highgmc

not bad at all removed the motor from the top, tried with tranny still on. then half way out had to remove tranny (since I left my headers in/y pipe welded)

I am deciding what all to get, this is what I think so far:

slp timing chain set
ls6? oil pump
je pistons
aftermarket rods/whose?
gm rod/main/cam bearings?

deciding whether to just buy a short block from someone online or build it myself...

what machine work would I need? just a hone?

<small>[ August 25, 2002, 10:09 PM: Message edited by: terry99ta ]</small>

XtraCajunSS

iTrader: (2)

I'd go with the Katech oil pump and Cloyes timing set with upgraded chain. You should at a minimum, get the mains align honed, have new cam bearings installed, have the cylinder bores honed .005 over, and have the block decked. You will then need to get your crank balanced with the new rods and pistons. You could also have it offset ground before you buy rods to pick up some extra cubic inches while you're at it... You can get a set of Lunati Pro Mod rods fairly inexpensively or if you are going all out, pick up a set of Olivers... Paul @ Thunder is in the middle of his own shortblock buildup. You can give him a call and he can give you some hints on what parts can give you the best bang for the buck. Diamond Racing makes an excellent piston and is a very good company to work with when it comes to making custom pistons. Paul just got a set in and they are beautiful.

Shane

<small>[ August 25, 2002, 10:27 PM: Message edited by: XtraCajunSS ]</small>

Jason99T/A

iTrader: (21)

If you are going to install the JE pistons, you are going to need at least need a hone and have the rotating assembly balanced. If you have the money, I'd have the block decked and align hone the mains (if needed).

I'd also look into getting some Federal Mogul or Clevite bearings, as the GM stuff is $$$$$. The rod bearings are SBC bearings, so those will be pretty cheap.

Lunati makes a nice rod for around $500-600. This is what I'll be using when I rebuild my motor.

Thunder Racing has the JE pistons/rings and Lunati rods in stock. The bearings usually only take a few days to arrive.

Jason

highgmc

sounds like less PITA to just buy a sponsor's short block!

Viper

iTrader: (6)

I'm in the same boat - pricing out the parts vs. buying a prebuilt short block. How long to remove the engine? I've got to pull mine very soon to determine what damage I have ( oil pump failed ).

highgmc

about 4-5 hours to remove it solid working, I worked on it here and there. EASY! just remove the trans from the motor though! I foound that out the hard way.

short block is the way to go by the time you price balancing etc....

Fireball

iTrader: (21)

well the PITA is waiting MONTHS to get a shortblock built elsewhere...

Have it done locally...we just had chucks built at Jackson's Machine shop near Glen Burnie <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

<small>[ August 26, 2002, 11:21 AM: Message edited by: Fireball ]</small>