Hey guys.

Well my 60k bottom end developed a knock last night. Wasn't really hard on it, but am not sure how the previous owner treated it. In any case, i gotta fix it, so here is what I want:

A) don't want the build to get out of hand, this is a car i want to drive anywhere, got a third gen to race at track.

B) have a nitrous system installed, but have never used it (nitrous works wet kit , 75-175). Want to be able to spray 125 comfortably, and 75 with no sweat.

Was doing some reaserch, but been out of the lt1 loope for a long time. To keep it affordable and keep the need for more and more supporting mods to a minimum, help me pick a combo:

-Stock 2 bolt mains with stock hardware, or perhaps ARP studs. Suggestion?

-stock crank, resized (if its still ok, aftermarket if not)

-stock rods, resized, using stock hardware or ARP, suggestion?

-SRP forged piston, stock bore if a hone would be adaquate, .020 or .030 over if not

-stock heads with MAYBE a SUPER MILD home clean up/port/gasket match with new valvejob and seals (need to save money, plus more hp means more supporting stuff I have to change)

-cc503 cam or something like that. This is where I really need help choosing. I want it to remain well mannered.

-comp behive springs or whatever I need to match to that cam, i already have 1.6 RR and guideplates

Does this sound like a viable combo? Right now car makes around 290rwhp, 330rwhp would be nice if I can do it on the budget. I want to be able to run my stock injectors, throttle body and all the related stuff. Car runs GREAT right now, minus the knock, want to keep it that way.

Let me know what you guys think, like I said I don't want a major buildup, that's how costs get out of hand, and car becomes less uselfull. One day I want a FAST lt1, but for now I just want a good working fun street car. I can't afford to have 2 cars I can only use at the track effectivley.

Do you guys think that this would be a good combo or would I need more stuff?

Thanks a lot. Kinda bummed out the stock motor is having issues, but that's life I guess. Its time for me to learn how to pull the motor from the bottom...

P.S. I should mention I have a set of spare lt1 rods, car has msd opti and ignition, and has electric water pump (so can run double roller chain, what kind)?

 

Don't like the idea of putting time into a rebuild but using stock mains, stock crank or stock rods and shooting 125. Doesn't make sense to me. Without rebuilding, maybe, but not if your going to all that trouble anyway.

Suggest putting splayed 4 bolts on the center 3 mains.

Forged crank

Forged rods with crank end clearanced more than stock to help eliminate the common LT1 spun rod bearing.

Now let's hear from everyone that says "I been spraying for x number of years on a stock bottom end without any problems"

 

Ya, i understand what you are saying. I guess I have to really decide if i'm gonna spray or not.

The problem is the parts you just listed with machine work to do them are not cheap. Makes the build 2-3x more. And then the temptation to get better heads, start making even more power, and then needing all the other parts to go with it.

Lets say I decided to go with a good rotating and 4 bolt mains, but keep the 355" motor, what kind of money am I looking at for these parts/machine work?

Also what do you mean buy making more crank end clerance? Rod to journal, or crank endplay?

 

Honestly on a budget I think your plan seems perfectly fine to me. Just use arp studs and bolts, good bearings, good oiling set up, and take your time doing it and it will be fine.
The only thing I would change is I would go with some eagle forged I beam rods, there pretty cheap and alot better than stock IMO