i got about $3k to build a solid running 355. the car is a daily driver, and im hoping to dip into the high 11's to low 12's on motor. later on im gonna spray it, but thats until i get a 12 bolt and a good tranny. i spun some bearings on my stock bottom end, so i need to build a reliable one. already have all the valvetrain, and all bolt-on's. this is my list so far:

xe230/236
cm-612 springs
hardend pushrods
1.6 pro mags
LT's/ duals
ram air intake
3000 stall
52 tb
new opti

still need the bottom end, nice set of heads if possible, some 30# injectors, and a new fuel pump. all opinons are welcome, thanks.

 

If you want a forged setup then 3k MIGHT get you the assembly,machine work, and all the little stuff for the rebuild. Heads? I don't think you can do it on that budget.

I got a hell of a deal on my rotating assembly and still spent $2500 on the bottomend.

 

My short block alone (forged 355) was $3500. Then shipping & core charge on top of that. Heads & cam was somewhere around $2k. A rebuild on the A4 to handle this is going to be another $1k more or less. On top of that, there's the TB, stall, the valve train, injectors, supplies, oil, filters, gaskets, oil pump.. it goes on and on.

If I were you, I'd contact a shop/builder you feel comfortable with. You (I did too) almost need a consultant here on what to get - and in what order to get it - so you can spend your $ intelligently and get the most out of it possible.

 

Ditch them dam valvesprings too.

 

Go w/ a 58mm TB.

 

I second that motion!!

I don't think you need a fully forged bottom end. I think a Scat cast steel crank, Eagle or Scat I beams, and a good lightweight forged piston would be plenty. Stud the 2 bolt mains as well. I don't think your gonna be able to afford a set of heads...maybe if ya scrape some more up you can get the LE1 porting done to your heads.

 

i was thinking about going with a cast crank(scat or eagle), then get some h-beams, and topped off with some srp pistons. anyone reccommend a company that can put together a setup like this for a good price? also i was thinking of going with a custom cam on stock heads, till i can afford the heads. im definately going with some LE2 heads and a strong running cam, i like the 230/236 that i have now cuz it drove great with alvin's tune.

i really dont want to spend all my $$ on a forged bottom end when i have seen some fast stock crank/rods LT1's around here. but i would feel way safer getting a new bottom end rather than salvage what i have, or am i wrong?

 

Cast crank is a fine idea, H beams are not necessary and more than a set of 4340 Scat I beams, the I beams are lighter and less so go with them, SRP pistons are fine...I like Mahle's because they are about the same price, come coated, and come with Rings already. Think about them as well. None of these things are overly expensive. 2 bolt main studs are like $50.

 

so then im getting a scat crank, 4340 i-beams, and some srp/mahle pistons.
on choosing pistons what comp ratio should i shoot for, and what size(5.7/6") rods should i go with?

 

I would go with the 6" rod, and a -5cc volumed flattop piston.

 

Reuse the stock crank if you can. Then again the Eagle and Scat cast cranks are cheap!

Get flat top pistons, zero deck the block and run a fel pro head gasket and your compression ratio will be perfect.

I would run a 6" rod because you get a lighter piston then.

Bret

 

just ran into this site cnc-motorsports.com i was looking at the rotating assem. and came up with these, the first is by scat, and the second by eagle.

http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/produ...020&CtgID=8999
http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/produ...32&CtgID=12027

what do you think? and why is there such a difference in price, they are basically the same setup?

 

The eagle is more expensive because it comes with a forged crank. I personally like CNC-motorsports and have ordered stuff from them before. Both kits look alright, however I could call them and tell them exactly what you want, they will custom tailor a rotating assembly just for your needs and wants.

The first one you listed has 5.7" rods, the second has 6.125" rods. If your planning on spraying like you say, you should probably shy away from the 6.125" rod.

 

Bret good thing you got back on here. i was wondering should i stay with my 230/236 or jump into a custom grind? reason i ask is i would like to reuse my stock heads and valvetrain, til i can get some more $$$ for some LE2's. i heard that you cant get the LE2 cam by itself, so i can just get a custom in the mean time and run my stockers.

 

you can also check out probe pistons. they are pretty good and pretty cheap.