Planning An LS1 Build

[elliottecarter]

I’m rebuilding/modifying a WH Caprice (LS1, 5.7). Keen for some input on the sorts of things to consider when putting together a long term upgrade plan.
For instance, upgrading stock pistons & connecting rods for forged parts:

Is it better to think about something like this as a performance upgrade, in and of itself, intended to increase power; or to think about it more as a necessity because other intended upgrades (say, a modest centrifugal blower) stand to need more (strength?) than certain stock parts can provide?

 

[07GTS]

u will need to build the engine to suit the work it will do, n/a, boosted are very different engines, they u need to think about what style of boost and that also plays a roll, then planning to keep rpm in the stock range below 7k or want to go higher as higher changes parts also, then standard stroke or stroker that also changes alot, then the camshaft to be specific with what stroke and induction and rpm all changes it, boost also needs cooling mods to keep them efficient, then heads also affect everything alse as well so it all has to be matched to the ability of what the cylinders/camshaft/exhaust can fill and remove

 

[Fu Manchu]

@elliottecarter when @07GTS posts on this topic, you start taking notes.

 

[07GTS]

1. first to think about is how much u want to spend
2. then what u want to build, engine, adders like blower, cam, heads, intake, exhaust
3. power level as in can it be done within the stock engine reliably
4. based on power level and reliability does engine need to be built and to what level

most people dont usually do all 4 steps, but if u dont have to build engine if its not going to be pushed too far then more can be on a blower for the engine, camshaft and maby heads ect, so the outcome will be based on the limit to spend and then what u can do or need to do within that amount u can sort out the rest

 

[elliottecarter]

u will need to build the engine to suit the work it will do, n/a, boosted are very different engines, they u need to think about what style of boost and that also plays a roll, then planning to keep rpm in the stock range below 7k or want to go higher as higher changes parts also, then standard stroke or stroker that also changes alot, then the camshaft to be specific with what stroke and induction and rpm all changes it, boost also needs cooling mods to keep them efficient, then heads also affect everything alse as well so it all has to be matched to the ability of what the cylinders/camshaft/exhaust can fill and remove

such an exceptional response. thanks

 

[Ginger Beer]

Don't forget about getting your transmission sorted

I would work out power goals, cam specs, tyre size and rear end, then get the trans and converter built first to suit that power goal, with a good percentage of safety factor built into it, as well as a good trans cooler

 

[elliottecarter]

1. first to think about is how much u want to spend
2. then what u want to build, engine, adders like blower, cam, heads, intake, exhaust
3. power level as in can it be done within the stock engine reliably
4. based on power level and reliability does engine need to be built and to what level

most people dont usually do all 4 steps, but if u dont have to build engine if its not going to be pushed too far then more can be on a blower for the engine, camshaft and maby heads ect, so the outcome will be based on the limit to spend and then what u can do or need to do within that amount u can sort out the rest

It’s fair to say I'm still at step 2. Which explains the Post: Asking the questions to get me a reasonable enough understanding for planning the build.

That said, to be specific: What factors-in the most when it comes to moving from stock pistons and connecting rods to forged?

It may help if I Post a summary of the build (to-date & planned).

1. first to think about is how much u want to spend
2. then what u want to build, engine, adders like blower, cam, heads, intake, exhaust
3. power level as in can it be done within the stock engine reliably
4. based on power level and reliability does engine need to be built and to what level

most people dont usually do all 4 steps, but if u dont have to build engine if its not going to be pushed too far then more can be on a blower for the engine, camshaft and maby heads ect, so the outcome will be based on the limit to spend and then what u can do or need to do within that amount u can sort out the rest

 

[elliottecarter]

Don't forget about getting your transmission sorted

I would work out power goals, cam specs, tyre size and rear end, then get the trans and converter built first to suit that power goal, with a good percentage of safety factor built into it, as well as a good trans cooler

Yes, transmission is being rebuilt/reconditioned, along with torque converter & trans cooler.

It may help if I Post a summary of the build (to-date & planned).

 

[elliottecarter]

u will need to build the engine to suit the work it will do, n/a, boosted are very different engines, they u need to think about what style of boost and that also plays a roll, then planning to keep rpm in the stock range below 7k or want to go higher as higher changes parts also, then standard stroke or stroker that also changes alot, then the camshaft to be specific with what stroke and induction and rpm all changes it, boost also needs cooling mods to keep them efficient, then heads also affect everything alse as well so it all has to be matched to the ability of what the cylinders/camshaft/exhaust can fill and remove

Yes, great. Much of what you’ve said, I’ve either planned so-far or am in the process of digging further into.

 

[losh1971]

It may help if I Post a summary of the build (to-date & planned).

yes that would be good.