LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Stock Shortblock Build

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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 09:14 AM
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Default Stock Shortblock Build

Okay, after trashing my AI383 setup I am ready to start my new build. I decided on switching to a TH350 w/3500 stall instead of running the the T56 this time so that means I have one forsale but that's not the point. My real question is, what can I do to strengthen the stock bottom end? I see vtec running 9.40's on his 135000 mile shortblock with new rings and bearings but is there more strength to be had with better balancing and better rod bolts? If I don't bust into the 10's on motor which I am pretty sure 11.20-11.40's is as fast as I'll see. I want to spray my way there and I don't want to be fearful of the hit. I don't see me spraying more than a 150 shot, more than likely a 100. Some insight is appreciated and if you were wondering of the setup here it is.

70,000 Mile Stock Short Block
AI 200cc Heads
AI Custom Cam
Lingenfelter Ported Intake
58mm TB
TH350/3500 Stall
3.73 Rear Gear
28" Tires
3400 Raceweight
NX Kit ADJ. 250/ which it will never see. LOL.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 11:50 AM
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if you plan on spinning it 7k or so, balancing and rod bolts would be a good idea. i normally avoid turning mine that high, though.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by vtec
if you plan on spinning it 7k or so, balancing and rod bolts would be a good idea. i normally avoid turning mine that high, though.
Yeah, I highly doubt I'll spin it that high. The cam isn't all that big so I probably won't be turning those rpm's. Prob 6500-6700.
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Old Apr 23, 2010 | 08:43 AM
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Default What parts to use?

I have decided to add rod bolts and have it balanced. I looked up some rod bolts on summit. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-134-6005/. Do you think these will work fine?
What kind of rings and bearings should I run? I plan on spraying it so that is going to be something to think about. Also, which brand bearings are best? The last time I built a motor I ran clevite bearings and the total seal rings that come in the Speed Pro forged pistons and ring set. I would really like some input on this if anyone knows what is commonly used on a performance/stock rebuild. PN's would be great.

-Thanks
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Old Apr 23, 2010 | 11:47 AM
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I run those rod bolts and spin to 6,500 no problem at all.
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Old Apr 23, 2010 | 04:41 PM
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balance it and the ARP bolts will help. If you could get ARP main studs it would be nice but that your going to need more work done to the block.

Is everything taken apart? how much money can you toss into this?

I'm sure you know the sky's the limit but i would watch the FS section here and a few other places. If you can find some killer deals it may make sense to go ahead and spend a little more coin.
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Old Apr 23, 2010 | 07:02 PM
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you could use main studs. just check the main bores before final assembly with the studs torqued..

i've replaced main bolts with main studs on 2 engines, people say not to do it, but i think its more the machine shop owners saying not to do it so they can charge you for a linebore.
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Old Apr 25, 2010 | 09:45 AM
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Originally Posted by slomarao
balance it and the ARP bolts will help. If you could get ARP main studs it would be nice but that your going to need more work done to the block.

Is everything taken apart? how much money can you toss into this?

I'm sure you know the sky's the limit but i would watch the FS section here and a few other places. If you can find some killer deals it may make sense to go ahead and spend a little more coin.
I really wish I had the money to spend but the funds are starting to run out. I'm just looking into basically freshing up the motor even though its only got 70000 miles on it. I wanted to have it balanced well because I know I'm going to need the rpm and I want it to live for awhile. I see alot of power being made on the stock mains with bolts but, not all of us are as lucky as some of those people. I hope I'll be one of the lucky ones. What do most people run for bearings, stock replacement? Also, what about rings, stock replacement as well? What are most people running??
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Old Apr 25, 2010 | 10:19 AM
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I alway balance an engine. Above ~6000 the forces are non linear and each hundred RPM adds alot of force. Can you live without balancing? Yes, but the forces are working against your setup and longevity will suffer.

For longevity I use studs top and bottom they have gotten expensive, but they are a bit stronger than bolts. I am not sure what you 'thrashed' in your last motor so not sure what you need. Forged pistons, balanced and studs is a stout foundation and of course ALWAYS new rod bolts I use arp simply because they have been round along time.

