Just doing a basic cheap rebuild but strong and reliable if i want to mod in the future. Lemme know your opinions. Thx.


Cam (already have it): LT4 hotcam kit with GMPP ED timing set
Heads: Stock ported
Intake: Stock ported
Crank: Eagle ESP cast stock stroke
Rods: SCAT I beams
Pistons: Speed Pro hypers (~9.9:1 with stock cc heads)
Tuning: was already done by MadZ28

So am i looking at a good cheap reliable setup here? how much do you think it'll make hp wise?

 

Probably about the same as a factory stock engine with ported heads and hotcam. Maybe around 350 to 370rwhp.
Why skimp on the compression? I mean stock is 10.5:1 so...

 

I'd use a stock crank and rods. Also, you are giving up hp with the compression.

Rich

 

If you are going to buy a new crank, might as well make it a stroker crank, and I would bore the block at least .010 over to make sure the cylinders are precise and hone it so the rings will seat.

 

Quick question what do most machine shops charge to turn/polish a stock crank? Because if it's more than or equal to the cost of a Scat or Eagle cast steel crank then why not a new crank? Also if you add stroke you are going to add to the cost of the block machining because the block will have to be clearanced for the stocker crank whereas if you get a stock stroke crank you don't have to do that, plus everyone may not want a stroker engine.

 

We don't know anything about the condition of the stock crank. I was just saying that it's probalby a better piece than what he is proposing to use. IOW, he is "downgrading". Ditto with the rods. Cheap foreign stuff often requires reworking in "new" condition.

Rich

 

the machine shop i used recommended using the stock crank over a scat(oem style) so thats what i did, they said the stocker is stronger than a scat

 

save some money for better pistons and maybe some 6" rods .i am not a fan of speed pros ) like rskrause said your give up free hp with the lower compression pistons . if you what cheap summit has a so so rebuild kits http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...4294925232+115

 

i see you are i north east ohio what part. i can tell you a few good shops to go to .just tell me your not having any thing done by motor heads in elyria (hacks)

 

So let's say you want to do a low budget rebuild with forged pistons & rods, and you already have ported heads& intake, cam, 58mm tb.I don't want to build a stroker right now but I want a fresh engine that will make 350 - 380 at the wheels. What's the best route to take?

 

IF you're going to keep it N/A then use stock rods, crank and hyper-u pistons. Hell if the block only needs a hone you could always reuse the stock pistons as long as they're in good shape. No need for different main caps either.

 

So Rich, do you think just a stock rebuild would just be fine? Did the LT1 come stock with hypereutectic pistons or cast?

 

Im in Eastlake, im using powerline engine for the rebuild since thy're so close.

And im keeping it N/A becuase its my summer DD, i just want to abuse it a little bit every now and then be reliable and get good MPG. I have my mustang for when im feeling crazy.

Also, whats the stock thickness of a head gasket? .050 compressed?
And would using a felpro .039 gasket raise clearance issues with my cam lift (.525)

 

I'd get it apart and see the condition of the parts. The range of possibilities includes everything is fine, so all that would be needed is a light hone, new rings and bearings, and put it back together to everyting needing replacement and boring and honing the cylinders and mains. Until you know what condition the motor is in, you really don't have enough information to decide. How many miles on it, how does it run now?

Stock pistons are HE made by Mahle and are fine except they don't like boost.

Rich

 

Thanks for the reply, i'm new to chevys. The shortblock has 95,000 miles on it, runs great, no noises, but no oil pressure at hot idle (mech gauge says about 2-3 psi) So i figured it opened up a bearing clearance somewhere after the cam swap and its bleeding off pressure. So i pulled it out for rebuild, but want to keep the 10.5:1 or close to, just NA ported heads, cam, intake, DD car. I searched summit and it gave me two different compression distances, 1.550 and 1.560. Don't know which is correct. a set of hypers with rings is $161.69 http://store.summitracing.com/partde...rsview=sku&Ns=. Scat I beams are 189.95. Gonna re-use the crank if possible. But i'll leave it up to you to steer me in the right direction on what to get, and I'll have to see what my machinist says about the condition of the parts too.

-Kurt