Generation IV Internal Engine 2005-2014 LS2 | LS3 | LS7 | L92 | LS9

LS2 Budget Build Pistons/Rods

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 30, 2013 | 03:22 PM
  #1  
thendawg's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: OKC, OK
Default LS2 Budget Build Pistons/Rods

So Im working on a budget build with my LS2. Due to sitting in the engine bay for quite awhile, the cylinder walls have developed a bit of surface rust. It looks to be bad enough that Ill need to go to a .005 or .010 over piston. Now, being a budget build, Ive been looking at the Autotec pistons that you can pick up for around $525 with rings. The plan is to run their -3cc piston with 317 heads to yield a 10:1 comp ratio. Ive seen a couple guys use these in 700-900whp builds and they seem to hold up quite well. My debate is on if I should just stick with stock rods (rods are in perfect shape), or if I should go with a cheap rod like the Scat I Beams. I know the same rods in the LS2 are used in the newer 5.3's which many people push to 800+whp. My goal for the car is around 700-750whp (single turbo) on E85 through a T56. Whats your opinion?
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2013 | 03:28 PM
  #2  
redtan's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,764
Likes: 17
From: Belmont, MA
Default

Kinda pushing the envelope there with 4032 pistons and stock rods at 900rwhp.

Really depends on what you mean by well. Running them hard for thousands of miles a year I doubt such will hold up well. A couple runs here and there might last.

I'd do some wiseco pistons for $650 and some scat I beams like you said. That should hold up just fine at the power level.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2013 | 03:45 PM
  #3  
thendawg's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: OKC, OK
Default

Sorry if I misstated, my goal is only 700-750whp. I was just saying Ive seen other people push them that far.
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2013 | 08:05 AM
  #4  
redtan's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,764
Likes: 17
From: Belmont, MA
Default

That may be true, but we need a better definition of what you consider "holding up quite well".

Yes people have pushed those parts that far and have survived, but for how long? If you want them to hold up quite well, you will be pushing it.
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2013 | 03:45 PM
  #5  
mebuildit's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 425
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
Default

I would play it safe and put good rods and pistons in. Better to do it once than twice with a broken engine.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2013 | 02:51 PM
  #6  
Sean At CBM's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: California
Default

Stock bottom end and big hp don't go good together....

Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:31 PM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE