building a shortblock
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Joined: May 2006
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building a shortblock I would liek to build a shortblock in the future...
An I would like to know if there is anywhere that has a "DIY guide" with an entire parts list..
I figure If I build it myself I will be able to save lots of money and get the best parts!
An I would like to know if there is anywhere that has a "DIY guide" with an entire parts list..
I figure If I build it myself I will be able to save lots of money and get the best parts!
I can say that I looked into it pretty hard twice in the past couple years, and ended up buying a shortblock twice from a vendor because it was cheaper than building my own. Once you add in the tools....
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2006
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Originally Posted by Viper
I can say that I looked into it pretty hard twice in the past couple years, and ended up buying a shortblock twice from a vendor because it was cheaper than building my own. Once you add in the tools....
You won't save as much money as you might think. And if you don't have all the tools and have access to a machine shop you're very likely not going to save a dime.
No one can provide you an exact parts list as every combo is different. Is this a NA combo, boost, what ??
No one can provide you an exact parts list as every combo is different. Is this a NA combo, boost, what ??
This months GMHTP would be a huge help. When reading it make sure you pay attention to how much they paid for the rotating assembly. Then go look at what sponsors charge for a similar shortblock.
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HPE has some good deals. Also, look into SPDC or SDPC (however they spell it!). They both are sponsors on here with decent prices. I think Summit had an SLP iron block 402 (yes 402, not 408) crate shortblock for around $4k as well.
Do a search on the subject and you'll find a couple of threads as to why. Basically, I believe a couple of them took a crap, taking some expensive heads while in the process and SLP did not stand behind their product. I might not have the exact story, but it's close.
First thing to do is to go to a bookstore and buy Handzel's book on how to build LS1/LS6 engines. He has two good writeups on the building of engines from the bare block up. I had the same question as you, and I decided to build it myself. I bought very few tools because I had most of them myself or I borrwed them from a friend. I had a local engine shop balance the rotating assembly and check the bearing clearances, both of which require lots of money worth of tools. I did the rest. It's not too hard as long as your patient and do all of the right steps in the right order with the right tools.