FI Prep Lower End Build
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Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Daphne, AL
FI Prep Lower End Build
I currently have the LS6 pulled out of my 02Z to replace the rings. Now I'm considering upgrading the pistons and rods since I already have them out. I'm thinking about supercharging in the future, so what are some good pistons and rods to go with for a moderate build? I'd like to have between 600-700 rwhp. Can the stock clutch handle this amount of power? I plan on keeping the stock crank and am not boring the cylinders.
Also, any recommended supercharger kits? I'll be installing myself so looking for a full kit with everything I need. Pros/cons for supercharging vs procharging?
Also, any recommended supercharger kits? I'll be installing myself so looking for a full kit with everything I need. Pros/cons for supercharging vs procharging?
Last edited by Twhittle14; Jan 12, 2020 at 09:39 PM.
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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a&a for the blower kit, best design/quality and customer service... they use vortech head units but they also offer a procharger bracket if you want to run one of those, both are centrifugal superchargers they are just different companies and designs... you will need a clutch no question so plan on that, preferably a twin disc
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Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Daphne, AL
How much power can the stock pistons and rods handle? I've read some people are boosted with the stock lower end. If they can handle up to 700 rwhp then I may just replace the rings and keep the stock pistons and rods.
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From: Daphne, AL
I agree and am pretty set on upgrading to forged pistons and rods, I just heard there have been people with FI on the stock lower end and was curious. Looking at the McLeod RST twin disk clutch too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2017
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Plenty of people push the SBE 700+. Hell, I saw a guy on IG that's running a 900+ turbo set up on the SBE...
But like mentioned above, if you're already going to be there...it would be foolish not to swap them.
But like mentioned above, if you're already going to be there...it would be foolish not to swap them.
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Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Daphne, AL
Using the SBE will save money right now but in the long run I don't think it's worth the risk. I've already got the stock pistons and rods out so might as well upgrade to forged. I'm looking at the parts below. Anyone using this setup?
Wiseco Pistons K398X3905
Scat Pro Comp I-Beam Connecting Rods 2-ICR6100-927
From what I've calculated, that'll lower my compression ratio to 10.1. I'm only cammed right now but if I decided to go FI I'll look into lowering the CR some more.
Wiseco Pistons K398X3905
Scat Pro Comp I-Beam Connecting Rods 2-ICR6100-927
From what I've calculated, that'll lower my compression ratio to 10.1. I'm only cammed right now but if I decided to go FI I'll look into lowering the CR some more.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
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Tick has a nice K1 rod Wiseco piston package. Someday I'll buy them. Never really drive my car anymore. Kinda losing that race car addiction, idk what's wrong with me.
https://www.tickperformance.com/2019...s-big-savings/
https://www.tickperformance.com/2019...s-big-savings/
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 387
From: Port Charlotte Florida
Tick has a nice K1 rod Wiseco piston package. Someday I'll buy them. Never really drive my car anymore. Kinda losing that race car addiction, idk what's wrong with me.
https://www.tickperformance.com/2019...s-big-savings/
https://www.tickperformance.com/2019...s-big-savings/
Second, go on a road trip. Maybe a weekend, or even a longer trip. A few years ago, I took 4400 mile trip through 8 states with my Procharged 2000 Corvette. The first leg of the trip was with several other Corvette guys and ladies to the National Corvette Museum, the NCM track, and the assembly plant tour. The remainder of the trip was just my Corvette and me stopping all over to visit friends and relatives and to see new sites. It was a great way to "fall in love" all over again with my car.
Best wishes, and have fun!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 387
From: Port Charlotte Florida
Stock bottom end with FI
Racer
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 385
Likes: 102
From: Virginia
I think you are foolish if you don't change out the pistons at least. I just had a piston break which ended up cracking the block. The pistions are a weak point in the LS65. Spend the bucks now and save some headache down the road. I would get new pistons, rods, cam, lifters, trunion kit, and oil pump and put it back together.
I would definitely change the clutch now since you have the motor out. \
How many miles on the motor?
KT
I would definitely change the clutch now since you have the motor out. \
How many miles on the motor?
KT
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Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 59
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From: Daphne, AL
I decided to keep the stock pistons and rods. The machine shop is looking them over and cleaning the short block and heads and hasn't found any issues. I already have a new cam, rods, springs, lifters, trunion kit, oil pump, timing chain, and balancer and now I'm putting on new rings, all new gaskets and bolts, and the McLeod RST clutch. Should be a solid engine without FI. I'm still back and forth on if I'll go FI in the future. If I end up supercharging it, I'll probably go with low boost to stay safe. 97k miles on the motor and 18 years old so it was time for a revamp.
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Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Daphne, AL
Well change of plans... I just talked to my engine builder and he said a few cylinders were out of spec and he has to bore them. Since I have to get new pistons I'm going to go ahead and put in forged pistons and rods. I also told him to quote me a new cam that works well for supercharging. I put in a FTI Streetsweeper HT cam last year without plans to supercharge. I like the cam but it has too much overlap to work well with a supercharged system. More money than I was planning to spend but it'll be worth it in the end and I should have a solid engine if/when I do supercharge it.
Question - As of now, I'm planning on going with an A&A centrifugal supercharger. I know there are multiple factors that go into this, but ballpark wise, how many pounds of boost will I need to get around 650 rwhp? What size pulley would I need? My only other performance mods are a cam, headers, and x-pipe. Stock intake and stock heads with with dual valvesprings and hardened pushrods.
Question - As of now, I'm planning on going with an A&A centrifugal supercharger. I know there are multiple factors that go into this, but ballpark wise, how many pounds of boost will I need to get around 650 rwhp? What size pulley would I need? My only other performance mods are a cam, headers, and x-pipe. Stock intake and stock heads with with dual valvesprings and hardened pushrods.
Last edited by Twhittle14; Jan 28, 2020 at 07:17 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,356
Likes: 359
From: Virginia
Well change of plans... I just talked to my engine builder and he said a few cylinders were out of spec and he has to bore them. Since I have to get new pistons I'm going to go ahead and put in forged pistons and rods. I also told him to quote me a new cam that works well for supercharging. I put in a FTI Streetsweeper HT cam last year without plans to supercharge. I like the cam but it has too much overlap to work well with a supercharged system. More money than I was planning to spend but it'll be worth it in the end and I should have a solid engine if/when I do supercharge it.
Question - As of now, I'm planning on going with an A&A centrifugal supercharger. I know there are multiple factors that go into this, but ballpark wise, how many pounds of boost will I need to get around 650 rwhp? What size pulley would I need? My only other performance mods are a cam, headers, and x-pipe. Stock intake and stock heads with with dual valvesprings and hardened pushrods.
Question - As of now, I'm planning on going with an A&A centrifugal supercharger. I know there are multiple factors that go into this, but ballpark wise, how many pounds of boost will I need to get around 650 rwhp? What size pulley would I need? My only other performance mods are a cam, headers, and x-pipe. Stock intake and stock heads with with dual valvesprings and hardened pushrods.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10,230
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From: Alexandria, Virginia, USA VA
I went with iron block 4.8 with gen 4 rods and forged wiseco pistons 020 over very strong combo that I'd feel confident with. I plan on running it around 800 and wouldn't be scared to push it past that