I am about to begin assembly of my new motor which is going to be the last leg in my project to "revitilize" my 2000 camaro that now has about 180k miles. The goal of this build was to breath life back into my car while still maintaining drivability as near to factory as possible and extreame reliability... Hence the overkill on some parts
So far i have installed
Koni 4/4 with slp 1" drop springs
Moser 9" wavetrac with 3.50 gears
custom 30 spline double triple sychro t56 built by me
about to install Lonnies double pumper fuel pump

now for my motor i have alread selected and bought most of my parts
ERL super deck 1 434 ls7 short block
Callies Dragon Slayer long snout
Callies ultra billit I beams
Weisco Piston with -2.3 dish for CR 11.6:1
WCCH stage 2 ls7 heads with valve job
Katech fuel rails
Katech HV wet sump oil pump
Katech torquer 116 Cam
improved Racing baffled oil pan
fast 102
NW 102
Injector Dynamics ID850 injectors
Kooks headers 2" primaries with 3" collectors
Kooks true dual 3" exaust
Walker quiet flow 3 mufflers
Dual flash PCM to run 93 and E85

I was going to go with ls7 lifters, but now im starting to rethink that and maybe i should do link bar lifters? reccomendations here are greatly appriciated

Although ive worked on many LS based vehicles i have never built a motor from scratch. I have a few reference books just in case("how to build and modify ls engines and ls7 service manual from GM) and i had the machine work done by pros just to be sure. I have everything sitting in a pile in my closet right now waiting for my short block to arrive, seems ERL is having a problem getting my crank... back order or something. In the end i do appriciate advice as i update and ask questions as long as that advice istn "take it to someone". I am very mechanically inclined and i would like to do this myself, with that being said i would also like to make sure i do it right haha

 

I'd definitely skip the LS7 lifters and get some short travel lifters instead or link bars. I've got some Lunati and they are great. Send a PM to Tony Mamo and see about his Johnson brand lifters as well.

 

Ive read really good things about the johnson short travel link bars, and thats what i was no leaning towards. You have to measure every pushrod individually? i havent really heard from anyone using them though. This will be my daily driver for a while and i need to be able to get planty of miles (city and freeway) outa them

 

I think those two are the best option for you...Johnson's are a little pricey.

 

considering what i have already paid. This was never really a "budget build" anyways. Wanted power that was reliable and drivable and i knew i was going to have to pay for it

 

I got you I got a cheap skate 408 but I'm paying for valvetrain.Reliability is what I want most also.Hell for that fact my valvetrain will cost me more than my entire short block and bare heads.

 

I bought some used but complete ls7 heads off corvette forum for 700, figured if im going to have them cleaned ported and completely redone why buy ne ones? but im a firm believer of " if you treat your car right, it will treat you right"

 

hmm cant seem to find them, part number ST2126LSR right?

 

Sorry I'm playing NBA 2k: the old # is 16 where the 26 is I called and talked to Mr. Lewis who gave me that #26 it's not on the site it's the revised # give him a call.Look on Johnson lifters for the #

 

i think i am just going to stick with the LS7 lifters, they have proven to work great with the cam i am going to run and considering how many people run them the failure rate is far less than the aftermarket lifters. Ill just make sure the inspect the lifter cups before install

 

I'd consult Katech first on their opinion since it is their cam design. You have all the best parts I'd hate to see you chance it on LS7 lifters.

 

well katech likes the cadillac racing lifters but they are ceramic and not sure if i like that idea

 

Get your lifters from Morel or Luanti ask Mr. Tooley,Mamo or Martin @Tick they should be able to help you pick from one the top three lifter manufacturers. Also Johnson lifters.

 

well its not a big cam by any means and i dont plan on spinning it over 7000 because from what ive seen on the dyno curves there just wouldnt be any point on this cam. basically im not sure if id see any benefit out of short or limited travel lifters

 

I hear you. I'm going to go pay my brother so I can have Martin do my cam. LS7 lifters are good for what you are asking.

 

figured its about time for an update, moser 9" in, lonnies double pumper kit with 1/2" stainless feed 3/8 return in, kooks true dual in and all parts for motor except oil pan and throttle body sitting in closet ready to go. pics soon to come

 

Good luck with your build.
Nice collection of parts
I have an LS7 in my 1996 Camaro and love it.

I was wondering why you list the Walker quiet flow mufflers in your parts list if you already have the Kooks true dual setup?
I also have the Kooks TD and recently replaced the bullets with real muffles due to the exhaust being too loud and the cabin resonance.
Makes a night and day difference.

 

thats exactly why i didnt use them in the first place. Unfortunately the walker's, while sounding exactly like i wanted them to, were a little too big and hang lower than id like so im going to replace them with some hushpower ones. It will be louder but hopefully wont resonate into the cabin

 

Looking like a very nice solid build. Car to share any pics to keep us interested!!

 

Ohh they are coming, just wanted to wait till i fixed my fuel leak and mounted my pressure regulator where it is suppose to go. The mount i have didnt fit right so its just sitting on top of the manifold right now. Not very show worthy