It is all a use case basis and IMO the earlier rod bolts are more at risk. If you do a bit more prep, you gain a bit more of a survival window. At the same time the problem was over blown.

IMO, getting the valvetrain stable is a greater concern. Getting a stable lobe, the old Comp XE-R lobes were a bit harsh on valve closing, and the correct springs properly setup goes a long way. My old car had a CamMotion cam and TEA back then used standard small block chevy diameter Comp 987 springs. It has proven durable and a couple years ago (last I heard) was still living after 15+ years of hard use.

 

100%

 

383 is created with a .005” overbore (hone) and a 4” stroke crank. So a 6.3L.
They run very well.

Also, only LS6 243’s had the light valves.

@Beast Thanks for the kudos! I learned a lot from the OG who used to post in the perf section here as well as LSTech. Along with applying my years of hotrodding knowledge.

My 346 ultimately ran a 10.99 on a cool crisp Oct evening.

All is still the same, except the short block is now a rod/piston 6.2. Same cam, heads etc. I’ve not had it to the track enough to fully sort it, but it’s gone 10.78@126+.
Still docile, and unassuming.

 

@the_merv One thing Merv mentioned (actually more than one, but I digress) that I think the OP would be wise to consider. A stock C5 will go around 170mph. They are also pretty quick. If the OP starts modding and ends up with 475-500chp, regardless of his daughter's experience, she could get in over her head quicker than you can imagine. I almost lost my C5 one time at a drag strip. It hit 2nd gear and unexpectedly started going sideways at around 65-70mph. Scary stuff. And I've drag raced cars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. In other words, no 16 year old on the planet can match the experience I have. I hope she can safely handle what you're throwing together. I feel like Merv was showing some concern for your daughter. Maybe he can be blunt, and I've had a few differences with him thru the years. But I feel like he meant well, and was trying to help. My .02, and best of luck to the OP and his daughter.....

 

After reading all this.
The one thing i have to say, think of the memories and the time he's getting to spend with her. I'd buy a money sink any day of the week to get those times again :0

 

Yup, I made mention of that and we will see what happens. I don't want to see a teenager wiped out regardless of what car, vehicle, etc, it is. Did 9 years EMS saw enough of it. Parents bought hot cars for their kids, peer pressure came into play and then splat here comes the fire trucks.

Others have mentioned that aspect as well, but people will do what they will do. Stock C5 with some light mods is plenty for a young driver to get a feel for. Then go from there. It's been mentioned already the kid has a heavy foot for the go pedal. Combine Murphy's Law and it'll be a bad day.

 

Thanks for all of the posts. I need to quickly apologize to @the_merv for letting our conversation get too personal and out of hand. Totally uncalled for on my part. And I do appreciate the comments about my daughter. I think I posted earlier that this whole project is a father-daughter deal and she is really excited about working on the car(constantly reminds me it is OUR car). We just bought a sprawling ranch-style house with huge detatched garage and when asked how much she likes it she tells them "my favorite room is the garage." I am hoping to teach her to respect the power available and to become "one with the car." Recognizing she got her genes honestly. 35 years ago I bought the brand-new Nissan300ZX twin-turbo and hardly ever declined the opportunity to "mix it up" , particularly on interstate ramps.

Atlas 9000 pound 2-post lift is set to be delivered and installed in the next week or so. Thankfully, I have plenty of room to raise it to maximum height.
So far have Vararoom CAI delivered and looking at doing a BTR stage II cam(moderate) paired with .342 differential. Read all the comments about breast analogy--- always better to go bigger--- but just don't see the need for a stage III and a .373. There's always going to be somebody quicker out there. Shopping list also has 243 heads ported and polished with .650 Springs and upgraded pushrods. All the literature strongly suggests replacing oil pump, timing chain, and harmonic balancer while we are at that far into the engine. Probably go with LG or Kooks headers; everybody feels strongly they made the right call. Seems like a flip the coin decision. Lastly, going to add a torque converter. Thinking about splitting the difference between 2800 and 3600 and going with 3200 stall. After that, see if I need larger injectors. I would be surprised if I did not need to add something like 40# injectors; Bosch seems highly recommended. And, of course, a tune .All response appreciated. Like I said, I am an unabashed newbie at upgrading C5/EFI engines..
JD

 

3.73 gears, aftermarket mufflers and a good tune will work wonders. You don't need to go nuts to be faster than your old Corvette or your BMW.

If you are doing it yourself, read up on how to remove the transaxle. It is a bit more involved than a traditional driveshaft car.

 

LS2 injectors are 33 lb/hr.
They will support near 500whp.
And, you can get real GM data for them. Your tuner will like that.

LS3 are 42 lb/hr. GM data also available for them. In case you want to grow down the road.

I just replaced the LS2 for the LS3 last year as I was nearly maxing the LS2.

Bought used here on the forum as usual.

Your list above is now solid.