My first LS build

mna0121 · May 30, 2014

If you ever put head studs in a block and these are available to you get them instead of the flat ended ones. These are ARP's, the stub on the end centers the bolt in the threads and keeping the load centered. It also keeps the threads of the studs fully engaged in the block not ran into the bottom of the block cocking the stud one way or the other.

mna0121 · May 30, 2014

Another uh-oh with the oil pump. Before buttoning up the short block we did a torque check of all bolts. Two oil pump cover bolts yielded to the TQ wrench, a quick call to Brian Tooley and I hope to put that issue to bed for good.

Will leave with a couple with heads, pistons and windage tray in place. Will get back with it Tuesday, thanks for dropping by.

mna0121 · Jun 1, 2014

Saturday I started cleaning up the valley cover, front and rear covers. Home made agitator.

mna0121 · Jun 1, 2014

Hmmm, looks like FAST sent me a Glock? Holley getting in on the action too. More on that later.

mna0121 · Jun 1, 2014

Spent most of Sunday working on the covers.

mna0121 · Jun 3, 2014

What was in the box, FAST 102 Big Mouth Throttle Body

FAST 102 truck intake. The truck intake produces a flatter power curve and makes more torque than the short runner intakes. I wanted the Holley aluminum intake for durability but it makes its power in the upper RPM range which is fine for hill killing but I like to putt- putt around so I went with the FAST.

mna0121 · Jun 3, 2014

Holley showing up for the build

Using Royal Purple mineral oil, anything with a high zinc content works well. Likely will use RP 10w-40 after break in period.

mna0121 · Jun 3, 2014

Ok, lets get started, first thing, adding another oil pump to the trash can

Porting new oil pump and shimming it for the last time, hopefully.

1tonyj · Jun 3, 2014

And he says he likes to putt around...lol...good one shawn! molaugh

mna0121 · Jun 3, 2014

In the deal I made on the Trick Flows was a set of RPC aluminum valve covers. They did not have the bungs for the coil pack mounts. Patooyee put his new TIG welder to work and welded in new bungs we bought on line. Thanks JJ I think these will work great. We took a vote, polish or black paint. They will be painted back black same as the lower part of the intake. I will take pictures of his work next week.

Installing the push rods and roller rockers. This is a Jessel non adjustable bar type system. Cam was brought onto base circle and rockers installed in cylinder firing order. Mounting bar is bolted in place of stock rocker stands, on base circle each set up consisting of one intake and one exhaust rocker is mounted to the bar with one large bolt, TQ 45ft lbs flanked by two smaller bolts TQ 26ft lb.

Bar bell oil diverter, leave it out and you will have NO oil pressure

patooyee · Jun 3, 2014

The bar bell pressure relief valve in the back of the block was something that I had never seen mentioned in any LS builds before. Surprising since the engine would be toast within minutes without that $.02 piece of plastic. I've had SBC's apart before and never seen anything like it. I guess pressure relief is built into the pump on a SBC. Wonder why they remote-mounted it on the LS's?

mna0121 · Jun 3, 2014

Hey Ray. I do like to putt around just can't do it riding with the Panama City crew. Had another awesome time at Morris Mountain trying to keep up with y'all. BTW K girl is becoming quite a good driver in your old buggy.

Oil pick tube in for the ride

Installing the balancer to align the front cover and installing rear cover and pan. Cover bolts and pan bolts 22 ft lbs two small bolts thru pan into rear cover 9 ft lb
RTV on all four corners where cover edges meet the oil pan rails.

mna0121 · Jun 3, 2014

JJ, I brought your wrench home with me will get it back to you soon, sooner if you need it.

Just some mock up pics. from here and a not so good shot of JJ's aluminum work.

mna0121 · Jun 3, 2014

mna0121 · Jun 4, 2014

Took a break from the build to help out one of JR's friends that is having trouble with a mail order tune for his GTO. JJ schooled him on HP Tuner basics.

mna0121 · Jun 4, 2014

Will not get to work on the LS until next Tuesday, going to leave a little teaser as to what I have cooked up.

Thanks for looking y'all be safe and Roll Tide

redneckengineered · Jun 4, 2014

Loved everything up until the intake. I just hate the look of those tall ass truck intakes. Build is bitchin though.

mna0121 · Jun 4, 2014

It definitely dominates the engine but I decided if I am going to put that kind of money in an intake I may as well get the most bang for the buck. I will try to accent it with the protection tubes but then again anyone that knows my rig, it ain't much on looks to start with.