Ls2 408 stroker
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,611
Likes: 1,086
I think the dude you're talking about made 700+ with his combo and had a bunch of bad *** passes in the car. Then all of a sudden "valve float". I know the story goes deeper but if that's the only example you got I think I'll stick with Mamo. My buddies who have ran Mamo stuff drive their cars daily, beat the hell out of them and come back to Mamo to help with the next build. And I already posted a 704whp build of 440 cubes.
I can't watch youtube videos at work, forgive me.
The numbers on this mamo setup surprised me. Especially the mph at the race weight...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/market/19...t=Mamo%20heads
https://ls1tech.com/forums/market/19...t=Mamo%20heads
I didn't make 700whp, I made 650whp, which is what the greater majority of his combos make, on the high end. In the vette world, I've only seen the one 454ci car make 700whp and that was on a local dyno. Maybe the others were on this forum and not over on the vette forum.
Holley Hi Ram
RPM B3 camshaft
LME ported stock casting heads
1-7/8" headers
Heavy Monster LT1-S clutch (52lbs IIRC)
E85
Made 655whp on a dynapak dyno with a 500rpm/sec ramp rate. Trapped 142.5mph
A lot of reputable shops refer to his package as the "Valve Float Special".
Holley Hi Ram
RPM B3 camshaft
LME ported stock casting heads
1-7/8" headers
Heavy Monster LT1-S clutch (52lbs IIRC)
E85
Made 655whp on a dynapak dyno with a 500rpm/sec ramp rate. Trapped 142.5mph
A lot of reputable shops refer to his package as the "Valve Float Special".
And note that I said reputable, not some backwoods FaceBook shop. Reputable.
You know good and well that the valve springs were toast on that engine. This is exactly why all of the folks that used to post on CF and had an inkling of a clue about engines quit the board. A few guys over there, butthurt, spreading crap about a builder who bends over backwards to produce top shelf stuff. I like your wording of “diving board” YT rockers. Straight out of Josh’s mouth. Not sure how well you know the guy, but I wouldn’t quote another word the guy said...ever. I’d love to tell the TRUTH about him, but I’m a better man than that.
And Smoke...you tripping on here man! $9k? That ain’t nothing bro. NOTHING! Stop trying to go fast with flea market junk. Step up. I’m getting tired of hearing you complain about money on here. Don’t hate the player...Tony...Hate the game!!! And it’s a very very very very expensive game.
Wasn’t this supposed to be a thread about a 408 build?
Originally Posted by Che70velle
Jay, name one reputable shop referring to the package as the “valve float special”.
And note that I said reputable, not some backwoods FaceBook shop. Reputable.
You know good and well that the valve springs were toast on that engine. This is exactly why all of the folks that used to post on CF and had an inkling of a clue about engines quit the board. A few guys over there, butthurt, spreading crap about a builder who bends over backwards to produce top shelf stuff. I like your wording of “diving board” YT rockers. Straight out of Josh’s mouth. Not sure how well you know the guy, but I wouldn’t quote another word the guy said...ever. I’d love to tell the TRUTH about him, but I’m a better man than that.
And Smoke...you tripping on here man! $9k? That ain’t nothing bro. NOTHING! Stop trying to go fast with flea market junk. Step up. I’m getting tired of hearing you complain about money on here. Don’t hate the player...Tony...Hate the game!!! And it’s a very very very very expensive game.
Wasn’t this supposed to be a thread about a 408 build?
And note that I said reputable, not some backwoods FaceBook shop. Reputable.
You know good and well that the valve springs were toast on that engine. This is exactly why all of the folks that used to post on CF and had an inkling of a clue about engines quit the board. A few guys over there, butthurt, spreading crap about a builder who bends over backwards to produce top shelf stuff. I like your wording of “diving board” YT rockers. Straight out of Josh’s mouth. Not sure how well you know the guy, but I wouldn’t quote another word the guy said...ever. I’d love to tell the TRUTH about him, but I’m a better man than that.
