mpe331lx

I have done searches and can not find any solid answers. I have plans to build a 97 lt1 with either an AI 185 or AI 200 heads and cam package with all of the supporting mods:
AI ported intake
30 lb inj
52 or 58mm tb
1 3/4 LTs + y pipe
maganaflow catback
CSR elec water pump
255lph intank pump
And many nickel and dime mods
I was planning on going with a forged rotating assembly or at least a set of SRP pistons, but I have reached the end of my budget. By going into the shortblock, I would have to shell out more money for machine work and balancing on top of the parts.
I plan on tearing down the engine soon. I will check the cylinders for wear, out of round, and taper. If it looks good I will clean up hone it replace the rings, bearings, and add arp rod bolts.
I know that the stock pistons are not the strongest, what I would like to know is : Will it last as long as it is kept N/A, has a safe tune without any detonation, and the rpms are kept within a safe limit?
I have seen quite a few stock lower end heads and cam cars run well into the 11s............ But how long do they do it for?

mdacton

i have a stock longblock lt1. shift it at 6500 and i made over 500 passes on a 50k mile motor. spun a rod brg. and had to replace the crank honed it and replaced all the bearings...its still holding up has another 150 passes on it now. when i raplaced the crank it was a stock one i got for 50 bucks, pistons and rods are stock but i had it all checks and 2 rods needed to be resized the rest was good.... thats how i did it cause im broke

automotivebreath

I'd say for a long time if properly maintained not abused.

There's a guy that bracket races a mid 90's Camaro at the local track, he's been doing so for the last 11 years. He run's an aftermarket cam with a calibrated computer but otherwise a stock LT1. It runs 11.50's turning under 6000 RPM, extremely reliable engines!

96capricemgr

Bearings are the only thing I would worry about. The stock rings and hone are good and LT1s exhibit little bore wear compared to older carberated stuff. The stock pistons will hold a lot as long is it is not detonated under a power adder.