355 build advice
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
If you've already got the pistons, use them. They're fine. As for the oil pump, in your situation stock replacement will be fine. Everyone says use the high pressure spring, but it's not required. Neither is high volume, unless you set up loose bearing clearances. For the timing set it depends on weather or not you are using an EWP. If you're using one, then ditch the stock for a single or double roller, either will work. There have been a large number of tests done that reveal there is no difference in HP required to turn a roller chain, gear drive, or even a belt. The only difference is when it comes to distributor timing events when parts wear out. If you are still using the mech. water pump, then it's time to upgrade your chain. The stock LT1 has a lot of slop it it, so you're better off to replace it if you're doing a rebuild. I would recommend at least a 52mm throttle body, while a 58 may not be required everyone will tell you it's a necessity. I would also recommend some 1.6 rockers, but again they are not required. I say good luck and you're on the right path to fun driver.
What needs to be replaced or upgraded on the mechanical stock water pump while its apart. I choose mech. over electric because I drive this car a lot and i feel that electric would be more prone to failure than mechanical.
Unfortunately there really isn't muc h u can do to the mech pump to improve reliability. The biggest thing to watch out for is the bearing on the drive. Aside from that they are all the same.
