RamAir95TA

Hi guys -

I'm doing an AI H/C 200cc's right with ported intake install right now and I'm considering building up a 355/383 while I'm in there. Has anyone use CPE (Cook Performance Engines)? They seem to have some decent prices with some different parts. I'm certainly interested in the street 355, but if I come up with some extra fundage, the racer 383 is also considered.

Here's a link - http://www.cpengines.com/lt1_short.shtml

What does everyone think? I have every other bolt-on and car will not be my DD.

96capricemgr

I wouldn't put Eagle forged parts in my car much less the Eagle cast stuff. The Eagle cast crank I guarantee you is weaker than stock. The rods they are using are rated to 500hp at 6000rpms those are really low numbers, those are no better than stock.

I would sooner have someone local rebuild the rods and rebearing the motor keeping stock everything than use that "street 355", better yet how about the AI budget 355 kit with good pistons and rods which has you reuse the crank.

I know this stuff is not cheap, but "cheap" almost always cost more in the longrun, over on LS1tech a guy was recently posting pics of what happened to his cast Eagle crank stroker, less than 1000 miles and he is back to a stock shortblock.

neil350

Machining an LT1 isn't really all that different then a Gen I SBC, your better off farming your machine work out locally, reuse the stock crank and invest in some good rods and pistons. The stock crank isn't a bad piece, Jason Warren went mid 9s with his in a 355. I have never used I beams, but Eagle H beams aren't bad plenty of people have gone fast with them, including Rich Intrau, he ran 8.0s with a set in his LT1. I really dont trust mail order places like that, unless it's a big name where they have a reputation and some accountability.

96capricemgr

I looked it up on Summit and those rods were like $230, they are the cheapies not even middle ground.

I don't like Eagle atall but even they have various quality levels and the stuff being offered in the street package is bottom of the barrel from a bottom of the barrel company.

MachinistOne

I always say figure out your budget first, then see what you can get for your money. I would not waste money on cast eagle parts, as has been said - stock parts are just as good or better. I'd also say that with the economy the way it is right now, supporting a local business would be a good thing to do.