maddboost

iTrader: (11)

Ok well heres the thing I am a college student whos just as broke as my car. Its got a toasted engine and trans. Im borrowing money from my dad to get my car up and running so buying performance parts is really a pain seeing as its his money. Ive been quoted a price by a local shop for a rebuilt stock motor with stock pistons, stock rods, ARP rod bolts, diamond rings, slp double timing roller chain, slp ported oil pump, G5X2 cam, PP LS6 heads. Installed in my car for $3300. My question is should I opt for forged pistons and rods? Im figuring those would add about $1200 to the price. Im really lean on money and my dad really doesnt see the point in forged pistons and rods. I plan on spraying the motor later on but figured I would have the motor rebuilt again at that time with my own money. Should I just bite the bullet and sell a lung to cover the difference(I hear if you lose a kidney you cant drink alcohol any more, so **** that)? I pretty much know I should go with the forged motor but want your guys opinions.

chino_man279

iTrader: (7)

If I were you I would go with some stage two 5.3 heads and use the saved money to help foot the bill of forged rods and pistons. By the time you sell your current heads you could probably be out of the whole deal in the $3500 range...

Mike K.

I would say get the forged piston and rods while your rebuilding it. Now is the time if any to do it and you can justify it to your dad because this is something that will be more for safety/reliability than anything else.

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

I personally would just do the forged pistons, stock rods with ARP bolts, and a set of 5.3 heads.

The reason you tossed a rod is probably because a rod bolt let loose (pre 01s had weaker rod bolts) which is where the ARPs come in. The forged pistons will help protect you from minor detonation (and allow some more spray) and the 5.3 heads will give you the added performance (from the compression) without the cost of the LS6 heads.

Though as others will say, if you see lots of spray/hp in your future, now is the time to upgrade to the forged rods. Eagle H-beams are cheap (~$450) and will take a lot of abuse.


Whatever you do, I feel your pain. I'm having to rebuild VERY soon (MAJOR oil consumption due to cracked ring lands) and its a PITA needing the car to go to school.

stangkillin99ss

Ive got a fully forged 347 in mine and wouldnt do it any other way. I went Diamond pistons, lunati billit rods blah blah blah...total cost for all parts was about 3.5k after honing the block and all that other bs (oil pump roller timing chain, roller rockers,..ect) but i get all my work done at the dealership so add another 3k for labor and your done....though i have a problem spinning bearings now..stock bearings dont like 7k!

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

a stock stroke forged crank is a waste of money untill you get WAY out there in HP

stangkillin99ss

id say 800rwhp is wayy out there wouldnt you??

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

well yeah....that is.......

most of us will never see more than about 550 - 600 at the most

David Plum

That's to cheap are you sure they know what there doing? overhaul with heads installed 3300.00

maddboost

iTrader: (11)

Lets put it this way they are a supporter of this site. So they know what they are doing. I would rather not say which shop as the owner was alittle pissed at himself for the price he quoted me for but the stand up guy he is he honored it.