what you have and rebuild. Numbers matching still a good idea. Knocks can be fixed !

hooked073

difference between 1 and 2 rear main seal

kenv

Just because it knocks does not mean the block is automatically trashed

88 VET

Thanks A lot guys i think i will rebuild the engine i have just need to fine a good rebuilt kit hard to fine here in Maryland.

bwiencek

Just go to the local machine shop and talk with them - they can source all the parts that you need... Otherwise I'd be shopping on-line for the parts and if your crank is scored up badly I'd be looking at a 383 stroker kit as the main difference in parts cost is in the crankshaft and balancing of the kit vs stock.

Your machine shop should be able to give options on things such as piston choices, ring choices, etc. to save some money or support whatever your ultimate HP and durability goals are...