LS2 Build for boost in s10
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LS2 Build for boost in s10 Hey y'all, first post here. Looking to gain some insight to building my first engine from scratch. Build is a ways out but I'd like to start gaining some general knowledge so any advice/thoughts you have on anything please tell!
So far my (small) build sheet consists of an aluminum LS2 from Ed Rinke Performance, SPDC head gaskets, and AFR 230cc LS1 style heads. I'm looking to make it a 5 or 6 speed and run boost+e85. I'd like to make a good bit of power and will have more disposable income in the future for upgrades but as of right now I don't have a ton of room to blow unneeded money on unnecessary things. No idea what PSI or compression ratio I should be running with all of this. What clearance pistons should I look for for a 4.000 bore (stock ls2 bore diameter)? Keeping in mind this is a new engine block and the sleeves will probably need to be machined or if not then the pistons might wear it down. From what I've read so far is that it is better to be tighter tolerance and let the cylinders wear a bit. What rod length and stroke of a crank should I go with? How about piston and crank material? Also wondering what cam would make this car really chop. I would like to run EFI with some sort of Holley system that can handle everything I'd like to do but also be somewhat beginner friendly.
Again, sorry if this post is all jumbled and if you guys need any more info I'd be happy to give it to you. Thanks.
So far my (small) build sheet consists of an aluminum LS2 from Ed Rinke Performance, SPDC head gaskets, and AFR 230cc LS1 style heads. I'm looking to make it a 5 or 6 speed and run boost+e85. I'd like to make a good bit of power and will have more disposable income in the future for upgrades but as of right now I don't have a ton of room to blow unneeded money on unnecessary things. No idea what PSI or compression ratio I should be running with all of this. What clearance pistons should I look for for a 4.000 bore (stock ls2 bore diameter)? Keeping in mind this is a new engine block and the sleeves will probably need to be machined or if not then the pistons might wear it down. From what I've read so far is that it is better to be tighter tolerance and let the cylinders wear a bit. What rod length and stroke of a crank should I go with? How about piston and crank material? Also wondering what cam would make this car really chop. I would like to run EFI with some sort of Holley system that can handle everything I'd like to do but also be somewhat beginner friendly.
Again, sorry if this post is all jumbled and if you guys need any more info I'd be happy to give it to you. Thanks.
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 196
Likes: 72
From: Grand Rapids, MI
I would get avoid the built engine route on this one. A bone stock junkyard engine will do everything you need and you'll save (many) thousands. Money you save can go into the rest of the build(fuel, exhaust, ecu, cooling). The engine you're planning sounds like you're going for 1200+hp at the wheels. Probably not very viable for your first build. What you are saying and the word beginner don't exactly match up. Just trying to steer your wallet in the right direction...
Just need to be honest going in here. A full on aluminum block forged build setup for dependable boost will cost you north of $10k easy. As wlink suggested, find you a low mileage pullout and simply add a cam of your choice. Throw manifold pressure at it, in the form of a turbo or supercharger. It will save you thousands and thousands of dollars. As a builder myself, I typically don’t try and talk folks out of building an engine…especially young folks. It’s a skill that I’d love to see more folks getting involved with, it’s just getting ridiculous in the money department these days, as a nice forged build can easily run close to $20k. Your better off right now…in my opinion…finding a $3000 low mile, clean pullout, and doing your own cam install to start with. Then, as funds allow later on, you can do more such as heads, etc. A stock LS bottom end will easily handle 800+ hp so your prolly good for a while going this route.
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Well then that saves me quite the headache. Can I start installing systems that I planned on using for the built ls2 then such as an holley ls2 EFI kit that way I have it installed and have experience with it when I eventually go to build the new motor? What about a nice set of heads then reuse them when I build the new one or should I stick with the junkyard ones?
Well then that saves me quite the headache. Can I start installing systems that I planned on using for the built ls2 then such as an holley ls2 EFI kit that way I have it installed and have experience with it when I eventually go to build the new motor? What about a nice set of heads then reuse them when I build the new one or should I stick with the junkyard ones?
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I dont have the truck yet. Planned to build engine then once its done buy the truck and swap it in and complete the rest of the mods needed to support and engine like this. Based off of what others have said though I'm debating buying the truck and throwing a junkyard 6.0 in to get the swap done and enjoy it before I make it a purebred HP factory.
