. Only 20 yo here. 
Anyone build there own Ls1?
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 3
From: Bloomington, illinois
Anyone build there own Ls1? I am thinking of building my ls1 up myself. I am going to keep it a stock 346 or 346, with forged rods and boost pistons. Has anyone done this themself? Would it be hard to build? I have done about everything to this car myself except build the motor.
Have you had any experience with any engine building at all ? As for hard no, but checking all the clearances and knowing what you need can be hard, One wrong clearance ,like rods & mains, If your off .001" to .0015",and ring gaps,you can have problems. Mark all rod & pistons with the cylinder they came out of. There's some good books out there on LS1 engine and do a lot of research here. You can build one just by reading and research.And make shore every thing is clean , i mean very clean.Have it honed out to 3.905" and put 6.125" rods=347cid. The hone needs to be done to make all the cylinder round so the new rings will seat properly .For what your doing the price difference would only be the hone work, And replace the cam bearing while you have it down and lifters were there under the heads. Hope this helps you some.
Last edited by Randy WS6; Jan 19, 2009 at 05:25 PM.
i dunno about a step by step books, but theres a book that could possibly help, its "how to build ls1/ls6" u can get one at autozone, or a lil cheaper on amazon.com! i havent built mine yet, still working on getting all of my parts for it! 2 friends will be helping me with mine though! best of luck to ya!
Yep...How to Rebuild GM LS-Series Engines by Chris Werner should do.
also the book below is helpful for removing the engine.
How to Build High-Performance Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s: Modifying and Tuning Gen III Engines for GM Cars & Pickups by Will Handzel.
also the book below is helpful for removing the engine.
How to Build High-Performance Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s: Modifying and Tuning Gen III Engines for GM Cars & Pickups by Will Handzel.
Here's a few books and articals on the LS1 , also google (how to build a LS1)
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...ild/index.html
http://www.themotorbookstore.com/ls1...8-engines.html
http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-High.../dp/1884089844
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...ild/index.html
http://www.themotorbookstore.com/ls1...8-engines.html
http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-High.../dp/1884089844
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Assuming there is no excessive wear requiring it to be over bored,
The best thing to do would be to have it Honed oversized With a tourque Plate. This will simulate haveing a head tourqued on there during the honeing process and insure you have a uniform wall finish and that there is no distortion in the cylinders when the motor is re-assembled...
Seeing as how you are asking these types of questions, I would assume you don't have the proper equipment to check that stuff. You may want to find a Good Reputable machine shop that will do it for you. Don't Just go to any machine shop. Find one near your area that has a good reputation.
The price on the forged stock size and over size is the same, The only extra cost of the bore.And it worth every dime of it, to get a true round cylinder and max compression and minimum blow by. The factory bore is a little over size, That what causes piston slap or cold knock, If you have the block bore and matching pistons the cold knock will stop.
TECH Regular
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx
http://www.hpvideo.org/
These videos are pretty good - I think he may have some excerpts on youtube.
These videos are pretty good - I think he may have some excerpts on youtube.
10 Second Club
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 3
From: Berkeley, California
I just finished building my LS1. I had done a heads and cam install but this was my first complete teardown and rebuild. I had a local shop hone my cylinders and balance my rotating assembly but I did everything else. I selected JE pistons and Manley sportmaster I-beam rods to go with my stock crank. I am very pleased with my garage-built 347. It spins smoothly to 7000 rpm and makes more than 400 rwhp with stock 243 heads. There are opportunities to make mistakes. You need to think things through and double-check your decisions and your work. LS1Tech was my primary resource - everything I needed to know is here. I say, go for it. I'm glad I did.
Last edited by Gary Z; Jan 23, 2009 at 12:15 AM.
I just finished building my LS1. I had done a heads and cam install but this was my first complete teardown and rebuild. I had a local shop hone my cylinders and balance my rotating assembly but I did everything else. I selected JE pistons and Manley sportmaster I-beam rods to go with my stock crank. I am very pleased with my garage-built 347. It spins smoothly to 7000 rpm and makes more than 400 rwhp with stock 243 heads. There are opportunities to make mistakes. You need to think things through and double-check your decisions and your work. LS1Tech was my primary resource - everything I needed to know is here. I say, go for it. I'm glad I did.
10 Second Club
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 3
From: Berkeley, California
JNW Engine and Machine in Santa Rosa. Jerry White is a nice guy with a lot of experience. I haven't added up my costs - too much. In my case DIY was not a way to save because I needed to buy tools and equipment. I also wasted money changing course mid-stream. I've chalked it all up to education expenses.
Nothing REALLY hard about it. Just check and DOUBLE check your clearances. Take your time and do it right the first time! Just like stated above make sure EVERYTHING is super clean. BTW don't know if you looked but be prepared to spend some money on the gaskets. LOL
JNW Engine and Machine in Santa Rosa. Jerry White is a nice guy with a lot of experience. I haven't added up my costs - too much. In my case DIY was not a way to save because I needed to buy tools and equipment. I also wasted money changing course mid-stream. I've chalked it all up to education expenses.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 2
From: Calgary Alberta
You're gona need a garage, a few good books, tools, and engine stand, and a hoist. The first time I built an engine, it was because I spun a rod bearing, it's not that big of a deal. BUT the price will add up, when you start including tools, and the "well I might as well do this while I get the engine on a stand" mods...