[cwimmer]

I recently acquired every persons dream. A junkyard “LS”. As the dream goes I want to go fast (strip only) so I started buying go fast parts and realized I might not know everything and read some LS building books and now have some more questions. Feeling a little overwhelmed with so many options and choices.

One of the items I bought was a BTR Stage 3 NA cam, 231/244 .630"/.615" 112.5+2.5 (PN: 33144133R0) along with a BTR .645" spring kit and trunion kit and had the heads worked. The block is at a machine shop now and is bored 20 over due to some pitting. I’d like to put this together NA while I get comfortable with the truck and sort gremlins and then add nitrous to it. Now my question is what style pistons would you recommend if it were you and do they need reliefs? Or tell me to pound sand and I’ll send it full tilt like a peterbilt.

 

[Tranzman]

Your machinist would know best, but I'm thinking your going to need some valve reliefs with a .630 lift cam.

 

[heshtesh]

Since you know your direction from the start I would look into some good nitrous piston's from the get go.

 

[cwimmer]

Since you know your direction from the start I would look into some good nitrous piston's from the get go.

Any suggestions on what that would be?

 

[Tranzman]

Summit LS Pro Forged pistons are good a good choice. Just need to know the proper spec's...

https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/pistons/product-line/summit-racing-pro-ls-forged-pistons/make/chevrolet/engine-size/5-3l-325/engine-family/chevy-small-block-gen-iii-iv-ls-based-engines

 

[heshtesh]

My engine was built with Ross piston's with nitrous on the plate from the start.

 

[heshtesh]

Any suggestions on what that would be?

Are you planning on running solid copper head gaskets?

 

[cwimmer]

Are you planning on running solid copper head gaskets?

To be decided I suppose, sounds like you’re already running a nitrous motor I’d take your word for it.

 

[cwimmer]

I recently acquired every persons dream. A junkyard “LS”. As the dream goes I want to go fast (strip only) so I started buying go fast parts and realized I might not know everything and read some LS building books and now have some more questions. Feeling a little overwhelmed with so many options and choices.

One of the items I bought was a BTR Stage 3 NA cam, 231/244 .630"/.615" 112.5+2.5 (PN: 33144133R0) along with a BTR .645" spring kit and trunion kit and had the heads worked. The block is at a machine shop now and is bored 20 over due to some pitting. I’d like to put this together NA while I get comfortable with the truck and sort gremlins and then add nitrous to it. Now my question is what style pistons would you recommend if it were you and do they need reliefs? Or tell me to pound sand and I’ll send it full tilt like a peterbilt.

Also, I plan on posting specs/PN’s and plenty of pictures of this build going together. Formatted in a quality way to make sure others understand and can benefit from it. I appreciate any input.

 

[bk2life]

youre going about the build wrong.
post up your goals.
Then we can give you what you need to get there.
a stock LS1 with decent heads, can, exhaust, gears, ect.. will hold a 125 shot to leave and a 200 after the 60.
with traction, you can get a low 10 high 9 with that combo. there is plenty of proof all over the internet.
Dont get caught up with the I need this and that part of the game.
a cam, decent heads, good exhaust, good tune will get you darn neat 480 hp on a 4.8/5.3.
ebay turbo, and 15 to 20 psi will put you around 700rwhp.
But, again, to answer your questions, we need to know what you plan on doing.
And, to most people, a solid 500 hp will scare them.

 

[cwimmer]

youre going about the build wrong.
post up your goals.
Then we can give you what you need to get there.
a stock LS1 with decent heads, can, exhaust, gears, ect.. will hold a 125 shot to leave and a 200 after the 60.
with traction, you can get a low 10 high 9 with that combo. there is plenty of proof all over the internet.
Dont get caught up with the I need this and that part of the game.
a cam, decent heads, good exhaust, good tune will get you darn neat 480 hp on a 4.8/5.3.
ebay turbo, and 15 to 20 psi will put you around 700rwhp.
But, again, to answer your questions, we need to know what you plan on doing.
And, to most people, a solid 500 hp will scare them.

I’ll say my goals are to build this 5.3 with the cam and heads I’ve got worked. I’ve got a 2000 Sonoma, gutted, fuel cell, Holley terminator, Eaton posi on the way as well as caltracs with shocks. Track only truck, like to run all motor initially to learn and play with suspension while also working out whatever gremlins the truck has. Once I get comfortable at that level I’d like to get into nitrous and run low 9’s. I’m not feeling like I need this and that, just want some good opinions on how to go about it and what parts are worthwhile. Thanks bk.

 

[bk2life]

Eaton posi on the way as well as caltracs.... Track only truck.......... run low 9’s.

not much to do with suspension, you can go 9s with stock front suspension, the rear, add the caltracs and some adjustable shocks and thats about all thats necessary.
But, id switch to an 8.8 axle. That GM axle isn't really that worthy, and even if you have the big 8.5, id sell it and build a better 8.8.
build your entire combo with a big turbo. With he holley, you can dial everything in as you go. keep it at no boost while youre learning, and give it more as you go. No need to build and spend money 2 or 3 times. Do it once, and work with what youve got. The biggest expense youll have is your cage/parachute and getting it crertified for those speeds.