Hey guys, I think this is my first post in the internal section. I'm over from the truck crowd and I've recently been searching for a shortblock for my 03 RCSB Silverado. My budget is fairly tite so I've been exploring my options. I've considered a forged 347, built 364 or 370, and recently the SLP 402 when it comes out, or a HPE 408. I'm also to the point of building my own shortblock. I would like to spend at most 3500 or so, and would only consider dropping more bank down for the HPE 408, but again I rather not. My question is, how difficult is it to assemble an engine properly, from a bunch of boxes of parts. Are there any special tools needed to assemble an engine? Lastly, what would it cost roughly to build a 402 or 408 using quality parts, building it yourself? Sorry to sound like such a cheap skate lol. Thanks for any help engine gurus!

 

A forged 347ci would be the the easiest and cheapest route. I wouldn't recommend building your own if you don't have someone who has done it help you out. Not as easy as some would make it seem.

pistons- 700 for diamonds
rods- 650 eagle h-beam with arp upgrade bolts
machine costs & balancing- 500
stage 1 heads- 1000
timing chain- 115
oil pump- 120
bearing- 150
main & head studs ARP- 450
pushrods- 80
cam- 360

 

I did another search and found that to build the engine yourself takes a couple hundred dollars in tools alone. Plus, having the experience of knowing what you're doing is pretty important. So, I think I'll just keep looking for an assembled shortblock. The SLP is probably what I'll get IF it ever comes out.

 

I'd look at something like what Keith Craft has 2995 OUTRIGHT for a 347 or 360 Fully assembled.

 

thats an oxymoron, budget build lol! alls i can say is good luck

 

Or give AP Engineering a call.......
Heres there web page http://www.automotiveperformance.net/engine.htm
Heres the 347 and what it includes

AP-Engineering Cheap Street 347ci LS6 Shortblock
Polished & Magnafluxed Stock Crank 3.622" stroke crank
Diamond Forged Pistons / Flat Tops or Dish
Diamond 4130 Chromemoly Wrist Pins
Diamond Pro Select Ring Set/ File Fit
Eagle H-Beam Connecting Rods
Federal Mogul 152M Main Bearings
Clevite CB663H Connecting Rod Bearings
Clevite LS1 cam bearings
ARP Main Studs
These shortblocks come fully machined, balanced, blueprinted, and assembled. These usually take 3-4 weeks to complete from time of deposit.

Shortblock cost - $2799.00 w/cores
$600 block core
$200.00 crank core
Then the cam but i believe they are having a special witht e cam this month $360 shipped. and there heads are awsome too.....
APE 6.0 Liter Stage I Head

2.055 / 1.600 Stainless steel valves
Comp Cams 978 Hyd Roller Valve Springs
Bronze valve guides
Comp Cams Tiantium Retainers
Welded Chambers
Fully assembled and ready to go on
$1999.00 NO CORES NEEDED

FLOW NUMBERS
Flowed on a 3.970" bore @ 28" w/ radius inlet
Exhaust was flowed w/tube

INTAKE CFM EXHAUST CFM
.100" / 69.5 56.6
.200" / 143.3 116.1
.300" / 206.5 201.2
.400" / 261.0 165.1
.500" / 291.5 238.9
.550" / 303.1 250.7
.600" / 313.4 262.2
.650" / 316.5 262.5

And there race heads
APE 6.0 Liter Race Head

2.080 / 1.600 Stainless steel valves
Comp Cams 978 Hyd Roller Valve Springs
Bronze valve guides
Comp Cams Tiantium Retainers
235cc Intake Runner / 90 cc Exhaust Runner
Fully assembled and ready to go on
$2299.00 NO CORES NEEDED

FLOW NUMBERS
Flowed on a 4.125" bore @ 28" w/ radius inlet
Exhaust was flowed w/tube

INTAKE CFM EXHAUST CFM
.100" / 74.7 62.6
.200" / 153.2 114.7
.300" / 216.6 163.0
.400" / 264.6 207.4
.500" / 309.6 242.6
..600" / 327.4 261.6
.700" / 328.5 272.1
.800" / 329.1 273.4


I bought my 370 iron block from the and i upgraded alot of stuff..... it was alot more...... hope i helped.
Kyle

 

Or you could buy my AP Engineering block and save alot more...


https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187424

 

The block xssive has is a fine starting point and at a great price I might add. I personally measured this block after machining and it is a fine piece.

 

Thanks for all the help fellas, especially Nasty T/A. I think I've narrowed my choices down to either an APE 370 or SLP 402. Would there be much of a difference between the two in terms of numbers? The more cubes the better in my heavy *** truck, but the APE 370 would probably run pretty damn strong for less money. Those APE heads seem to flow really good numbers. If I got the 370 what H/C should I get for a 4200lb truck with a 3200 stall and 3.73's? I was thinking APE stage 1 6.0 liters or 6.0 race head with a TSP cam....Thanks again!

 

I've found a local shop (D/FW area) that has put together a forged piston short block, fully balanced, decked and sized for me for ~$2K

 

I was considering your block earlier xssive, I'll let you know what I decide.

 

It might be a little out of your budget but i think AP Engineering is still doing there 408 Long block (Short Block, 4.030 bore like there 370, but with a 4" crank and there heads) For $9999.00 shipped. I believe the last 408 they built made over 500rwhp

https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...&highlight=408
478rwhp on this one.....
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...&highlight=408

Either way you go they make awsome motors and stand behind there product.
Awsome customer service.
Kyle

 

I wonder if I could get a deal on a 370 shortblock with their 6.0 heads/cam/pushrods. Can you chime in Nick?