LB7 - Ultra Reliable 600 RWHP Build

clrussell

pro-procrastinator
Sep 23, 2013
5,928
399
83
Honestly at 550 and staying stock charger just leave the stock bottom end and get great tuning. It’ll probably last longer. And definitely cheaper
 
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Chevy1925

don't know sh!t about IFS
Staff member
Oct 21, 2009
21,761
5,933
113
Phoenix Az
there are so many variables to a "reliable 550-600hp" beyond the engine. a truely safe 550 can be done on a stock bottom end without issue but will take more air than the stock turbo gives, injectors that are in the 1300-1500uS range at that power level (1100-1300 would be ideal), cp3 to support the fueling, and all the other little details that go with. Then it comes down to you actually keeping the power at 550 and not wanting to up it for more.

if your lb7 engine is in good health, i wouldnt touch it. if it needs a rebuild, id put new lb7 pistons in that are delipped (you will most likely need a bore over to get piston to wall clearance right), lbz rods, have the crank checked and rotating assembly balanced, key the crank and cam and maybe replace a few other things depending on mileage. that combo will hold 600hp all day long on a proper setup (air/fueling/tuning)
 

dmax_ty

Member
Aug 18, 2011
435
8
18
Utah
Damn cranks make me nervous, but the Duramax certainly isn’t the first Diesel engine to snap cranks. Ask late model E block cat owners (1LW and 2WS) about that.