LS1 Build Project for a capable noob
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6
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LS1 Build Project for a capable noob I'd like to build an LS1 for a project I'm working on (LS6/LS2 is ok too, but not necessary).
Thing is, I'd like to do this as a learning exersize as my first time out, so I plan to choose stock-ish parts for nearly everything. I'm not trying for monster horsepower, my goal is a RELIABLE V8 that could go 100k miles without a problem, and make the stock ~350hp along the way.
No dragracing in the future for this project! Just a quick drive to work or WaWa (if you live in a Mid-Atlantic state).
My question is this:
Can I find a combination of parts, block, rotating assembly, heads, etc that I can "put together myself" for the most part, while saving money on the project by doing said assembly?
I've been thinking about a LS1/LS6 bare block off ebay, with a pre-balanced rotating assembly kit for the LS1 from Jegs (Eagle seems to make them for about $600). The accessories seem very inexpensive, although I have not found an inexpensive "stock" head solution.
Thoughts? Any pointers to FAQs or something is fine, I can read, and am mechanically inclined, but I am not experienced with engine INternals.
Thing is, I'd like to do this as a learning exersize as my first time out, so I plan to choose stock-ish parts for nearly everything. I'm not trying for monster horsepower, my goal is a RELIABLE V8 that could go 100k miles without a problem, and make the stock ~350hp along the way.
No dragracing in the future for this project! Just a quick drive to work or WaWa (if you live in a Mid-Atlantic state).
My question is this:
Can I find a combination of parts, block, rotating assembly, heads, etc that I can "put together myself" for the most part, while saving money on the project by doing said assembly?
I've been thinking about a LS1/LS6 bare block off ebay, with a pre-balanced rotating assembly kit for the LS1 from Jegs (Eagle seems to make them for about $600). The accessories seem very inexpensive, although I have not found an inexpensive "stock" head solution.
Thoughts? Any pointers to FAQs or something is fine, I can read, and am mechanically inclined, but I am not experienced with engine INternals.
TECH Resident
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 896
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From: Holmes County (thats right Amish Country), OHIO
First off I don't know how much you know but check out amazon. or some other book store there are some very goo manuals and books out there to help you with you build. the one is like "How to build your own high performance chevy LS1" or something like that.
Now to your expense question. What about going to the junk yard and picking up a LS1. Then you could take it apart and see how it was built. then you would have the stock parts and you could just get the parts machined that need it. most likely the block and heads would need it.
Now to your expense question. What about going to the junk yard and picking up a LS1. Then you could take it apart and see how it was built. then you would have the stock parts and you could just get the parts machined that need it. most likely the block and heads would need it.
as mentioned previously, save some money by buying used. take a look through the FS section on the page here; you may find someone in your local area selling a block for a much more reasonable price than ebay or the junkyard. With the money you save, you can get the assembly cleaned up at a machine shop.
also, are you completely set on having an LS1 block? you can find 5.3 and 6.0s a bit more commonly (meaning cheap!)
good luck, I'm right about to get started on my first LSx project
also, are you completely set on having an LS1 block? you can find 5.3 and 6.0s a bit more commonly (meaning cheap!)
good luck, I'm right about to get started on my first LSx project
