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Another AI 226 LS1 build

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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 09:30 AM
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Default Another AI 226 LS1 build

Should have it running and hopefully dyno numbers by May 1st.

When I switched to LS power in 2011, I was literally blown away by the ET’s and MPH cars on this forum were running. Coming from the old-school, I just didn’t think it was possible to have a small (346) H/C/I engine with a mild cam trap 120+ and run deep into the 11’s. I’ve learned a lot since, and part of my plan was to eventually have a 10 second street car.

Start with a used 2000 LS1 short block:


Send it to the machine shop for some new pistons:
CP Bullet Forged, -2.7cc, .175 valve reliefs



ARP Rod bolts


ARP Main studs…yes, I know the rod is facing the wrong way in this pic. That’s a whole ‘nother story though.


AI 226 243’s. 57.5cc, BTR springs, titanium retainers


Comp trunion upgrade. Man this was a piece of cake. Nice kit for a good price.


Cam is AI custom grind. 236/242 .630/.630 111LSA.

Check the PTV with a couple solid lifter I made from the original short block:



Torque down those incredible heads. Almost too nice in person to describe.


FAST 102, stock out of the box



Looking good on the stand, waiting for the car to get back from paint. I’m tired of burning up, switching the ol’ 3rd gen from NBM to Arctic White.



Oh yeah…the shop I'm working in is nice too. I’m proud to bring down the average with the mullet Camaro! Can't wait for the Arctic White and some updated wheels/tires.



^^^ I wish I'd never driven that car. Cammed LS7, can't be described, only experienced.
Cliff notes:

LS1 347
ARP Rod bolts, rods "resized" for correct roundness
ARP Main studs
AI 226 243's, milled to 57.5cc, stock gaskets
~11.3 compression
~8.5 DCR
AI Custom Cam 236/242 .630/.630 111+0
7.325 pushrods
AI Ported Oil pump
CP Bullet Forged Pistons
FAST 102, stock
FAST 92mm TB
N-Motion Timing Chain
Powerbond UDP
Presicion Turbo LS1 42lb injectors (flow matched)
T56
Monster Stage 2 clutch
Moser 9" 4.30's
MT ET Drag Stiffwall slicks, 26x10 (I might need taller)
S&W Roll BAR
Lots of weight reduction from stock, car weighed 3180 before roll bar. Estimated raceweight with roll bar, slick, skinnies and me is 3450.

Last edited by HeavyMetl; Apr 2, 2013 at 09:12 PM.
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 09:48 AM
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Nice Setup, Should be a strong runner!!!
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 09:55 AM
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Nice build!
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 10:00 AM
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Very cool build. I'll be interested to see how well this combo performs.
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 10:00 AM
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Great looking 3rd gen. Had one just like it; always wished I could have build it up properly.
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 01:42 PM
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Looks like it will be a strong combo, in for results and more pictures.
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 02:33 PM
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Awesome build man. Should be very stout at the track now. Love some LS swap 3rd gens.
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 08:13 PM
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Sweet 3rd gen, should be a solid performer when its all done.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 09:09 PM
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I should be picking the car up from paint on Saturday. Arctic White, can't wait to see it, better take some sunglasses to prevent the snowblindness!

I've got a nice 11 day break from work coming up on April 16th, so I expect to make some serious progress during that time. I've owned the car 16 years and have had it apart/together many times so needless to say, it should go quick.

I remember 10 years ago thinking my Dart Pro 1 head 383 SBC and T56 was the most awesome combo I could have hoped to run. Well, the gift of technology has sure changed that. My stock internal LS1 with full bolt on's nearly ran as well as the 383...
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Old Apr 3, 2013 | 01:44 AM
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Looks good
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Old Apr 3, 2013 | 07:44 AM
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in to see it!
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Old Apr 3, 2013 | 07:59 AM
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Love 3rd gen lsx swaps in for results.
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Old Apr 3, 2013 | 11:09 AM
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Originally Posted by ds98formula
Love 3rd gen lsx swaps in for results.
Me too, love the performance/mileage boost you get.

HeavyMetl-
Welcomve to the club, mine's been running for a couple years now. I gotta take the time and finish off the interior, love driving it too much to take it apart, and store it 45mins away during the winter. Looks like a great shop down there!

Last edited by Red89GTA; Apr 3, 2013 at 11:21 AM.
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Old Apr 3, 2013 | 12:39 PM
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Going to need pics of yours.
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Old Apr 4, 2013 | 08:44 PM
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Originally Posted by ds98formula
Going to need pics of yours.


Last edited by Red89GTA; Apr 4, 2013 at 08:49 PM.
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Red89GTA
Me too, love the performance/mileage boost you get.

HeavyMetl-
Welcomve to the club, mine's been running for a couple years now.
I had the stock LS1 in for a little over a year, and its hands down the best thing I've ever done for the car. I just wish I would have known about LS power 5 years ago. The mileage is a nice bonus, given its a hot rod I never really cared but I sure have driven the wheels off it since the initial swap. I averaged about 24mpg with the 4.30's if I wasn't running the guts outta the car.

I'm all signed up for Hot Rod Drag Week, as well as the Power Tour, so this new engine is going to get a real workout in 2013. Not to mention all the trips to the strip in between. Can't wait, now that the weather is turning I just want my car back on the road.
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 04:50 PM
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Looks like a nice build.
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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 09:34 PM
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Week 1 timelapse.

I hope the next timelapse is more exciting, seeing as I'm pretty much ready to install the engine. I feel like I spent the better part of the last 3 days cleaning, painting, and installing the boring stuff. Can't wait to get to the speed parts.

FWIW, in the foreground some 351 Ford heads were being assembled as well as some work on a 1970 C10 truck. The shop is a busy place these days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M55tC...ature=youtu.be
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Old May 14, 2013 | 09:20 PM
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Still working on the tune, and lots of details to finish up, especially on the interior.

But right now, even working on the tune...this thing is an absolute BEAST!! I can't wait to get some track numbers and of course a dyno sheet when I get a chance. Drives nearly like a my previous stock internal LS1 below 3000rpm, but from there on up, its a complete animal.

I didn't really have any noteworthy issues, everything went together great and even managed to have no leaks. The only snag was the Quicktime bellhousing was warped, it just rocked on the back of the engine. Sent it back to Summit, swapped out for a good one, no issues. +1 for customer service with an obviously bad part.

I plasti-dipped the TT2's, couldn't be happier with the result. No wonder everyone is using this stuff.

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Old May 14, 2013 | 10:22 PM
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Looks like a fun project. Lets get some in-car driving vids of this beast!
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