newbie to the forum. Im new to the Ls engine builds. Im looking for a few suggestions. Im getting ready to build a L94 engine from an 08 denali. Its going to go into an 88 monte street car. Im shooting for as close to 500hp NA as i can get. My plans are to do a full rebuild with a nice cam, springs,lifters, trunnion upgrade, pistons, bearings, etc. Im sure the engine i have will need to be bored .025 over or so. I was thinking of a terminator x ecu and harness. The only things im certain on is the engine i have now and the car its going in.
Any recommendations on cam and valvetrain, rebuild kits, ecu, harness, throttle body, or special tips on engine build would be greatly appreciated. Im going to be doing all of the engine work and assembly. Just really looking for some real world good combos that will work good together. Im trying to keep a budget under $4000 in parts.
Any suggestions are appreciated. Ive spent hours of researching on builds and havent been able to decide 100% on a good build. So many options out there. Thanks again

 

Get good lifters(Morel, Johnson) pushrods, springs, get a cam spec’d.

 

The bigger and safer cubes you get, the better your build will go! 4K is a little tough, but if you shop smart you could get there!

 

Also, FYI, in case anyone asks, your L92 or L94 is a Gen IV, not a Gen III.
It will matter when looking for parts.

 

To add to Atsma's post, depending on which cam you run (specs like lift and duration), and the accompanying valve springs, LS7 lifters are fine. As for those who disagree, I agree with them that there are certainly better lifters available. However, you need to determine just how good your lifters need to be. I've run LS7 lifters now for 8 years/35,000 miles, with no problems. I have a built LS7 in my C5, and the dual springs have 160-165lbs seat pressure, and 425lbs open. If you're planning on running springs this stiff, I'd probably go with different lifters, as I know I'm probably at, or just over, the outer limits of what this lifter can handle. FWIW, my cam is around .605 lift, 232°/250° duration, so it is on the mild side for an LS7. My opinion.... .

 

At .025 you'll probably want to have your block Sonic checked as you'll be getting close to the max limit so this block you'll probably be all right at 25 but that's a strange piston size stock replacements are typically standard , 20, or 30 over . Better known piston manufacturers and performance lines it's pretty easy to get a 4.085 Pistons but anything over that is getting difficult ....... Until you start jumping up close to LS7 sizes in the 4.125