ls2 build-up question

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Aug 5, 2008 | 12:04 PM

warsurfer

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ls2 build-up question

Anyone here install pistons/rods with the engine IN the car? The car is so low I can't see the obstructions, but if you can get a torque wrench on the rod bolts, it would seem like a possibility.

Aug 5, 2008 | 12:11 PM

AintQik

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From: NJ

If you remove the K-member and hold the engine up with a brace or hoist its possible. I wouldn't go that way but it could be done.

Aug 5, 2008 | 12:14 PM

warsurfer

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what's my other option? I don't like the idea of paying a shop 10k to install a forged longblock.

Aug 5, 2008 | 01:16 PM

bad427

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Quote:

Originally Posted by warsurfer

what's my other option? I don't like the idea of paying a shop 10k to install a forged longblock.

You can do it if you don't want to change the main bearings, but it's going to be difficult and extremely hard to check your clearences, also you'll have oil on your head the whole time. It'll be almost impossible if not completely impossible to change the main bearings with the rear cover in place so don't even plan on that. To do it right and then have confidence it's going to stay together the motor needs to come out. It's really not that big of a deal once you do it. I can't see 10K in labor, maybe quality parts but not labor.

Ed

Aug 5, 2008 | 01:38 PM

Michrider

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From: Dallas Tx

If your doing a forged rotating assembly, your basically rebuilding the whole engine. I'd definately do that out of the car. Top end work like heads and cam - in the car.

Aug 5, 2008 | 02:18 PM

AintQik

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From: NJ

I've had mine out more times than I care to remember. What were you going to do, just slap a set of forged rods and pistons in it? Not a real good move. The easiest way, and I am talking from experience here, is to buy a short block from a reputable source and just swpa them out. By the time you get all the machining done and buying parts its just so much easier and almost cheaper. I can build my own motors, but its way easier for me to pick up a short block and do the swap in a day.

If you are going to try and build the motor in the car how are you going to do all your clearance checking? Its going to be painful. Take it out, its not that much more work than removing the K-member.

Aug 5, 2008 | 02:39 PM

warsurfer

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ok, i'm sold on the short block - or even a long block, but doesn't it have to come out the bottom? I have 4 jackstands and a floor jack

I'm not scared of a challenge, I just don't know how I'd get the car high enough.

Aug 5, 2008 | 04:40 PM

AintQik

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From: NJ

Either way. I always take mine out from the top becasue I don't have a lift.

Ya need a $200 hoist.

Last edited by AintQik; Aug 5, 2008 at 04:44 PM.

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Aug 5, 2008 | 10:26 PM

warsurfer

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oh. color me stupid. i was under the impression the only way to take the motor out was from the bottom. i could have had it out already

Aug 5, 2008 | 10:54 PM

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bad427

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Quote:

Originally Posted by warsurfer

oh. color me stupid. i was under the impression the only way to take the motor out was from the bottom. i could have had it out already

No just drop the subframe a little and the motor will come out, the balancer will slip over the steering rack so you don't have to mess with that thing and you'll be good to go. Take your time and be careful and you'll be fine.

Ed