m3nd3zls1

building an aluminum 5.7 with stock crank, just wondering what would be a good rod and piston combo my thoughts were eagle rods and JE piston combo but not really sure

side notes im thinking to go with 243 heads ls6 intake and ive been seeing on here the torquer v2 is a good choice. my goal is 400-500 hp

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Eagle H beam rods is what I'm running, alot of builders don't like them because they are made in china but they work for alot of people with high HP..

most aftermarket pistons are made from 2618 forged aluminum so they are all pretty similar in that aspect, I have diamond pistons.. but JE's would work good, wiseco, mahle..

and get ARP 2000 rod bolts, they are only $20-$30 more than the 8740 rod bolts but are higher quality..

groundZ-28ERO

im also running eagle H beams. mahle pistons, 243 heads

m3nd3zls1

I was worries naming off JE because I haven't really seen them on here people using them, it was either JE or diamond would of been my choice.

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

what kind of build are you doing? heads and cam? nitrous?

m3nd3zls1

well I was wanting to build it with cam and heads, and possibly nitrous. I wanted to slap a procharger on it but after reading on here I might want to avoid it until I build an lq4 or 9 for it giving that the iron block can withstand more hp

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Yeah I hear ya, I only asked since if your only doing heads and cam the stock rods and pistons will work good.. but if your doing nitrous then forged pistons with approriate gapped rings will be better..

m3nd3zls1

gapped? meaning like -2cc or are you talking about something else, im a bit of a noob this is my first ever ls1 build

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

When running nitrous or power adder its best to gap your piston rings to the power level you want to run, I'm assuming your getting everything installed at a machine shop? just tell them your goals and that you want to run nitrous possibly and they should set you up...

-2cc etc are valve reliefs, it allows you to run a bigger cam and not make piston to valve contact..

m3nd3zls1

yea I was planning buy the parts then go have them installed.
ok makes sense on the piston to valve contact.

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Just search around in your area and find a good shop that works on LS motors, alot of places will say they can do it, and they can... but I would stick with a reputable shop that works on your specific motor... shouldnt be too hard to find one in your area

m3nd3zls1

I see in you tag your in Anaheim, I live right in Riverside. do you know any good shops around

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Hmm not in riverside, but my shortblock is being built in a shop in escondido and the head guy their build 100-200 LS engine a year...

But CMS in murietta is a sponser here and they are only 1 1/2 hr from you...

http://www.cunningham-motorsports.com/

Hes also a great tuner, and he's very busy (which means he's very good)

I plan to get a tune from him very soon

m3nd3zls1

thanks for the info man i'll look into those places

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

no problem. pm me for the escondido shop

65442

Compstar (Callies) makes nice rods. Diamond, JE, and CP all make quality pistons.

m3nd3zls1

oh before I forget, would the rotating assembly kit on TSP be worth the buy or just avoid it

65442

I plan to buy the rotating assembly kit from TSP, but will most likely upgrade the pistons to Diamonds. Have only heard good things about that kit. Seems like a solid deal.

m3nd3zls1

I keep reading the kit details, it seems like a solid buy but I keep wondering since I have a stock crank already I think I can buy the rod and pistons separate

65442

Just give TSP a call and see what they think? I'm sure you could save money by purchasing only pistons/rods/bearings. As long as your stock crank will survive what you plan to throw at it, then I think it would be tough to justify the purchase of a new crank. All I have is a block and set of heads. So their kit makes sense for me.