This is what I know so far.

My 01' SS which I had built (Heads,cam, MAF,TB, rear, etc) pushing about 420 rwhp.

-Last week, backing out of the garage (Boom!)
-Did compression check and leaking coolant into block and #7 is dead.
-TSB had warned of DextronII coolant dissolving head gasket so, looks like leaked coolant and caused the #7 to blow-up.

Tearing down motor to find extent of damage. My question is: Which option (or what option) makes the most sense.

- Rebuild just replacing piston, re-deck and machine heads
- Rebuild with ALL forged internals
- Drop in a LS6 motor.

I don't intend on power adders or any forced induction. Not racing the car anymore - it's just a toy.

I really just want my car and it's power back with some dependability and durability.

Just trying to map the best course of action realizing this wasn't a planned project with a specific goal in mind - the tear-down and rebuild was an unexpected project stemming from an unfortunate mechanical failure.

 

Fwiw, An Ls6 Actually Costs More Than An Ls2..and Maybe Even Ls3.

 

Well if your hypothesis is correct you will need to determine if the cylinder was split or not. If so, I would not go back with a stock displacement LS1, but the choice is yours. If it is just the piston, and you decide to reuse the block, I would urge you to either replace the one rod as well or at least get it checked for straightness before reusing it. good luck.

 

Whoa, what gasket did that?

 

Supposedly there is a TSB that explains the problem. Apparently the gaskets used befor the tr-metal were graphite which the DextronII dissolve over time causing a head gasket failure.

Any and all insight or opinions regarding options and why id appreciated.

 

I would not just fix the one piston, provided that is the only problem once you tear into it. It would depend on what heads you have and if they are in good shape. Either do a complete rebuild or buy a short block. If the head is damaged, or you don't plan on using yours, I would consider going LS2.

 

LS2.....if you just want to have the power back and have great drivability...then drop in an LS2 and do a cam only...you can push 420-440rwhp VERY easily with a tr230 or somewhere around there cam. just my .02 cents since you could pick up a stock LS2 off the GTO boards for around 3k.

 

get a 370 or 364 bottom end and reuse everything you had to keep cost as low as possible

 

all the people recomending ls2's are not taking into the extra parts. things like cam sensor, timing chain cover etc. to put a ls2 in a ls1 car its about 600-800 in conversion parts. if you do an iron block then you do not have these issues. with what you are describing sounds like a forged 347 would do what you want. some sponsors sell them for 2800ish brand new.

 

370 iron block

tsp has them for 2800 bucks

 

Tear-down revealed: Intake and two cylinders full of coolant, block cracked.
Engine is a paper weight.
No explanation as to why.

All I can say is; Drive your cars. Don't let them sit.

I will probably opt for a LS6 crate motor, headers,TB,UDPulley and tune.
The LS6 will mate up with my computer etc.

Should make respectable power and be very streetable.

Thanks for the input and opinions. The tear-down news wasn't what I was hoping for but it's not the end of the world.