LB7: Time for me to build my motor. Opinions?

[Sandracer799]

So after my recent piston debacle it is time for me to build my motor.

I am trying to get a parts list together and there is so many options. I wanted to get y'alls opinion on what I am thinking and if you think it will be good for what I plan on doing.

The truck will still be a street truck (Not my DD) and tow my sand truck. However, I do still plan on racing and toting the sled.

For now it will still be stock turbo and injectors. I plan on eventually doing duel fuelers and twins.

So far this is what I have come up with.

Carillo Forged Rods
Mahle Forged Pistons or should I go with Mahle cut and coated cast pistons? because I will still be street driving the truck.
Head Studs
Main Studs
Keyed Cam
Flex Plate Bolts
ATI Damper
All new gaskets.

As far as machine work:
Torque plate hone cylinders and main bore
Line hone mains for main studs
Hone Block

Should I go ahead and have the machine shop bore it any or leave it alone?

Like I said I have been reading and reading and there is just so many options. I just want to make sure that I am going the right route for what I am going to do.

I really appreciate everyone's help.

 

[Dirtymaxx03]

looks like a good list. Id probably run the race cast pistons since the truck isnt a dedicated racer and is a DD. I also would keep the block as close to tock bore as possible. If the walls are good a hone is all that may be needed. Other then that it sounds like you got a solid platform planned out.

 

[paint94979]

If I was you I would run Fingers pistons without thinking twice about it

 

[dmax711]

If I was you I would run Fingers pistons without thinking twice about it

x2

 

[Chevy1925]

x3

 

[Subman]

I'm assuming you will have the rotating assembly balanced? I'd also recommend 50% over injectors from F-1 if you can get them. I go with billet holddowns on them as well. I'd also girdle it, can't hurt, and do something to the water pump, several options there need to do the research to figure out which way you want to go. You haven't mentioned heads or turbo(s), I'd at least get a good aftermarket innercooler, (I Iike BD's) and a driver's side exhaust manifold. Obviously good EFI tuning and a DSP-5 switch, lift pump of your choice.

 

[Fingers]

15.5:1 cast without valve reliefs.

 

[dmax711]

:thumb:

 

[Jscherbs]

15.5:1 cast without valve reliefs.

Just out of curiosity, why suggest the 15.5:1 vs 17.5:1 like stock since he intendeds on keeping stock bore?

Also if his bores look OK would you recommend he go with standard bore or .20 over?

IM all about lower compression for making big power but it sounds as if his fuel and air will be limited to begin with.

 

[Fingers]

Mainly because he is looking at twins in the not far off future.

Bore doesn't affect the CR selection. Anticipated chamber pressures do.

 

[blk smoke lb7]

looks like a good list. Id probably run the race cast pistons since the truck isnt a dedicated racer and is a DD. I also would keep the block as close to tock bore as possible. If the walls are good a hone is all that may be needed. Other then that it sounds like you got a solid platform planned out.

Yup!!! and do race springs on the valves,im a big fan of porting the heads but not nessisary. make sure you drill and tap the oil pan while you have it out for the twin drain line its a bitch and a mess to do in the truck.I bought a new delco w/p and had the center section of both sides tiged to keep it together.Wouldnt hurt to have the stock turbo ported a little to give you a little extra till you twin it.(just something that can be done while your motor is machined and assembled)

 

[cafryer]

threaded cups

 

[Subman]

threaded cups

Agree they have them fool proof now, haven't messed with an LB-7 engine in a while, I can tell you that Max'd Out still uses hold downs and has never had a problem and it making a lot of HP.:thumb:

 

[TheBac]

So after my recent piston debacle it is time for me to build my motor.

I am trying to get a parts list together and there is so many options. I wanted to get y'alls opinion on what I am thinking and if you think it will be good for what I plan on doing.

The truck will still be a street truck (Not my DD) and tow my sand truck. However, I do still plan on racing and toting the sled.

For now it will still be stock turbo and injectors. I plan on eventually doing duel fuelers and twins.

So far this is what I have come up with.

Carillo Forged Rods
Mahle Forged Pistons or should I go with Mahle cut and coated cast pistons? because I will still be street driving the truck.
Head Studs
Main Studs
Keyed Cam
Flex Plate Bolts
ATI Damper
All new gaskets.

As far as machine work:
Torque plate hone cylinders and main bore
Line hone mains for main studs
Hone Block

Should I go ahead and have the machine shop bore it any or leave it alone?

Like I said I have been reading and reading and there is just so many options. I just want to make sure that I am going the right route for what I am going to do.

I really appreciate everyone's help.

I think you've got it about right. Id key both pins on the crank, too. Might want to add valve springs and possibly a pinned water pump.