allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

I am considering upgrading to a good set of forged pistons, and quality rings to better deal with my 11.5 to 1 compression. I don't feel GM ever intended their stock rings to handle the compression I am running, or the horsepower I am making. Or at least not for very long.

With cost being a major factor would it be wise to reuse my stock rods or go ahead and throw another $700 for forged rods. If so who do you recommend?

Either direction I go, I will be re using the stock crank. They are good for 1000 hp. Just need some opinions and/or suggestions on how to tackle this project.

The reason I am considering these changes is due to all the smoke that billows out of the oil fill hole when the car is running and the cap is off. I was told this is a strong indicator of blowby. It has gotten progressively worse. However the car runs as strong as ever.

All comments and / or suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance.

fast377

iTrader: (52)

I would go ahead and upgrade the rods too...for piece of mind. A little extra spent now could save you a lot later. Some of the sponsors have some really good deals on balanced rotating assemblies. That's the route I would go.

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

Id go with forged rods and good rod bolts along with pistons and rings. Make sure all your bearing clearances are within tolerance too, if not then have the block machined.

GuitsBoy

iTrader: (4)

If budget is of primary concern, check out the SCAT I beam rods. Rated to conservatively to 500 HP, but will be much stronger than stock. I hear a few people put them in 700+ HP motors. Just one more option youve got.

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

Well the plan would be to thoroughly go over the block, do any machining necessary, and put her back together with some top notch pistons, rings, rod bolts, upgrade the bearings. When she's back together I want to be able to turn 7000+ rpms when the need arises without worrying.

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

A comment about my cam: the g5x3 version II is one bad SOB. She made peak HP at around 6400 rpms and only dropped 5 hp at the rev limiter. I'd really like to see what she can do with a few more RPMS to work with. Meaning will she continue to hold and only drop slowly, or drop like a rock above 7000. With my 3.42 gearing a few hundred extra RPMS at the shift would help my next gear a bunch. I feel she drops to far below her peak after each shift, and I don't want to change gears. As much as the stg III dte cost, I am keeping her. LOL.

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

So far scat I beams have been suggested, anything else?

I plan on using ARP rod bolts, and Mahle Pistons if I get my at cost hook up on the pistons, if not I was considering Diamond. Any opinions ??

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

What bearings would you suggest to handle 7000 rpm shifts ??

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

I am sure LGM will do a good job on "FRESHENING" up this tired block. I think transplanting new organs may help find some new power.

N4cer

iTrader: (11)

If cost truly is a factor as it will be for my next build, then I'd use stock rods. I used CompStar rods in my 408, and love them. My machinist loved them too. But when I rebuild my stock LS1 to put in my truck, I'm thinking stock rods, Mahle or even cheap Probe pistons (does Scat make a piston for us?), and ARP bolts. For rings, I might go with HellFire just because I know they last. Will have to research them more.

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

Any more comments or suggestions/ideas

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

Gotta be a few more comments to be had. Looking for suggestions. What company should I use and why.

BrianC98Z28

iTrader: (11)

so you going to make it a 347?? I was going to do an eagle rod(with arp bolts) and diamond piston combo for my 347. When I talked to Jason @Tsp he reccomended this combo for me for what I wanted. And plus off the shelf diamonds can handle a big shot if your ever going to spray it.

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

Diamond are one of the brands I like too. I have to see if my connection with MAHLE is going to deliver or not. Employee pricing is wonderful, that is if it works out in my favor. Definately going to upgrade rod bolts. What rods would you recommend ??

N4cer

iTrader: (11)

You can't beat the strength, weight, and price of CompStar rods. They are the same price as the competition, but come with ARP2000 rod bolts.

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the insight.

What do you think about Mahle or Diamond pistons with there best rings, compstar rods with arp2000 bolts, clevite bearings ?? Should be enough to freshen this near 50000 mile block up. Believe me she's seen some pretty hard miles too. I can understand why she's acting like a bitch on the rag. LOL. I've been a bit rough on her. (200 mph runs, lots of roll racing)

N4cer

iTrader: (11)

I bought Diamond pistons, but honestly I've not heard any bad about any of the brands. I'd see which one makes exactly the piston you want:
Diamond
Mahle
Wiseco

As for rings, I spray, so I went with HellFire rings from Summit because they only wanted $150, where TSP wanted over $300!

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

I'll let everyone know what I end up going with. Thanks for all the help.

robertbartsch

...buy the time you spend bucks for forged pistons, forged rods, bearings, rings, machine work, etc. you can buy a new forged shortblock that is rock solid.

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

I have considered just swapping everything over to an ls2 bare block. Best price I found was 999. The LS2 would give me a few extra cubes too. I'll be reusing my stock crank, no need to buy a new one, when the stock is good for 1000 hp.