Budgent FI 355. I have machine questions

95 lt1

The plan is bore 0.030 over. CHEAP dish pistons. Reuse the rest of the stock bottom end.

What is ABSOLUTELY necessary as far as machine work?

Ive read lots of diff posts saying one persone did this, another did that. It is pretty clear that I shouldnt just by 4.0 pistons and pop them in and run it.... :confused:

Skip the rest if not interested, but heres the setup.

-T-70 from friend - $300
- Ebay intercooler - $250
- Racegate or simmilar large wastegate - $250ish
- Ebay bov,,, $50ish if I dont go dsm
- Mandrel bends $200 should cover all of it, weld myself
- Stock manifolds - $0
- 42# Injectors -$250 used??
- Adjustable fmu - $100
- Cosmetic Head gaskets, or copper spacer. Something arround 0.040 total Height. - $50-$100
- Dish pistons @ - 24 or -31 --- $300 - ???
- Machine work $?????
- Walboro in tank - $120
- Self tuning - $0
- Gaskets, new bearings, freeze plugs, etc @ $200 - $300

- Budget does include a clutch and valvetrain later, but Im willing to wait for my fairly new gm clutch to give up the ghost. Just no 3-4k launches.

Basically I want to get down into very low 9:1 or high 8:1s compression. Then push 7-8psi daily @ upwards of 12-15psi for track/dyno.

Biggest concern right now is getting the pistons into the bottom end.

Thanks guys, I know its crazy, I know similar have been asked. But Ive been reading for weeks and would like some input on my ideas.

***EDIT *** The question was about machine work, not bashing the thought. If ptk can do 400+ horses on stock motor with injectors, some lower cr and good fueling can at least get that far.

95 lt1
The plan is bore 0.030 over. CHEAP dish pistons. Reuse the rest of the stock bottom end.

Basically I want to get down into very low 9 or high 8's on the compression. Then push 7-8psi daily @ upwards of 12-15psi for track/dyno.

Thanks guys, I know its crazy...

I think you said it...

FWIW: I don't think you can get there from here with your plan.

forged pistons and rods along with a stud kit is absolutely minimal in my opinion when doing a FI rebuild.

Here is a couple things I have learned first hand with engine building, and others will back me up on.

1. Do it right the first time or it will cost you more in the long run
2. Double your budget (sounds stupid for first timers, but I will almost guarantee it will come in at least double that figure).
3. Dont buy junk pistons. Drop the money on some JE's or Diamonds.

Just my opinion.

I wouldn't run that kind of boost on stock rods. Listen to what he ^^^^^ said.

JE's arn't priced half bad. -24cc dish with 0.040 on the head gasket would get very close to 9:1 on stock heads.

I think that you would be building a time bomb. If you are going to do it, like they said, do it right the first time. I am building a FI LT1 and I was going to use a stock crank but did some research and went with a 4340 forged Cola instead. I am also using Manley forged H beam rods and Forged Diamond blower pistons. All of the block is going to be studded also. It may take me a lot longer to get it compete from buying more expensive parts but I would rather wait and have a better more reliable finsihed product. Good luck.

Ok, so the 15 is a bit far fetched. But the 8ish is more than realistic. Common every seller out there has a kit for @ 8-9 pounds. Some require meth, your telling me that the change in cr and good fueling couldn't make up for that? I saw Outcast pull just over 450wrhp on a proturbo with stock everything.

We are just trying to help you out dude. Ultimately, the final decision is up to you but you are getting advise from people who have actually built LT1 engine and know what it takes. Sure, some people have had success with stock rods, but I know people that have broken rod bolts on stock motors. Personally, why for a few hundred dollars would you want to chance ruining your stuff?

I agree they are great ideas. And I may very well take that extra step, but my concern now with budget/planning is what must a machine shop do for me?

-The bore - How much ish?
- Balance
- And?

Thanks guys, not meaning to be a jerk, I just dont take no very well.

Thanks guys, not meaning to be a jerk, I just dont take no very well.

I can't add anything to that...

I can't add anything to that...


Didnt think so, both of your posts have been wastes of space.

This post will be closed. First, it doesn't belong on Advanced Tech. Second, there appears to be an attitude problem. If you have any questions, use the PM.

Fred