Treyvs

So, here's the deal. This is my first vehicle and I have had it since 2008, and have always wanted to do a small block swap in it. The initial plan was just a mild 355 with a TH350 for a weekend mustang killer. However, once deprived of the third pedal for awhile after I bought my current daily driver, I decided a 6 speed was the way to go. I then knew that an LS engine was in my future. I wanted a 6.0 at first, but saw a post on craigslist for a 5.3 for $500, and I pulled the trigger on it. The guy I purchased it from reported a noise from the engine (the reason he was selling it), and thought it may have been a rod bearing issue. Upon dis-assembly, the reported noise was actually the cam and a couple of lifters that had been eaten up. I then realized that a FRAM oil filter was on the engine and I immediately understood why the cam and lifters failed.

Now to the present and the plans for the engine. I am re-using the stock crank and running Compstar 6.125 rods and Wiseco -2.2cc flat top forged pistons. The heads will be the stock 862's, which I have rebuilt with new Enginetech valves and Fel-Pro valve stem seals. I have an ASA cam that I will run for awhile until something else strikes a nerve. The block, heads, and rotating assembly are currently at the machine shop and should be ready for pickup Monday or Tuesday. I will post a series of photos that have led up to this point to get you caught up if you would like to follow the progress.

Once the components are back in the garage, assembly will begin. Hope some of you out there follow this build and give advise on the way.

Treyvs

More photos. As I said, leave comments and suggestions about what you think in the future posts to come.

Treyvs

Got everything back from the machine shop today.

Black98s10

That thing is going to haull ***. Are you going boost sometime in the future?

Treyvs

It all depends on what the future brings really. Got the bores and rings set up for a max of 15psi of boost, and good for probably a bunch of nitrous. I will probably only spray a 150 or 200 shot once that time comes. If I do boost it in the future, it will probably be somewhere between 7-10psi from a procharger. if I can roll around with 340-350whp N/A I will be a happy camper. Here are some more photos after I got the main caps off and got it ready for the crank install tomorrow.

Black98s10

Yeah, you 1st gen guys have way more room for a procharger than us 2nd gens. I'm gonna see what 1d-20Lbs would do with e85. If I blow it, I blow it, but hopefully at thet time, I'll have a forged 346 or 370 bottom end built.

Treyvs

I know a guy running E85 on a turbo setup. He doesn't have it finished yet, but I imagine it will run. Lol

Treyvs

Got the crankshaft installed today. Just a little bit of resistance in one spot, but other than that she turns beautifully.

Treyvs

After taking the main caps back off and re-torquing the mains back down the crank then turned smoothly with no binding. I tried to use a $10 ring compressors to install the pistons but had no success. I looked around on the internet for a better solution, and saw a video of an ARP Compressor and was sold instantly. It arrived today and I completed the shortblock in a little over 3 hours. Photos attached.

Now time to get started on frame/paint work.....pshhhh.