And Smoke...you tripping on here man! $9k? That ain’t nothing bro. NOTHING! Stop trying to go fast with flea market junk. Step up. I’m getting tired of hearing you complain about money on here. Don’t hate the player...Tony...Hate the game!!! And it’s a very very very very expensive game.
Wasn’t this supposed to be a thread about a 408 build?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,611
Likes: 1,086
Jay, name one reputable shop referring to the package as the “valve float special”.
And note that I said reputable, not some backwoods FaceBook shop. Reputable.
You know good and well that the valve springs were toast on that engine. This is exactly why all of the folks that used to post on CF and had an inkling of a clue about engines quit the board. A few guys over there, butthurt, spreading crap about a builder who bends over backwards to produce top shelf stuff. I like your wording of “diving board” YT rockers. Straight out of Josh’s mouth. Not sure how well you know the guy, but I wouldn’t quote another word the guy said...ever. I’d love to tell the TRUTH about him, but I’m a better man than that.
And Smoke...you tripping on here man! $9k? That ain’t nothing bro. NOTHING! Stop trying to go fast with flea market junk. Step up. I’m getting tired of hearing you complain about money on here. Don’t hate the player...Tony...Hate the game!!! And it’s a very very very very expensive game.
Wasn’t this supposed to be a thread about a 408 build?
And note that I said reputable, not some backwoods FaceBook shop. Reputable.
You know good and well that the valve springs were toast on that engine. This is exactly why all of the folks that used to post on CF and had an inkling of a clue about engines quit the board. A few guys over there, butthurt, spreading crap about a builder who bends over backwards to produce top shelf stuff. I like your wording of “diving board” YT rockers. Straight out of Josh’s mouth. Not sure how well you know the guy, but I wouldn’t quote another word the guy said...ever. I’d love to tell the TRUTH about him, but I’m a better man than that.
And Smoke...you tripping on here man! $9k? That ain’t nothing bro. NOTHING! Stop trying to go fast with flea market junk. Step up. I’m getting tired of hearing you complain about money on here. Don’t hate the player...Tony...Hate the game!!! And it’s a very very very very expensive game.
Wasn’t this supposed to be a thread about a 408 build?
I'm actually really good friends with Josh. I've been in the loop with everything he's found out about his initial build. How are valve springs "toast" after only, maybe 2,000 miles? Lmao.
I don't recall Josh ever saying "diving board rockers", but I may just not remember. I like to use the term trampoline, myself.
Quote straight off CF from CPR "NOOOOO STOCK ROCKERS WITH TRUNIONS!!! Do not run those or any heavy *** rocker arm. Unless you got mamo'd with his package that loves to valve float."
I'm actually really good friends with Josh. I've been in the loop with everything he's found out about his initial build. How are valve springs "toast" after only, maybe 2,000 miles? Lmao.
I don't recall Josh ever saying "diving board rockers", but I may just not remember. I like to use the term trampoline, myself.
I'm actually really good friends with Josh. I've been in the loop with everything he's found out about his initial build. How are valve springs "toast" after only, maybe 2,000 miles? Lmao.
I don't recall Josh ever saying "diving board rockers", but I may just not remember. I like to use the term trampoline, myself.
Again, nobody having valvefloat issues with the YT stuff. If we’re true, Josh would never had made 700. You know it’s true. Just another Mamo hater. Please...please don’t bring that disgusting stuff over here. Go back to CF. This is a tech board, not a social lounge.
TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 819
Likes: 261
From: Melbourne, Australia
I followed Josh B's thread on CF from the start of the build. There was no mention of pistons hitting the heads in the thread, so looks like he had some underlying issues .
After the valve float post i nearly went in another direction with my top end but luckily i dont think 1+1=3.
It seemed initially the engine was awesome, no signs of valve float on dyno graphs, no mention of float at all even the last dyno graph claiming valve float wasnt typical of real valve float.
