Well in relation to my other thread I might be boring and stroking a 5.3 to make a 383 or boring and stroking a 6.0 to make a 408, either way after the boring is done Id like to build the rest of the engine myself....Am I crazy? Should I let a professional do it? Im willing to buy extra tools to get the job done but I just wanted your guys opinon. If I do end up building it myself what type of tools should I have? any books anyone recommends? anything else? recommended brands for the build?

 

I've seen LS motor books on ebay for under 20 bucks.
"How to Build High Performance Chevy LS1/ LS6 V-8s"
"How to Rebuild GM LS 1 2 3 4 6 7 9 76 98 III IV Engines"
etc

 

I've looked at both of those books and they're ok. I think there is way more useful information on these boards as far as theory and real world results. You can find anything online.

 

I'd do it for the experience and save a little money. I ordered my Gen1 for my blazer as a short block and did the rest my self. I wouldn't mind doing an entire engine some time.

 

If you have correct information and build it accordingly,you should be successful and you'd enjoy it more.

I've done some assembly and assisted a friend once. Or,you can let them do the short block and finish it(I did a Ford 250"...pretty easy).

Either way,get good gaskets...Fel Pro is a good company.

 

do it yourself, you will learn more and you will get a ton of satisfaction from it when its completed





oh, and its cheaper if you build it

 

why not? you have the room, the time, DOIT!! If you make a mistake, something goes wrong, what's the worst that could happen? You'd just get to do it again!

 

Yes definitely do it yourself

 

Sure does feel good to have a fast truck but feels better to be able to say you built it. Have at it man. If you got the time and money why not? It will be an experience.

 

It really depends on the quality of your local machine shop. If they are really good they can make sure all your bearing clearance are in check so all you have to do is the fun stuff...