Looking at building mild motor bought a used lq4 short block from buddy. Plans so far are tear it down inspect parts and reuse anything i can replace cam bearings. I am putting this in a rock crawler / rock bouncer just wanted get some advice from guys that have messed with these motors more than me thoughts were reusing rotating assembly but put set wiesco pistons in and texas speed lq4 stg 2.5 heads my question will factory rods and crank hold up and will i need to get everything balance or would it be fine any suggestion would be noted thanks in advance

 

You will absolutely need to have the rotating assembly balanced if you change any significant parts(rods, pistons, crank). Any "mild" build should be fine with stock pistons. How many miles? Do you know the cam bearings need replacing? If the short block has less than 150K miles and ran fine, I would just run it if your goal is as stated. I am interpreting your "mild" goal and stated head choice as ~500-550HP at the crank.

 

the motor was gm take out not sure on the mileage or why they took it out thats is y i am going to inspect everything most of these my friend has got are due to piston slap when cold