Was thinking no biggy anyway, valve springs are a wear item, replace and good to go. Seems like the underlying issues excasperated the float.
The car may have only done 2000miles but the springs had been set up on the heads over a yr earlier and the engine doesnt have to be running for springs to lose there rating, from install there under tension. I know my heads were set up 5 months before 1st start , and knowing there a wear item i'll be checking there rating 12 months after install,not 12months after 1st start, i'll replace with new at same time. I thought everyone running big spring pressures would be on roughly the same maintenance timeline. Hence 1+1=3 and my decision to go mamo.
The highest hp lsx454 in Aus id seen before mine was a Darrin Morgan ported cid ls7 head with high rise and carb, big solid roller 641rwhp. Same price as mamo heads.
I dont see any other porters on here other than mamo getting bagged out. Really seems quite juvenile
After the valve float post i nearly went in another direction with my top end but luckily i dont think 1+1=3.
It seemed initially the engine was awesome, no signs of valve float on dyno graphs, no mention of float at all even the last dyno graph claiming valve float wasnt typical of real valve float.
Was thinking no biggy anyway, valve springs are a wear item, replace and good to go. Seems like the underlying issues excasperated the float.
The car may have only done 2000miles but the springs had been set up on the heads over a yr earlier and the engine doesnt have to be running for springs to lose there rating, from install there under tension. I know my heads were set up 5 months before 1st start , and knowing there a wear item i'll be checking there rating 12 months after install,not 12months after 1st start, i'll replace with new at same time. I thought everyone running big spring pressures would be on roughly the same maintenance timeline. Hence 1+1=3 and my decision to go mamo.
The highest hp lsx454 in Aus id seen before mine was a Darrin Morgan ported cid ls7 head with high rise and carb, big solid roller 641rwhp. Same price as mamo heads.
I dont see any other porters on here other than mamo getting bagged out. Really seems quite juvenile
You don't see anyone else doing the bagging except one guy. It is easy enough to vote with your dollar and just not give him any business if you don't agree.
He is a one man shop selling a premium product and has a wait list to get **** out the door. Supply and demand. If he can capture farts in a jar and sell them for $1000 a pop then God bless America so long as he's being honest about it. I know I wouldn't give a **** what some rando on the internet was saying my time was worth if I had a line out the door to pay my prices.
There are people that go around saying FED ain't ****, and we know that isn't true either.
Every small business owner is also head of marketing. If you're not marketing and promoting your **** you're doing it wrong. What is he supposed to say..."yeah I clean up the bowls on some as cast heads and they do pretty much what everyone else's do..." Give me a break lol.
Now there are some people out there that 100% would buy those captured farts and happily suck them down...I don't quite get the evangelic fanboy crowd, but I don't get the hate either.
He is a one man shop selling a premium product and has a wait list to get **** out the door. Supply and demand. If he can capture farts in a jar and sell them for $1000 a pop then God bless America so long as he's being honest about it. I know I wouldn't give a **** what some rando on the internet was saying my time was worth if I had a line out the door to pay my prices.
There are people that go around saying FED ain't ****, and we know that isn't true either.
Every small business owner is also head of marketing. If you're not marketing and promoting your **** you're doing it wrong. What is he supposed to say..."yeah I clean up the bowls on some as cast heads and they do pretty much what everyone else's do..." Give me a break lol.
Now there are some people out there that 100% would buy those captured farts and happily suck them down...I don't quite get the evangelic fanboy crowd, but I don't get the hate either.
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 819
Likes: 261
From: Melbourne, Australia
Was the engine in the car Bortous when you did lifter change? If oil pressure issues arose id have thought the builder would have pulled out engine, all bearing clearances checked, pick up oring checked, barbell checked, relief spring checked, oil pump replaced, lifter bores checked , install new lifters and try again.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 467
Jay, name one reputable shop referring to the package as the “valve float special”.
And note that I said reputable, not some backwoods FaceBook shop. Reputable.
