DIY Shortblock Package from SDPC?
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From: Rockville, MD
DIY Shortblock Package from SDPC? i was inquiring about this a few days ago. the idea was: new block, rotating assembly, machine work, all in a ready to assemble package. i was wondering what you al think of something like that. i want to assemble the motor and i know a few ppl here are knowlegdable enough to do so. it could also be a great starting point for the smaller shops to save customers money.
Buy that kit, then put it together yourself...LS1's are actually really simple to put together. The first motor I ever built myself was an LS1, 347ci, forged rods, forged pistons, stock crank, heads, cam, nitrous car. Car had 11k when I sold it to a board member, and made 453 rwhp through a 9" rear on a dynojet that reads 10% lower than any other dyno around the area. (We checked them out, but I believe the lower dynojet #s to be more realistic.)
I had help from a couple friends, but pretty much did it myself. Get the torque specs for all the bolts from ls1howto.com and rent some tools from your local autozone or advance auto and do it yourself. I dont trust local shops either b/c they dont work with these motors on a regular basis. The only thing I couldnt do and wouldnt try was the machine work. I had a shop bore the block, balance the rotating assembly, and install the new cam bearings. Everything else I did at a friends garage, and if my dumb *** can do it right the first time, anyone can. Dont be afraid, just be careful, but building an LS1 really isnt that hard.
I had help from a couple friends, but pretty much did it myself. Get the torque specs for all the bolts from ls1howto.com and rent some tools from your local autozone or advance auto and do it yourself. I dont trust local shops either b/c they dont work with these motors on a regular basis. The only thing I couldnt do and wouldnt try was the machine work. I had a shop bore the block, balance the rotating assembly, and install the new cam bearings. Everything else I did at a friends garage, and if my dumb *** can do it right the first time, anyone can. Dont be afraid, just be careful, but building an LS1 really isnt that hard.
I think that sounds like a good idea. They sell a DIY shortblock put ablsolutely no warranty on it. And people like me can put them together. Either for myself or if a customer wants one. If i want to put a warranty on it through my shop that is my decision. Most places around here have zero warranty on any performance applications. I have personally seen plenty of "smart" people that abuse warranty. I installed a spec cluth in a 3 gen formy with a 383. I instructed him on the break in procedure, and told him if he wanted to keep the warranty to follow it. He backs his car into the street, and dumped it at 5k. The car did not move. End of warranty.
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i got a p,m from thm saying they had been thinking about doing something like this. i guess they need interest to really say yes. a proposed spec sheet would be a good idea. maybe also include break in lube for the bearings and such?
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I did mine myself and it was my first build ever. It is not that tough, but I did have an experienced builder looking over my shoulder. I got most of my parts from SDPC too. The big thing is to find a machine shop you can trust.
-Geoff
-Geoff
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
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From: Rockville, MD
they do their own machining now too which would be included in the package so you could get it at your doorstep and put it together.
i duno, but sdpc does deal alot with LS1's so i would suspect they know what they are doing right. I mean yea they should advise you if its all ready to go or nto as far as balancing, clearances, and everything else thats relative to a build like that.. Jus my .02
Originally Posted by Wnts2Go10O
i got a p,m from thm saying they had been thinking about doing something like this. i guess they need interest to really say yes.
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I never really asked, I just always assumed if you could buy an assembled package then you could buy one that you could assemble yourself. I have struggled with this very question. On one hand, I know I could give my personal engine more care and attention than the boys at the shop. I like going this way because if it blows up (barring part defects) I have no one to blame but myself. On the other hand, these guys build these motors regularly and know exactly what to do and what not to do. If the DIY package was 500 or so cheaper than the pre-built ones. I would be down.
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From: Denver, CO
Agreed. If an LS7 is made by master technicians in Michigan under sterile conditions, by hand, well I figure there is a reason I shouldn't do it myself just to save a couple of hundreds of dollars. I should know, I blew one up that I put together on my own--a really minor error that resulted in disaster. 
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has nothing with trying to be cheap, i WANT to put it together. others im sure feel the same way. why have omeone else do something you know you can do yourslf?