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Old 07-19-2007, 01:39 PM
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Default LS7 Pistons

Building an LS7 using GM LS7 Block. Just ordered Callies crank and rods, and now I need pistons. I have used JE in all of my engines in circle track applications without any troubles. So I called JE and they don't feel comfortable building an LS7 style piston.

So...what is the best piston on the market I can use?

Diamond, Wiseco, Mahle, Katech??

Application will be NA and most likely never to be blown or sprayed.

Also, what is the usual desk height supported to be when building these LS style engines? I've alway set my 355 and 372 engines to .008 in the hole.

Thanks in advance.
Old 07-19-2007, 01:41 PM
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why don't they "feel comfortable"? and my other question would be why the LS7 block, rather than an LSX block?
Old 07-19-2007, 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by wannasupra
why don't they "feel comfortable"? and my other question would be why the LS7 block, rather than an LSX block?
The reason would probably be weight on the ? of LS7 vs LSx.

As far as the other, I'm with you. It can't be that different.

Diamond or Katech would be what I recommend.
Old 07-19-2007, 01:50 PM
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It's going in a C6 Corvette, so I really don't want the extra weight of the steel block. I know it's a better foundation though. Same with the World block, just a little too expensive for me a 4K.

I called JE the other day and they said provide the specs and they would build it. Then called Scroggin Dickey to order the rest of the parts and they called to get them ordered and responded with that answer. Not really sure, just a little bummed.
Old 07-19-2007, 02:00 PM
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As far as deck height. Out of the hole .002-.007 seems about normal. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.
Old 07-19-2007, 02:01 PM
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JE wasn't comfortable with the 11 degree setup you requested....they have the 15 degree program of course. Just to clarify to others why they weren't comfortable.

And to give you an idea on the piston being out/in the hole...most of our Diamond piston setups put the pistons .005-.010 out of the hole. Of course on the .010" setups we recommend a slightly thicker gasket like Cometic .051 or .056 GM MLS.

Nice chatting with you earlier, John! My first day at work is going great!
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Old 07-19-2007, 02:18 PM
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The Mahle "shelf" -4s will give you about 11:1. They set up to ~ .015 in the hole with the Callies setup.
That is our favorite setup BTW.
Old 07-19-2007, 03:40 PM
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How much power do you expect to get with this LS7 motor?
Old 07-19-2007, 04:03 PM
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Matt-

Thanks for all of your help today. You weren't bad for a rookie.

I might be back in touch on the pistons, instead of learning the hard way.

RC45-

Not sure how much power, but as long as it beats you, mission accomplished. Since my stock C6 smoked your cam, headers, CAI and tuned car, just think of what's going to happen this time! And thanks for helping me spend 6K today. I would have been content with just headers and a tune, but no...you have to go down the LS7 path. My kids will be eating beanie-weaners for the next few months.
Old 07-19-2007, 04:06 PM
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Why such the variance on desk heights?
Old 07-19-2007, 04:06 PM
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wouldnt a 15* clearanced piston provide more clearance with a set of 11* valved heads?
Old 07-19-2007, 04:23 PM
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I would think so. If they machined 12 degree reliefs it should actually leave more material. Just don't know...
Old 07-19-2007, 06:32 PM
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Originally Posted by jkittleson
RC45-

Not sure how much power, but as long as it beats you, mission accomplished. Since my stock C6 smoked your cam, headers, CAI and tuned car, just think of what's going to happen this time! And thanks for helping me spend 6K today. I would have been content with just headers and a tune, but no...you have to go down the LS7 path. My kids will be eating beanie-weaners for the next few months.
Well, after reading threads here on LS1Tech it seems our litle gutless 427 LS7's will be lucky to break the 500rwhp mark - we may as well have stuck with some radical heads/cam jobs on our Ls6/2 's
Old 07-19-2007, 06:45 PM
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Having a monster cam does not do much for LS7s. The right cam produces nice power and tons of torque.
Old 07-19-2007, 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by See5
Having a monster cam does not do much for LS7s. The right cam produces nice power and tons of torque.
What cam specs would get the best torque/hp numbers from an LS7 block/LS7 heads setup?

These numbers could be best peak tq and hp or if appropriate with with the right cam best average tq and peak hp.

Is say, 550rwtq and 600rwhp possible with an LS7 setup? Heck, is 600rwtq possible?
Old 07-19-2007, 07:07 PM
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The last two we did came out to ~530/530rw. One with big cam one with right cam, both were same moderate motors except for cam. Ported L92 heads.
I think you could get to 600 RW but it would be co$tly and radical. These things have so much torque, HP is secondary in my simplistic mind. ALL that power is largely overkill till after torque curve in 3rd.
Old 07-19-2007, 07:19 PM
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530rwtq with LS7 heads as well?

Almost seems not worth the cost and effort.. as we all see the rumours about folks with 402 strokers putting 520 and 530 to the wheels.. are these stories not true?

What would it take then to get 600rwhp?

Special cam? Special heads? Special tune? Special gas?
Old 07-19-2007, 08:56 PM
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My 402 with L92s did 496/475 see sig.
Old 07-20-2007, 07:06 AM
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Originally Posted by RC45
530rwtq with LS7 heads as well?

Almost seems not worth the cost and effort.. as we all see the rumours about folks with 402 strokers putting 520 and 530 to the wheels.. are these stories not true?

What would it take then to get 600rwhp?

Special cam? Special heads? Special tune? Special gas?
The right cam on LS7 heads will do it. It is worth the effort on LS7 heads.
Like was stated earlier, camshaft events are different on LS7/L92 heads versus the standard cathedral port stuff. By no means could I spec out you a cam, but there are people that can
Old 07-20-2007, 01:46 PM
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We have had 12* pistons made by Wiseco & JE, you need to fill out the custom order form with ALL the information and they can make anything, but get ready to pay some money for them.


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