You know good and well that the valve springs were toast on that engine. This is exactly why all of the folks that used to post on CF and had an inkling of a clue about engines quit the board. A few guys over there, butthurt, spreading crap about a builder who bends over backwards to produce top shelf stuff. I like your wording of “diving board” YT rockers. Straight out of Josh’s mouth. Not sure how well you know the guy, but I wouldn’t quote another word the guy said...ever. I’d love to tell the TRUTH about him, but I’m a better man than that.
And Smoke...you tripping on here man! $9k? That ain’t nothing bro. NOTHING! Stop trying to go fast with flea market junk. Step up. I’m getting tired of hearing you complain about money on here. Don’t hate the player...Tony...Hate the game!!! And it’s a very very very very expensive game.
Wasn’t this supposed to be a thread about a 408 build?
And note that I said reputable, not some backwoods FaceBook shop. Reputable.
You know good and well that the valve springs were toast on that engine. This is exactly why all of the folks that used to post on CF and had an inkling of a clue about engines quit the board. A few guys over there, butthurt, spreading crap about a builder who bends over backwards to produce top shelf stuff. I like your wording of “diving board” YT rockers. Straight out of Josh’s mouth. Not sure how well you know the guy, but I wouldn’t quote another word the guy said...ever. I’d love to tell the TRUTH about him, but I’m a better man than that.
And Smoke...you tripping on here man! $9k? That ain’t nothing bro. NOTHING! Stop trying to go fast with flea market junk. Step up. I’m getting tired of hearing you complain about money on here. Don’t hate the player...Tony...Hate the game!!! And it’s a very very very very expensive game.
Wasn’t this supposed to be a thread about a 408 build?
If they were so bad, Tony wouldn't be using them.
They work fine with the right pressures and are reliable.
These guys that bag Tony out, I wonder if they know more than what he does.
As for Smoke, he is a lost cause especially once he is on the drugs.
I wouldn't even bother.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 467
I followed Josh B's thread on CF from the start of the build. There was no mention of pistons hitting the heads in the thread, so looks like he had some underlying issues .
After the valve float post i nearly went in another direction with my top end but luckily i dont think 1+1=3.
It seemed initially the engine was awesome, no signs of valve float on dyno graphs, no mention of float at all even the last dyno graph claiming valve float wasnt typical of real valve float.
Was thinking no biggy anyway, valve springs are a wear item, replace and good to go. Seems like the underlying issues excasperated the float.
The car may have only done 2000miles but the springs had been set up on the heads over a yr earlier and the engine doesnt have to be running for springs to lose there rating, from install there under tension. I know my heads were set up 5 months before 1st start , and knowing there a wear item i'll be checking there rating 12 months after install,not 12months after 1st start, i'll replace with new at same time. I thought everyone running big spring pressures would be on roughly the same maintenance timeline. Hence 1+1=3 and my decision to go mamo.
The highest hp lsx454 in Aus id seen before mine was a Darrin Morgan ported cid ls7 head with high rise and carb, big solid roller 641rwhp. Same price as mamo heads.
I dont see any other porters on here other than mamo getting bagged out. Really seems quite juvenile
After the valve float post i nearly went in another direction with my top end but luckily i dont think 1+1=3.
It seemed initially the engine was awesome, no signs of valve float on dyno graphs, no mention of float at all even the last dyno graph claiming valve float wasnt typical of real valve float.
Was thinking no biggy anyway, valve springs are a wear item, replace and good to go. Seems like the underlying issues excasperated the float.
The car may have only done 2000miles but the springs had been set up on the heads over a yr earlier and the engine doesnt have to be running for springs to lose there rating, from install there under tension. I know my heads were set up 5 months before 1st start , and knowing there a wear item i'll be checking there rating 12 months after install,not 12months after 1st start, i'll replace with new at same time. I thought everyone running big spring pressures would be on roughly the same maintenance timeline. Hence 1+1=3 and my decision to go mamo.
