BlackedOut LS1

iTrader: (4)

My LS1 is being rebuilt it is torn down now and I'm trying to figure if I want to do forged rods and pistons in case I want to do F/I next summer. My engine builder advised me against Scat I beams bc he had probs in the past. A member here has a set for $300, and another member has a set of forged Mahle power pack pistons for a great price also. I looked over one of the stickies, I know the stock bottom end can handle some boost, but I don't want to have to worry about breaking anything under boost or if I can even meet my HP goals on a boosted stock bottom. Will the budget forged items be ok, will I need a forged crank also?

DEFYANT

I would do K1 Technologies Rods and Wiseco Pistons, both are budget options and very well made. You can use your factory crankshaft. Don't forget about ARP Main Studs, Head Studs, New Bearings, and New Gaskets.

fire67bird

Watch the video starting at 4:00.

Forged pistons are great, just know what you are getting yourself into.

BlackedOut LS1

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for that, do you think that forged piston would expand much in a 480-600 HP engine@Crank? The car wont be a DD, but its built to be. My engine builder should be getting back to me in the morning.

DEFYANT

That video made me lol. Do forged rods and pistons.

Bob@BruteSpeed

iTrader: (16)

After you add in the cost of machining and the cost of putting the engine together, spending a few hundred extra dollars for better parts won't seem so bad. The stock crank has proven itself to be good for 1000 hp. I have found Compstar rods, Diamonds pistons and Total Seal file to fit rings work very well in many builds. ARP heads studs and GM MLS head gaskets are what I recommend for keeping the heads in place. Bob

BlackedOut LS1

iTrader: (4)

The extra money for budget forged parts wouldn't have been bad a few months back. But my car sat 5 months before they touched it, and well I spent some money over that time. Now to spend an extra 7-$800 seems like a lot Bc once they tore the engine down my quote went up also. Shoulda bought a new 408 block for all this money I'm spending.