What are my options now?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,125
Likes: 4
From: Alexandria, VA
What are my options now? Well, one of my heads, all my pistons, and one cylinder wall is/are completely screwed... (refer to this page for the details). So, now the question is, what are my options? Finding another LS1 with low miles and a decent price may be hard to find. Assuming I don't go the new engine route, what options do I have in terms of rebuilding my engine? I want to spend as little as I have to, but I also want to take advantage of any opportunities (such as stroking the engine, etc) that may be available to me. Basically, what would you all do in this situation, keeping in mind that my money was mostly depleted from the cam/intake/tb install.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,125
Likes: 4
From: Alexandria, VA
OK.... well, I'm leaning towards boring .030 over and re-sleeving with new oversized pistons and rings. I'm just not sure about how much that would run and what displacement I would then be running. Also, what type of pistons would be best for this?
Again... this is assuming I went this route. I'm definitely open to all other suggestions.
Again... this is assuming I went this route. I'm definitely open to all other suggestions.
Originally Posted by ArcticZ28
Well, one of my heads, all my pistons, and one cylinder wall is/are completely screwed... (refer to this page for the details). So, now the question is, what are my options? Finding another LS1 with low miles and a decent price may be hard to find. Assuming I don't go the new engine route, what options do I have in terms of rebuilding my engine? I want to spend as little as I have to, but I also want to take advantage of any opportunities (such as stroking the engine, etc) that may be available to me. Basically, what would you all do in this situation, keeping in mind that my money was mostly depleted from the cam/intake/tb install.
.good luck on getting it fixed. 
SSU'S Vice Mod
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,391
Likes: 0
From: Hazard Co. Maryland
Originally Posted by 66deuce
there are several sponsors that offer rebuilt shortblocks,LPE had a special last month(2095.00 plus a core charge)if i was in your shoes that's what i would do.by the time you buy all the parts to do it yourself plus machine work you'll probably come close to that.AP Engineering,MTI,LPE are just some of the sponsors that sell shortblocks.call them up and see what they offer.by the way,sorry about your motor,that sucks .good luck on getting it fixed.
.good luck on getting it fixed. I'm now on my 3rd engine in this car, and after 4 years of research it's just cheaper to buy a shortblock than rebuild your existing one, plus most will take the old one as a core. LPE took mine and it had piston damage; they only care about the block itself. Food for thought.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,125
Likes: 4
From: Alexandria, VA
Alright, I guess I'll look into just getting a shortblock. Although, one of my heads is screwed, so hopefully I can get a set of those at pretty cheap. Which shortblock would you all recommend? I'm lookin to spend 4k at ABSOLUTE most (I'd like to spend less than or equal to 3k if possible) for everything. Also, I'm really contemplating going with a 383 stroker... anyone have suggestions on where to buy a rotating assembly from? I'd like to go with Eagle b/c of my budget. Thanks guys.
And by the way, LPE's site is down at the moment so I have no idea what their prices are running.
And by the way, LPE's site is down at the moment so I have no idea what their prices are running.
Last edited by ArcticZ28; Mar 28, 2005 at 06:19 PM.
Originally Posted by ArcticZ28
And by the way, LPE's site is down at the moment so I have no idea what their prices are running.
Last edited by 66deuce; Mar 28, 2005 at 08:18 PM.
Trending Topics
"Also, I'm really contemplating going with a 383 stroker... "
Not for 4K.
Shortblock 346 $2100 - $3500 depending on parts picked
Heads $1400-$3000 depending on parts picked
Cam - $400
pushrods - $110
gaskets + fluids, bolts - $600
assembly - $500
starts to add rather quickly.......
Not for 4K.
Shortblock 346 $2100 - $3500 depending on parts picked
Heads $1400-$3000 depending on parts picked
Cam - $400
pushrods - $110
gaskets + fluids, bolts - $600
assembly - $500
starts to add rather quickly.......
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,125
Likes: 4
From: Alexandria, VA
Originally Posted by Viper
"Also, I'm really contemplating going with a 383 stroker... "
Not for 4K.
Shortblock 346 $2100 - $3500 depending on parts picked
Heads $1400-$3000 depending on parts picked
Cam - $400
pushrods - $110
gaskets + fluids, bolts - $600
assembly - $500
starts to add rather quickly.......
Not for 4K.
Shortblock 346 $2100 - $3500 depending on parts picked
Heads $1400-$3000 depending on parts picked
Cam - $400
pushrods - $110
gaskets + fluids, bolts - $600
assembly - $500
starts to add rather quickly.......
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 14,620
Likes: 17
From: BFE
Much cheaper to get a fully balanced and blueprinted short block.
You can definately get one for less than $3K outright with really good parts in it..
Try LME (sponsor) and talk to Bryan, he is hooking me up with a longblock and parts for parts, his motors are top notch.
You can definately get one for less than $3K outright with really good parts in it..
Try LME (sponsor) and talk to Bryan, he is hooking me up with a longblock and parts for parts, his motors are top notch.
There was a gp a while back and the sponsor had a 383 for $3300-$3500. I don't remember the exact price, so it is possible to hit your target price. They said to crate it was $75.00 and shipping was something like $200. I also saw a shortblock with new crank, pistons, rods, bearings on ebay for $1500 from a machine shop. As for heads, stock heads aren't priced too bad.
Originally Posted by ArcticZ28
Well, all I need is the rotating assembly. I have the rest and can assemble myself and know a guy that can bore the engine for me.
Got a set of micrometers, runout gauge, angle-torque meter, super-accurate torque wrench, etc? Nice super clean room and workbench to keep dust particles from getting into the engine during assembly?
I've built SBCs since 1988 and I wouldn't build an LS1 bottom-end. Much more cost effective to buy a pre-built shortblock from a reputable shop.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,125
Likes: 4
From: Alexandria, VA
Either way, assembled or not, I'm lookin for a good deal within the 2-3k budget (preferably lower in that range if not assembled). I've also heard that I might just want to go with a 408 if i'm gonna spend the money for the 383 stroker already, since the price difference is minimal. What do you all think?
I have a set of stock heads fully assmebled minus the rocker arms, a set of stock pistons, and a set of stock rods. All you'd need is to hopefully get you're #8 cylinder cleaned up(maybe a dingelbury tool??), or get another stock block. PM me if you are interested in this stuff. the heads are #853 casting by the way.
Edit:Why not just bore the block 10 over, and put some aftermarket pistons in it? I mean, if you're in such a financial bind, what are you doing looking at stroker(382C.I.) motors? Do what you can afford, not what you want. Mahle pistons can be had for $550 with rings, and the maching work isn't that expensive. Is the cylinder completely ruined? How deep are the scratches?
Edit:Why not just bore the block 10 over, and put some aftermarket pistons in it? I mean, if you're in such a financial bind, what are you doing looking at stroker(382C.I.) motors? Do what you can afford, not what you want. Mahle pistons can be had for $550 with rings, and the maching work isn't that expensive. Is the cylinder completely ruined? How deep are the scratches?
In mid-may I will be selling my patriot stg 2 heads and a 231/237 cam, comes with springs retainers, valves etc. I am sendnig them back to PP to get cleaned up before I sell them. Let me know if you are interested, it'll be cheap. You are crazy if you even THINK of getting away with a 383 for less than 4k if you want it to perform. Get a 370 from APE and get new heads and cam, it'll be in budget then. A 383+ is going to put you into the 5-10k range, trust me, I know.