rp0029

iTrader: (1)

OK, so I have just purchased a lightly used ZL1 supercharger. The supercharger is to be installed in my 68 camaro which has an LQ4, LS3 heads/intake. Motor has all GM parts save springs and cam and headers (mids were the only thing that would clear the ground) and exhaust. Been doing research on what it will take to slap the blower on the engine. I know it is only a 1900 series blower, but I feel like this will be a good first experience with boost. I want to run like 8-10 lbs of boost.

I read I may need to gap the top ring of the piston? Is this true? If so, how much gap should be there?

I figure if I have to gap the piston rings (which would require essentially taking out the engine, I figure I might as well install forged rods/pistons. If I am doing that, any recommendations on which ones?

rp0029

iTrader: (1)

I forgot to mention I will be swapping in an LS9 cam.

I8UR4RD

iTrader: (16)

wiseco pistons or JE--- H beam ultra rods. arp hardware. king bearings


as far as ring gap you should contact one of the great sponsors we have for your forged internals, and while putting together a price, inquire about the ring gap they would like for you to use.

eviltwin_1987

iTrader: (18)

At that boost level, dont touch the bottom end.

rp0029

iTrader: (1)

So eviltwin you feel like no additional ring gap is necessary?

rp0029

iTrader: (1)

Wait, you're putting the cart before the horse. I seriously DOUBT the car will pull 500 rwhp. Nor do I want it to at this point. I do not need all forged parts on the bottom end yet. Compression is somewhere between 9.3-9.5:1 based on what you believe the deck clearance is. The question is, running 8-10 lbs of boost, do I need to change the stock ring gaps at all?

cory32690

Ring gap is not the problem with boost it just gives you more room to have a bad tune and still not blow the motor...at that level I wouldn't touch anything on bottom end..the only way I would gap is if ur looking for a max effort setup then I would go around .028 top .030 second but people like skinny are making stupid power and they won't took a ring

cory32690

Also I wouldn't forge it unless u were shooting for like 800hp plus and u never wanted to swap the motor out again..but for the price of these motors are going for and the power more And more people are producing safely it makes it hard to forge anything if u don't mindy swapping motors

rp0029

iTrader: (1)

I don't mind swapping out motors. It is really simple on these old first gens. My tuner is Dan Maslic so I am sure it will be a good tune. Thanks for the advice.

cory32690

Just put a good fuel system in it..stock gap isn't the problem it's tuning to prevent detonation...detonation is what kills stock ring gap

I8UR4RD

iTrader: (16)

well, knowing now that that is the power you have in mind i would not worry about it. people throw alot more than that at junkyard 5.3's and they live a pretty good while.