I wish that was the case but it was definitely that cam bearing.
It's all good.
I have ended up with something much better.

 

its on a ls3 headed shp dart 427. Replaced a Sniper low profile intake , no data yet to go on. My vacuum pump not reading vacuum on guage so haven't done much running. Will do a smoke test to find where my vacuum is leaking from. Then getting on the dyno soon

 

Ok good. We have a similar block.
Have you got the dyno sheet with the low profile sniper?
If so, will it be possible to do an overlay with the BTR to see where the gains are.
I would certainly expect gains with the BTR over what you had.

 

the will be an over lay but also swapped out 1-7/8 kooks to 2" tsp headers, loosened up the converter from 5500 to 6000 stall.
may show less on dyno but what it does at the track matters

 

Hey guys.
Another update.
Block was dummied up to check clearances etc.
It's now at the machine shop being zero decked.
Will be completed Monday so assembly will finally begin early next week.
Some photos are coming.

 

As promised here are some pics of the engine:






Engine should be fired up late next week!
I look forward when it finally comes together.

 

Looking good

 

Can't wait to see what that bad boy puts down.

 

Those windows to see the lifters are really nice.

 

Yes I know.
My builder explained to me all the improvements over the standard LS block.
The material in the around the cylinders, decks etc is so much thicker.
It's also his first Pro Iron block he is building.
He has built the older LS Next Iron and the SHP several times already.

 

Curious what was the intent in needing all of the extra material given the relatively mild power its going to make compared to other builds requiring it? Future plans for N2O/boost? Hoping for added longevity?

 

The reason I got this block because it was only $200 USD more than a stock LS3 block.
The normal Dart SHP block was actually slightly cheaper than a stock LS3 block too.
It made no sense to get the LS3 block when the Dart is far superior and barely more expensive.
The other reasons are too, is that iron flexes a lot less under pressure which in turn does make for better longevity over the long term.
Plus longer sleeves is another benefit.
It will also be power adder ready if I ever decide to run boost in the future.
I won't have any concerns if the engine will be able to handle the power. Reliability will still be there.
Then I will only have to focus on the transmission and driveline.
This though is far into the future.
It just never ends does it?

 

Wow, yeah for the negligible price difference, good call!

 

Yeah you need those windows in order to install the ARP hardware and unfortunately you will still need to pull the heads for a lifter change.

 

Looking good man. Not that it won't be handful already, but you could build a monster out of that engine with a big single turbo later on if you wanted.

Literally about the only thing i dislike about the LS engine.. is having to pull heads to remove lifters. Even though i haven't needed to yet, somewhere down the track a lifter may need attention, and it's a pita having to remove the header and head to get to the lifters compared to the older V8's which was just intake removal.

 

Yes.
That's what I was thinking about forced induction.
If I ever do it in the future,the single turbo is the hot ticket.
I will still be able to use the FAST intake with it too.
I would have the turbo set up/sized for a 3500-6500rpm power range.

 

Are the windows big enough to get the lifters in and out? Even if they're not, I like them for the ability to see. I go back to mine, how much easier it would have been to be able to pull the intake and valley cover, look inside, see a spun lifter. No more diagnostic work required. Vs back and forth detective work trying different ways to isolate a noise.

 

Guys, some more pics and progress!











Coming together!

 

Very nice. Can see the gas porting on the pistons. Are the skirts coated? I can't remember if that was in an earlier post. Also, what ring package? 1.2-1.2-3.0?

 

It is very nice.
It's coming together well.
Not sure on the measurements of the rings though Darth.
I will need to ask.
Skirts are not coated.