That's a pretty good question. At least 5000. I don't quite think 10,000. Sorry to be so non-specific. It's been on for two years, but during those two years, a LOT has happened.

Crank and rods are on the way. I was originally going to reuse the titanium rods, but I've been advised by several builders not to do this. The two main reasons are the expected power and also the fact that the rest of this bottom end was in such bad shape that it is risky to re-use what was in there. One issue I fought is that the Kung Flu has cause parts availability to dry up, except what is made in the USA. So, I got a package deal from Molnar coming. The rods are significantly heavier than stock, so there won't be any secret gains there. Ordered with 1800g bobweights, because I'm damn well not going to be adding mallory. Pistons are going to be custom, as I really do not want to mill the heads. At this point, will be either Mahle or JE.

Block is at RED and waiting in line to get the sleeves done. I'm hoping to have everything ready for the block to go together by the time the block is ready to go.

 

What rods are you going with?

 

Molnar 6.125

 

It’s all good! I still can’t seem to keep oil out of my intake manifold so I’m contemplating going to a vacuum pump and I like the GZ package. Any problems with the kit?

ive talked to lazer about it and he suggested taking the belt off when not racing since my Camaro is my daily for now. About 15k/yr

 

I have not had any problems with it. Sometimes I get the itch to reroute the vacuum lines, that kind of thing. If you pull the belt without making other provisions, you'll build up a lot of crankcase pressure. So if you do install a pump and then pull the belt for non-track use, have a stand by vented oil cap or something you can run.

 

ah that’s a good point, I didn’t even consider the pressure build up with the belt off. Gonna do some more research and ask GZ a few questions

 

I ran a GZ pump for a little while but it would suck up too much oil with the crankcase air and make a mess in my bay. A larger catch can and better baffling would have definitely solved that issue, I'm sure.

While I was waiting for the pump to arrive, I had my engine all sealed up and did a quick pull (forgot I didn't have any ventilation) and blew some oil out of a few gaskets.

 

LOL, I blew out a rear main seal once due to disconnected PCV prior to VP install

 

So, here's an interesting twist...

It turns out, I have a GM race version LS7 block. not a production LS7 block. it's got the bulkheads in it like the 5.3, and there are small holes in each one drilled through the bulkheads. A few other nifty features. At first I thought he meant a C5R block, but those use SAE bolts, not metric. Chevelle called me up last night to tell me about it. Steve at RED figured out what it was. Said it's a very rare block and that he keeps one in storage. I spent some time on google after learning all of this. So, that takes a good bit of the sting out out of this, since that block alone is about $7500. Also discovered it has Katech oil squirters in there, but they're capped off. And the linings have been replaced before. Bottom line, though, this is a very strong block that I have, and it was nice to finally get some good news out of this whole mess.

Got the shipping details on the crank and rods. Just waiting on pistons and we can start going to town.

 

I’d freak out if I saw oil coming out of the seals lol

In case anyone is curious, I checked with GZ on the rebuilds and Bill suggested the first time it should go in with 10-15k miles. After that send it in when necessary. He also suggested to run the pump the whole time, even on the street. He has some customers with 40k miles on their pumps so it sounds like it’s a fairly reliable unit.

I just need to figure out what I’ll need to move so the pump fits...

Darth, is yours the sportsman or bigger pump?

 

Just as I was reading this post the first thought that came to my mind that it was a c5r block. Then I realised this c5r block is cast iron and not aluminium.
You are quite lucky to have that block.
Are you going to enable those oil squirters or are they not needed for your application?
What is the official code or name of this block?

 

Sportsman. In part becuase the old motor was a 346 and I transfered it over. Also I didn't want to pull too high a vacuum.

 

C5R is aluminum...

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/vem...ylinder-blocks

 

Are you going to uncap the oil squirters?

 

Solid thanks for the info! Gonna inquire about gear sizes with GZ

could you uncap the squirters and run more vacuum? Not sure if they hit the wristpins. Awesome find with the block as well

 

GMPP C5R block

 

Good thing you didnt jack the block up too. The devastation had to come to an end somewhere. Kudos to bouncin back so quickly from sad, new plan, to execution. If mine gets hurt, im parkn it, puttn a cover on it, and buying a corvette.

 

I googled this. The pics don't quite match up. There are some things I want to take a closer look at when I get it back just to see, as there are some dead-giveaway features to help you tell what it is.

 

Not many people get their hands on a c5r block, really cool.

 

We don't know if it's a C5R yet.
I'm waiting to see when Darth finds out.