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So I'm finally getting the car into hands that I trust to take care of my situation. All engine components have been transferred to a trusted mechanic. The dealership has finished placing the engine cradle/front steering assembly back into the shell so I can tow it in the morning. They at first tried to tell me they could not place the cradle and assembly back in to make it towable (what?). A quick visit to talk with the repair shop manager and his boss at the dealership changed that line of thinking rather quickly. And when I was called to be informed of the assembly returned to its place in the car I was informed the driver side window will not roll up, passenger side will. Is this a result of all the wiring harnesses that are no longer connected or are the two not even remotely connected?
New goals for the build:
-stock bottom end
-Trick flow 220 as cast assembled heads
-fast 102
-vararam
-already had headers
-cam (any suggestions for a linear torque curve and close to 490rwhp?)
-anyone want to talk me into or out of an under drive pulley?
The least expensive option is to replace all the bent valves and timing chain and put it back together (assuming the cast pistons survived the hits from the valves). You can easily look at the pistons and see if they are good. A hypereutectic (cast) piston will come apart like a piece of glass when compromised. The main problem with this option is the already high mileage.
A better option would be to replace the LS2 with an LS3 (or LS7). No substitute for cubic inches. Add forged pistons, an aftermarket cam, headers (which you already have) and a Fast intake. The weak points in stock short blocks are the cast pistons and camshafts optimized for emissions.
You can also build a larger cubic inch engine from your LS2 short block using a longer stroke crankshaft. These engines are a compromise as you always prefer larger bore verses larger stroke.
There are several used engines for sale very reasonable. Shop around and make your decisions.
So I know its been a while since an update so here is the deal:
The block and pistons were still usable. The areas where the valves kissed the pistons did not do any great damage. From the information I received and the mechanics recommendation we decided to just clean up the areas on the pistons and use the stock bottom end. I went with aftermarket heads, a larger cam, and a few other parts were put on while the engine was out of the car. I will create a build thread when I get a chance, more than likely after I get the car to the tuner. I have to admit that I'm stoked to have the car back. Love the new idle sound. Here are some pics of the carnage from the timing chain failure. I didn't take pictures of the chain in half, or the dampener that had been sheered in half by the chain.
Thanks for all of the help and advice yall offered. Ill post a link to the build thread when I create it.
