The motor was built by a previous owner. It was an HKE ls7 with darton iron sleeves. Forged internals and a stock crank. Was built for 300 shots.

A couple months ago my motor tanked. Turns out the crank was out of alignment and the #1 & 3 cylinders became out of round causing excessive oil loss and starvation.

Top end is fine and the rods are okay too. For sure I need a new crank, cam, and possibly pistons. The 1 & 3 cylinders are out of round, but other than that there shouldn't be any issues with the block. The sleeves should be able to be bored out, but the local machinist said he would not trust the block though.

I don't have a ton of money to devote to this, so I'd like to reuse what I can if it makes sense and can save money. Trashing a block without sufficient evidence doesn't make sense to me. Unfortunately, the one shop I was wanting to go with won't entertain the idea of boring/resleeving a block or reusing rods.

Also, if I'm spending this much money I'd like the car to be a little faster than it was prior to this happening. So I was planning on making it a 440 or 454.

I was trying to find a like new motor on the forum, but there hasn't been anything that meets my needs, so I'm looking at rebuilding now.

If you guys have any suggestions or shops to call I would be greatly appreciative. I want to get the ball rolling on this as my car has been sitting torn apart for months now.

Brett

 

Unless you rebuild this thing yourself, I feel pretty confident that there isn't a trustworthy engine builder out there that is going to want to reuse half of what you are wanting to.

 

Rods make sense as they aren't that expensive. You don't think anyone would resleeve or bore the block though?

 

They would definitely inspect it but it sounds like bad news. You would have to put in the phone calls to find out who would want to take on the job. More people will chime in later this morning.

 

block is toast

 

 

Even without being an engine builder, I tend to agree w. the above. OP, I realize money's tight now, but think of it this way: what if you do this on a small budget and the engine doesn't hold up? Then, you're out more money and have either the same or an even worse problem.

Unless there's a very reputable builder out there who says this can be done and will work, I think you're looking at major money. A used engine is a good idea, but you or someone you pick had better know what to look for, and cost is only one factor. Good luck.

 

Given the consensus including one/more builders you've spoke with?
Perhaps starting from beginning w/ a new short block is the best tack for making the most of a limited budget.

As stated above if a rebuild doesn't hold together, you're out twice the $.
G/L, be interesting learning what you decide.

 

Since you're looking for opinions, here's mine.

Option 1. Sell all the good parts and temporarily put in a replacement engine. It could be any LS engine just so the car is usable. Save your cash until you have enough to buy a complete engine done right to replace the replacement.

Option 2. Sell all the good parts and buy a LS3 and a supercharger.

Option 3. Sell all the good parts and install a stock used engine and then sell the car. Purchase another car that's modded the way you want.

You might notice I didn't suggest fixing what you currently have.