The highest hp lsx454 in Aus id seen before mine was a Darrin Morgan ported cid ls7 head with high rise and carb, big solid roller 641rwhp. Same price as mamo heads.
I dont see any other porters on here other than mamo getting bagged out. Really seems quite juvenile
There are no other 454's making that much power especially through a small 265cc intake runner.
Who gives a crap what they say.
Probably jealousy too.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 467
I didn't make 700whp, I made 650whp, which is what the greater majority of his combos make, on the high end. In the vette world, I've only seen the one 454ci car make 700whp and that was on a local dyno. Maybe the others were on this forum and not over on the vette forum.
Holley Hi Ram
RPM B3 camshaft
LME ported stock casting heads
1-7/8" headers
Heavy Monster LT1-S clutch (52lbs IIRC)
E85
Made 655whp on a dynapak dyno with a 500rpm/sec ramp rate. Trapped 142.5mph
A lot of reputable shops refer to his package as the "Valve Float Special".
Holley Hi Ram
RPM B3 camshaft
LME ported stock casting heads
1-7/8" headers
Heavy Monster LT1-S clutch (52lbs IIRC)
E85
Made 655whp on a dynapak dyno with a 500rpm/sec ramp rate. Trapped 142.5mph
A lot of reputable shops refer to his package as the "Valve Float Special".
First of all you have a holley high ram intake and a head with a larger port than stock.
Tony's packages have a head with a smaller runner, with more flow and yet make 50rwhp more through a more restrictive plastic manifold and a less efficient driveline.
Throttle response, and under the curve power with your setup will be nowhere near as good as one of Tony's packages either especially with that high ram intake.
Thread Starter
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Was the engine in the car Bortous when you did lifter change? If oil pressure issues arose id have thought the builder would have pulled out engine, all bearing clearances checked, pick up oring checked, barbell checked, relief spring checked, oil pump replaced, lifter bores checked , install new lifters and try again.
I do not know what else was checked either.
I am trying to find out today and will post once I have more information.
At least we know for sure it's either a bearing or the oil pump.
11 Second Club
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 134
Before pulling the engine and looking further i'd check the oil pump o-ring was in correct and also pull the cam while there and measure the O.D of cam journals versus your old cam, you just never know sometimes if there was an error made with one or more of the cam journal sizes. Unlikely, but it's one of the other main items you changed since having proper oil pressure
Last edited by Launch; Feb 11, 2020 at 11:09 PM.
Thread Starter
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Before pulling the engine and looking further i'd check the oil pump o-ring was in correct and also pull the cam while there and measure the O.D of cam journals versus your old cam, you just never know sometimes if there was an error made with one or more of the cam journal sizes. Unlikely, but it's one of the other main items you changed since having proper oil pressure
Thread Starter
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I just checked in with engine builder.
Engine has to be fully stripped to get to root of problem.
So for anyone hoping for results there won't be any unfortunately.
I'm selling the LS3 top end and going straight with a new top end.
Engine has to be fully stripped to get to root of problem.
So for anyone hoping for results there won't be any unfortunately.
I'm selling the LS3 top end and going straight with a new top end.
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 184
Likes: 66
From: HTown, Texas
Thread Starter
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This isn't going to fix anything.
I was going to change heads anyway.
And the opportunity with the heads off and having somebody interested in my top end just sweetens the deal for me.
Engine has to come apart anyway to check bearings.
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 184
Likes: 66
From: HTown, Texas
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 184
Likes: 66
From: HTown, Texas
I'm not throwing parts at it P you sicko.
This isn't going to fix anything.
I was going to change heads anyway.
And the opportunity with the heads off and having somebody interested in my top end just sweetens the deal for me.
Engine has to come apart anyway to check bearings.
This isn't going to fix anything.
I was going to change heads anyway.
And the opportunity with the heads off and having somebody interested in my top end just sweetens the deal for me.
Engine has to come apart anyway to check bearings.
Last edited by Che70velle; Feb 14, 2020 at 09:59 PM.