GM Performance Short Blocks
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 5
From: Bay Shore, NY
GM Performance Short Blocks
I've been wanting to rebuild the L98 in my 85 for awhile now. With almost 150K on it, I feel its getting tired and I'd like a little more power, not to mention long term durability. It runs great now, but I don't want to get caught with my britches down later on if something drastic happens.
As far as I can tell, other than companies that sell rebuilt engines like Jasper, I haven't been able to find a true replacement long block. My GM guy told me they discontinued the L98 long block and the long blocks they do have are generally for carburation and not fuel injection and I'd have to swap out the cam, etc. However, this morning I found on Summit a short block, GM Performance 12556121. Its made for fuel injection and its a 4 bolt main instead of the stock 2 bolt. There is also no provision for a mechanical fuel pump either. Has anyone used this short block? I figure I can add a nice cam, rebuild my heads and add some headers and I can get some more ponies out of it. I'd like the keep the TPI though, sentimental reasons. I'm pretty sure I can do it under my budget of $2500.
Feedback and suggestions are greatly appreciated!
As far as I can tell, other than companies that sell rebuilt engines like Jasper, I haven't been able to find a true replacement long block. My GM guy told me they discontinued the L98 long block and the long blocks they do have are generally for carburation and not fuel injection and I'd have to swap out the cam, etc. However, this morning I found on Summit a short block, GM Performance 12556121. Its made for fuel injection and its a 4 bolt main instead of the stock 2 bolt. There is also no provision for a mechanical fuel pump either. Has anyone used this short block? I figure I can add a nice cam, rebuild my heads and add some headers and I can get some more ponies out of it. I'd like the keep the TPI though, sentimental reasons. I'm pretty sure I can do it under my budget of $2500.
Feedback and suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,172
Likes: 9
From: '88 TPI L98/HotCam Powell, Ohio
The thing that sticks out is the 18 cc pistons. I ended up buying a new GM block for ~$800 from Pace (Summit sells it also) that came with a 4" finish hone and cam bearings installed. That way I could pick out exactly what I wanted. (forged,cc,etc...)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 5
From: Bay Shore, NY
That sounds like an idea as well. Do you remember the part number for the block?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 917
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte NC
If your engine is running good now, why not pull it and rebuild it yourself?
It would be easy & cheap to rebuild since their is no damage and only wear. The machine shop does most of the work for you. If your able to pull the engine yourself, then your able to build the engine.
Many people sell books and videos on rebuild the SBC. It's not all that hard to do and will save you 100's over buying a remain.
It would be easy & cheap to rebuild since their is no damage and only wear. The machine shop does most of the work for you. If your able to pull the engine yourself, then your able to build the engine.
Many people sell books and videos on rebuild the SBC. It's not all that hard to do and will save you 100's over buying a remain.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
If your engine is running good now, why not pull it and rebuild it yourself?
It would be easy & cheap to rebuild since their is no damage and only wear. The machine shop does most of the work for you. If your able to pull the engine yourself, then your able to build the engine.
Many people sell books and videos on rebuild the SBC. It's not all that hard to do and will save you 100's over buying a remain.
It would be easy & cheap to rebuild since their is no damage and only wear. The machine shop does most of the work for you. If your able to pull the engine yourself, then your able to build the engine.
Many people sell books and videos on rebuild the SBC. It's not all that hard to do and will save you 100's over buying a remain.
and it will make a great project and hobby for you. I assume you have all basic tools for engine pulling and stand. I did it and most of the references are here. This forum and the Field Service Manual and you are in the ball park.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 5
From: Bay Shore, NY
If your engine is running good now, why not pull it and rebuild it yourself?
It would be easy & cheap to rebuild since their is no damage and only wear. The machine shop does most of the work for you. If your able to pull the engine yourself, then your able to build the engine.
Many people sell books and videos on rebuild the SBC. It's not all that hard to do and will save you 100's over buying a remain.
It would be easy & cheap to rebuild since their is no damage and only wear. The machine shop does most of the work for you. If your able to pull the engine yourself, then your able to build the engine.
Many people sell books and videos on rebuild the SBC. It's not all that hard to do and will save you 100's over buying a remain.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,172
Likes: 9
From: '88 TPI L98/HotCam Powell, Ohio
Here's a link:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-10105123/
The machine shops I talked to couldn't beat the price and you get a 4 bolt vs 2 bolt.
Matt
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 917
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte NC
It was like the first time I had sex. I kept thinking everything was going to go wrong, then once it was over all I wanted to do was hit the highway!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
sad but true...i have been building street/race engines since i was a teenager in the 50's, everything from Daytona 24 hr L88 (finished the race) to snow plows...still have the tools/etc, must 'farm out' the heavy machine work, i can 'get close' to 'crate' $ if my labor charge is '0'
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
While playing around trying to do your own can be a learning thing and fun most times when it comes out Ok if youre a beginner is luck.
Lots to know and certain tools you should really have to double check everything.
Not really worth it cost wise to do your own anymore unless youve been at it a long time. For a DD the GM shortblocks are a good way to go.
Lots to know and certain tools you should really have to double check everything.
Not really worth it cost wise to do your own anymore unless youve been at it a long time. For a DD the GM shortblocks are a good way to go.
