I posted a version of this over in the Gen III internal engine section, I thought it was a good fit in the truck section as well.

I realize now that for the amount of $$ spent on this build I could have done a 408 or maybe even more, however the scope and budget of this build has evolved significantly since I started it 1 year ago.

Here are the specs:

LM7 block bored to 3.905", line honed with ARP studs, decked to -0.010" by HKE.
Forged balanced stroker rotating assembly by TSP: Wiseco -3cc pistons, Eagle H-beam rods, K1 4" crankshaft.
Assembled by me with mitutoyo instrumentation.
AFR 210 heads, Pat G camshaft, FAST LSXRT 102mm topend and supporting components, 36lb injectors, 1-3/4" SS LT headers.
Tuning by Pat G in Victoria, TX.



The truck is a 2001 suburban 2500 4x4 with the 6.0 engine and 33" tires. It's pretty much stock, however it has dual 3" exhaust with 2 massive cats, 4l80e tranny, 14-bolt rear end with 4.10 gears, so its a good platform for the high hp engine.

Here are my goals for the engine:
1. Torque
2. Longevity
3. Driveability
4. Good peak power at 6k RPMs

Here is the status of the engine today (24 July):

1. Forged shortblock is assembled and ready.
2. Pat G cam is installed and degreed.
3. AFR 210 will arrive this week or next.
4. TSP SS headers arrived yesterday.
5. Remaining parts to order are misc seals, motor mounts, injectors.
6. 102mm FAST LSXRT will be added later, after I get motor running with base tune by Pat G.

Here are the cam specs:
224/228, .566/.571, 115+1 LSA, XE lobes

SCR = 11.3
DCR = 8.5

This is my first engine build so I do not claim to be an expert, I welcome any criticism/suggestions. This is a hobby for me.

Here are the pics!

Fresh from LKQ online - $400 engine special!


back from the machine shop


aligning 4-leg engine stand with hoist can be a pain in the ***!


setting block on table for cam bearing install


installing new cam bearings with homemade tool


test fit with OEM camshaft


modifying stock rockers for bearing upgrade


pressing in new trunnion bearings with screw vise


dial bore gauge with 0.001mm resolution


setting up dial bore gauge to crank OD dimensions


measuring main bore ID dimensions


measuring rod bore ID dimensions


calibrating rod bolt stretch gauge to 2" micrometer standard


measuring installed stretch of rod bolts (loose rods)


balanced rotating assembly ready for install


I'm traveling to scotland for a couple weeks, so the build and swap will probably not get finished until labor day.

Thanks for looking, more pics to come.

 

more pics

studs installed in bare block


crank set in block


torquing main studs


checking to ensure smooth rotation of crank


installing piston pins


installing pistons/rods to block


installing rod caps


confirming correct rod bolt stretch after install


confirming deck height


finished shortblock

 

Look great man I'm in for results

 

Nice, looks like a solid build. Nice looking suburban!

 

Looks awesome! Sounds like its gonna make great power throughout the whole rev range through 6k.

What converter are you going to run?

 

thanks for the replies.

to be honest, I hadn't thought about modifying the tranny yet. What would you recommend?

The truck will likely never see racing (maybe the TX mile), mostly used for road trips and camping, hardware store trips, etc. Longevity would be key to any tranny modifications Any advice with these goals would be appreciated!

 

I wouldnt go with anything too extreme since it is very heavy. Maybe a 2800-3000 converter from circle D in the 258mm diameter. That should get you to some decent torque with this build. Thats not to say that something a hair looser wouldnt help, but I dont think its necessary. That and an oversized tranny cooler would be all you need I think.

With the long first gear of the 80e you're really gonna want the help off the line otherwise it will still feel very sluggish on the street unless youre racing from a roll.

 

thanks for the tips I will look into the TC.

tranny cooler is a good idea, I think the factory one is very small.

 

Very nice, thanks for sharing all your pictures. Should be a nice setup.

 

Looks like proper tools and proper technique to me! Takes forever to do that, but man does it give you a nice finished result