Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

SLP ZL 402 Stroker a flop, you tell me....

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-16-2004, 12:26 PM
  #1  
TECH Addict
Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
 
Billiumss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Erie, PA
Posts: 2,975
Received 14 Likes on 10 Posts

Default SLP ZL 402 Stroker a flop, you tell me....

I called SLP to find out more info about their new ZL 402 Short Block, let's just say when something looks too good to be true, it probably is...

Here is what I found out:

- There is NO warranty of any kind on the short block, you buy it as is
- S&H is about $110.00
- The ZL 402 uses all STOCK GM bearings
- Will not give out the brand names of internal parts
- It is externally balanced
- Even though it is a new block, they told me it was line bored and honed
- They think it has valve reliefs in the pistons

For that kind of money, the use of stock bearings and no warranty, I think I'll take my chances, save some money, and just build my own 402/408 with the help of other local guys that have built engines before.
Old 06-16-2004, 01:04 PM
  #2  
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (10)
 
94form2000z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Arlington, TX Congestion City
Posts: 720
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

SLP has never impressed me much so I'm not surprised.
Old 06-16-2004, 01:15 PM
  #3  
LS1Tech Co-Founder
iTrader: (34)
 
Pro Stock John's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 44,659
Received 1,099 Likes on 721 Posts

Default

You can PM 'horsepower' on here that is Brian Reese from SLP, he can answer all questions.
Old 06-16-2004, 01:53 PM
  #4  
TECH Veteran
 
robertbartsch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hartsdale, NY
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Externally balanced?

You mean I have to dis-assemble the engine, take it to a machine shop together with my flywheel and crank pulley, have them balance the assembly (about $300) then re-assemble the rotating parts in the block... a machine shop would charge another $300 or so for re-assembly....

I saw an ad for this at $3,500 but now I understand it is $4,000. So it is close to $5K when it is done; right?

I like the idea that it can be ordered in 9-to1 or 10-to1 compression ratios, however.
Old 06-16-2004, 02:02 PM
  #5  
TECH Veteran
 
robertbartsch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hartsdale, NY
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I live about 2 hours from their NJ shop so I could save $110 S&H????

I would suspect this has an Eagle crank - it says in the ad that the crank, rods, and pistons are forged....

I guess it is not a bad value but I wish it was internally balanced - are you sure about the balancing - that sounds very weird?

SLP does not warranty anything - I have an SLP short shifter where the springs broke after six months - boo.. I also have an SLP air box lid that does not fit well.... I have an SLP aluminum ram air tube that blocks the air passage to my AC condensor...it is the one SLP component that works as advertised but my AC is not very cold, however.... so I took it out of the car Saturday - AC runs colder now...
Old 06-16-2004, 03:53 PM
  #6  
7 Second Club
iTrader: (5)
 
10.5 Dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Grove City Ohio/Port Washington L.I sometimes
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Billiumss
I called SLP to find out more info about their new ZL 402 Short Block, let's just say when something looks too good to be true, it probably is...

Here is what I found out:

- There is NO warranty of any kind on the short block, you buy it as is
- S&H is about $110.00
- The ZL 402 uses all STOCK GM bearings
- Will not give out the brand names of internal parts
- It is externally balanced
- Even though it is a new block, they told me it was line bored and honed
- They think it has valve reliefs in the pistons

For that kind of money, the use of stock bearings and no warranty, I think I'll take my chances, save some money, and just build my own 402/408 with the help of other local guys that have built engines before.
Bill you'd be crazy to buy that from SLP.You know too much local talent between Dayton and Columbus to waste your money.
Old 06-16-2004, 08:10 PM
  #7  
TECH Addict
Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
 
Billiumss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Erie, PA
Posts: 2,975
Received 14 Likes on 10 Posts

Default

I know, just checking ALL options first.
Old 06-16-2004, 10:14 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
iTrader: (24)
 
Country Boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 6,034
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Is anything from SLP not a flop?

Actually GM bearing are damn good. Also, Its a damn good idea to have a new block lined bored and honed. I didnt have my new block line bored and it cost me $2k++ because I had to tear it apart and rebuild it with a new crank after the main bearings got tore up badly because the line bore on the new block was waaaaaaaaay off.
Old 06-16-2004, 10:59 PM
  #9  
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (12)
 
Krazy98Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Fall River, MA
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

whats wrong with the HPE 408 for $4000
Old 06-16-2004, 11:03 PM
  #10  
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (8)
 
ss rally red's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Destin FL
Posts: 4,298
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

SLP is like paying "list price" at your local auto parts store.
Old 06-16-2004, 11:05 PM
  #11  
jrp
SN95 Director
iTrader: (16)
 
jrp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Valencia, Ca
Posts: 10,755
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by ss rally red
SLP is like paying "list price" at your local auto parts store.
like a muthafucka
Old 06-16-2004, 11:36 PM
  #12  
Teching In
 
SloZ06's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Clovis, New Mexico
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I was proud of all my SLP parts on my cars till I started shopping around. Expensive,for one thing, then some of the sales staff act like their doing you a favor by selling you their parts!!
Old 06-17-2004, 12:23 AM
  #13  
FormerVendor
 
racer7088's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Houston, Tx.
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts

Thumbs up

Originally Posted by Krazy98Z28
whats wrong with the HPE 408 for $4000
Hey It's only 3899.00 unless chuck changed it!
Old 06-17-2004, 06:54 AM
  #14  
TECH Veteran
 
robertbartsch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hartsdale, NY
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

What about the cost the parts if you bought them separately:

Forged Crank = 1000
Forged pistons = 600
forged rods = 450
LQ4 block = 500
bearings = 200
rings = 200
balancing = 300
aling bore = 200


That is about $3,450 ...throw in another $500 or so for machine work and your about where the SLP unit is selling... unfortunately, their unit is not balanced?????
Old 06-17-2004, 02:40 PM
  #15  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
99 Black Bird T/A's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,583
Received 1,432 Likes on 992 Posts

Default

that external balance part bothers me the most...stock bearings seem to do pretty well all in all.
Old 06-17-2004, 02:51 PM
  #16  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
Dope's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Wilmington, MA
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

I'm more curious as to why anyone would even consider buying from SLP. 99% of their stuff is crap, 100% of it is overpriced, and their customer service is horrifying.

Dope
Old 06-18-2004, 07:10 AM
  #17  
TECH Veteran
 
robertbartsch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hartsdale, NY
Posts: 4,055
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

But SLPs web site is so user-freindly....
Old 06-18-2004, 07:20 AM
  #18  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
99 Black Bird T/A's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,583
Received 1,432 Likes on 992 Posts

Default

shame shame on some folks...SLP is a sponsor after all...
Old 06-18-2004, 10:18 AM
  #19  
TECH Senior Member
 
PREDATOR-Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: BFE
Posts: 14,620
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts

Default

Still like their Ultra Z hood though. And where would SS Z be without them?? and their quad exhaust is kick *** (Cosmeticaly speaking).

Got to pick and choose I guess.
Old 06-18-2004, 12:27 PM
  #20  
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
 
guadofreak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

They did have the cheapest LS6 intake when i bought mine. $389.00 with the collant pies and what not. Other than that.... to the "list price"


Quick Reply: SLP ZL 402 Stroker a flop, you tell me....



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:51 AM.