"Budget" LSx Build
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"Budget" LSx Build
Ok, first up. My donor is a 2000/2001 (Owner swears its 2001, but it has EGR?) LS1 out of a Camaro SS. It is going into a BMW M3. Don't judge. Daily driven, nothing but. MAYBE an autoX event or two. Not it's intended purpose though.
So I get the engine, take the old manifolds off and see that the valve seals are shot. Well. Time for a full rebuild I had already bought a ton of gaskets and a BBK intake (cheaper than ls6 after my JEGS discount) prior to finding this out so I'm in pretty good shape.
I am currently the highest bidder on a set of 243 heads (came with 853's) that I am going to leave stock just mill, valve job (3 or 5?), and depending on wear maybe a cheap set of valves/guides (Recommendations?)
TSR 228R cam, ls7 lifters, ls6 ported oil pump, ls2 timing chain and some chromoly pushrods. Stock rockers with Comp caged bearings?
I want to keep the bottom end completely stock. It is a ~70k mile engine so I shouldn't have many problems. I need to do a lot of research but I hope that I can disassemble the bottom end, bring it to a machine shop and have them do their thing (hone, polish crank, balance? I have no idea) then give it back to me to re-assemble worry free (No plasti-guage b.s, measuring etc). Should save me about $500.
As far as numbers go I'm keeping this on a budget, so anywhere close to 400RWHP will make me happy. Streetability is my main concern. Also, I do NOT want to touch the engine for at least 50k miles.
Thanks for reading guys, any tips, advice, recommendations etc. etc. you might have, please comment.
So I get the engine, take the old manifolds off and see that the valve seals are shot. Well. Time for a full rebuild I had already bought a ton of gaskets and a BBK intake (cheaper than ls6 after my JEGS discount) prior to finding this out so I'm in pretty good shape.
I am currently the highest bidder on a set of 243 heads (came with 853's) that I am going to leave stock just mill, valve job (3 or 5?), and depending on wear maybe a cheap set of valves/guides (Recommendations?)
TSR 228R cam, ls7 lifters, ls6 ported oil pump, ls2 timing chain and some chromoly pushrods. Stock rockers with Comp caged bearings?
I want to keep the bottom end completely stock. It is a ~70k mile engine so I shouldn't have many problems. I need to do a lot of research but I hope that I can disassemble the bottom end, bring it to a machine shop and have them do their thing (hone, polish crank, balance? I have no idea) then give it back to me to re-assemble worry free (No plasti-guage b.s, measuring etc). Should save me about $500.
As far as numbers go I'm keeping this on a budget, so anywhere close to 400RWHP will make me happy. Streetability is my main concern. Also, I do NOT want to touch the engine for at least 50k miles.
Thanks for reading guys, any tips, advice, recommendations etc. etc. you might have, please comment.
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Does not touching the engine include not changing/checking valvesprings? If so, that will limit your choices on cams. You could always go ported heads and an OEM cam, or maybe a custom grind on grandpa lobes and make near or more than 400/400, but that'll be more expensive than cam only.
Either settle with the fact that valve spring maintenance is a must, or bump up your budget, only two options I see
Either settle with the fact that valve spring maintenance is a must, or bump up your budget, only two options I see
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I forgot the valve spring part. Yes, I will be replacing the springs. Any reccomendations? What about retainers? Necessary?
And Im good with no port work. Too costly.
And Im good with no port work. Too costly.
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The block casting number that is.
I just finished tearing down the engine. Bearings look new, crank is shiny, bores still show cross hatching. Pistons look great, although I did notice all of them have a small circle wear spot/discoloration in the same place. Is this normal?
Due to this the plan is new bearings, rings, arp everything, hone, cam bearings, freeze plugs, hot tank. Do I need to balance the rotating assembly since its all stock? I only ask because its an extra $250.
I just finished tearing down the engine. Bearings look new, crank is shiny, bores still show cross hatching. Pistons look great, although I did notice all of them have a small circle wear spot/discoloration in the same place. Is this normal?
Due to this the plan is new bearings, rings, arp everything, hone, cam bearings, freeze plugs, hot tank. Do I need to balance the rotating assembly since its all stock? I only ask because its an extra $250.