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c6z "drop in" pistons?

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Old Oct 15, 2014 | 07:15 PM
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Default c6z "drop in" pistons?

Im curious if any shops are doing "drop in" pistons on the c6z. I was looking to maybe have this done if at all possible along with upgrading the rod bolts. Essentially im looking for budget friendly piece of mind.
Does the block still need to be pulled and machined (and is it a waste of money bc it has to come out anyways)? Just looking for some feedback on this or other less expensive options


thanks in advance
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Old Oct 15, 2014 | 08:30 PM
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Not really sure what your intent is. The weakest links in the LS7 are the pistons and cylinder sleeves.

If your want to upgrade to forged pistons, your going to spend more time and money trying to rebalance the OEM crank that you might as well upgrade the crankshaft. The cylinder sleeves are probably the second weakest leak in the block, bit it is good for a stout build with a good tune.

Premature detonation with a bad tune, is probably the #1 cause for piston and cylinder sleeve damage..
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Old Oct 16, 2014 | 01:44 PM
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goal is 800 wheel. From what ive heard the stock sleeves are ok for that power but the pistons and rod bolts would be the weak point
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Old Oct 16, 2014 | 06:32 PM
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We have done this plenty of times.
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Old Oct 16, 2014 | 09:57 PM
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Fran pmed u
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Old Oct 18, 2014 | 02:11 PM
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Mahle has been making their "power pack" piston sets for years now.

We had Mahle make the first set of forged pistons for the owner of Red Line Oil way back in 2005, and these became a normal production line part mid way through 2006.

Need to double check current pricing but they could typically be had for around $700 for the set with rings and wrist pins.
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Old Oct 18, 2014 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by AtomicBob
goal is 800 wheel. From what ive heard the stock sleeves are ok for that power but the pistons and rod bolts would be the weak point
Seems most of the ones I have seen crack part of the ring land, or crown of the piston and that breaks the sleeve......or the valve falls and takes everything with it.
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Old Oct 19, 2014 | 01:48 AM
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How much does this job typically run?
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