Especially going 11.2 NA at 3400 lbs that comes out to 480 RWHP. 9.4 takes 810 RWHP so to get there will definately take a power adder. Decide where you want to go then see if you can afford it or are willing to spend the money. I see many half *** it, then they end up destroying the motor, not reaching their goal, and then they are car poor.

It is easy to over spend remember though it also takes $$ to maintain the car. I make alot more than most on here, but I probably have the lowest dollar budget especially relative to what I make. This is a hobby and it needs to stay in perspective.

NEVER borrow money to hotrod a car that is a sign you are over the edge IMO.

Good luck

PS 10.9 requires 518RWHP at 3400
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Old Apr 25, 2010 | 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by boosted LT1
I alway balance an engine. Above ~6000 the forces are non linear and each hundred RPM adds alot of force. Can you live without balancing? Yes, but the forces are working against your setup and longevity will suffer.

For longevity I use studs top and bottom they have gotten expensive, but they are a bit stronger than bolts. I am not sure what you 'thrashed' in your last motor so not sure what you need. Forged pistons, balanced and studs is a stout foundation and of course ALWAYS new rod bolts I use arp simply because they have been round along time.

Especially going 11.2 NA at 3400 lbs that comes out to 480 RWHP. 9.4 takes 810 RWHP so to get there will definately take a power adder. Decide where you want to go then see if you can afford it or are willing to spend the money. I see many half *** it, then they end up destroying the motor, not reaching their goal, and then they are car poor.

It is easy to over spend remember though it also takes $$ to maintain the car. I make alot more than most on here, but I probably have the lowest dollar budget especially relative to what I make. This is a hobby and it needs to stay in perspective.

NEVER borrow money to hotrod a car that is a sign you are over the edge IMO.

Good luck

PS 10.9 requires 518RWHP at 3400
Bolo is at the bottom of 11 seconds and i dont think hes running 480rwhp....unless he lied to us on his dyno video lol
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Old Apr 25, 2010 | 04:58 PM
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i dont think im making 800+. lol
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 12:24 AM
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Boosted is another one of these internet experts.
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 12:46 AM
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Originally Posted by daves94formula
Bolo is at the bottom of 11 seconds and i dont think hes running 480rwhp.... lol
Not to mention BOLO is running bottom 11's on a very budget minded suspension. Its not like he used MadMan to get there
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 10:35 AM
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lol. You dont need 500+ HP to hit 10s. Look at Larry's car 10.6s at 460 rwhp. A guy in the Drag tech section was also trying to tell me it would take 450rwhp NA plus a 150 shot to hit 10s. lol
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by AChotrod
A guy in the Drag tech section was also trying to tell me it would take 450rwhp NA plus a 150 shot to hit 10s. lol
He drive a GTO?
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 10:45 AM
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Stalled autos dont follow the typical rwhp->ET conversions. Its all in the 60'.

Originally Posted by whytryz28
He drive a GTO?
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 04:46 PM
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I work at houston engine and balance and just finished building up my stock shortblock for mildly ported heads and a comp 280xfi and will probably be shiftin either 6600 or 6800(haven't dynoed it yet) not spraying anytime soon but will eventually spray a 100shot to see easy 10s.I had my rods, rod bolts, rings and valvesprings cryoed, its process that hardens the metal. Rods are weak so doing this and arp rod bolts in addition will help a lot. Cryoing the rings makes them seal better for increased power. Personally if you wanna spray it pretty often I would cryo the pistons also and if you want even better rings seal have the pistons gas ported. Total seal rings are what I am running and I just went with a standard clevite bearing set.
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 04:53 PM
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Hell why not cryo the valve springs too. You realize there are downsides to cryo too right? I would never cryo a piston.
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by boosted lt1
ps 10.9 requires 518rwhp at 3400
lol!!
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 05:27 PM
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Originally Posted by GIZMO
lol!!
I didn't want to be the one to laugh at him first. But holy crap, do people really bench-race like this?
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