I'm pretty well torn down as far as I'm going to go and still trying to decide what I'm going to do in terms of motor work while I have it out, but it's time to get some parts ordered.

I'll skip over the big stuff I've already asked about for now, cause I think I've gotten plenty of quality feedback on stuff like the cam selection, so this is about the more "minor" parts.

I'll probably end up putting a lot in this one post, but it's just cause I don't think they're each big enough subjects to warrant their own thread. I think it'd make for a more comprehensive conversation overall to put them all together, even if all the various parts seem to clutter up the topic. Also, there may be some merit in how these parts work out as a system......I know that sounds really dumb, but hopefully you get the spirit of what I'm trying to say.

I'm still picking out a cam but it's narrowed down, and I'm not looking to discuss cam selection cause I already made a whole thread about that where I got a lot of great feedback. I'm only bringing it up cause I know cam specs make a difference on things like springs and lifters. I have decided that I'm getting something CLOSE to the BTR stage 2 LS2 cam 227/238 .620/.605 113.5, Old Motorhead's cam looked really attractive too in the thread I previously mentioned (post #37 my cam selection thread).

I know that's not specific enough to pick out THE SPECIFIC springs or lifters or such that I should use, but I'm pointing it out cause I know some of the manufacturers design aftermarket parts for specific use purposes, if a brand is more focused on FI drag strip record attempt machines then that's probably not where I need to shop.

And it's an ,05 LS2 automatic base model with 97k miles that WAS bone stock until whatever I put in it now

parts I KNOW I'm replacing:

cam
lifters
trunnion upgrade kit
springs

a bad lifter is what ruined my factory cam and set this whole thing in motion, since I have to replace 1, I figured I'd replace them all. Since I'm staying fairly mild on the cam, would short travel and/or performance lifters be important OR worthwhile? or just a waste of money?

I think I'm ok with factory rocker arms, rocker arm trays, rocker arm bolts, and valves (unless there's something worthwhile I'm not aware of) but seems like a trunnion upgrade is pretty recommended. any suggestions on a manufacturer?

same thing for the springs when I finally pick out the cam, saw a couple places that specialize in springs but I don't know if they'd be worth the premium over just getting the ones that whoever I buy my cam from might include as part of a kit along with the seats and such. any suggestions on what to look for?

along with that list, I'm gotta look at the pushrod situation. apparently with these hydraulic roller lifters you don't have to lash? but I'd imagine I'd still need to measure to make sure I don't need a different length.

I heard aftermarket lifter trays are can pretty commonly be worse than factory. My bad lifter didn't turn so I'd assume the tray is fine unless I upgrade my lifters instead of stock replacements?

outside of the valvetrain, The cams I'm looking at are all in the range where I start needing a high stall TC, so I'm probably getting a 2800 Yank (maybe a 3000). I'm also considering a timing chain and harmonic balancer per recommendations in another thread. I'm taking the motor to a machine shop to vat and inspect, the shop suggested a few things like new cam bearings and a few services, but assuming it has a clean bill of health then I'm thinking maybe just a new set of piston rings and main bolts for good measure? unless there's an issue found in the engine then I don't see a reason to replace anything else in the rotating assembly, and even then I don't see a reason to upgrade given the degree of upgrading I'm doing (let me know if you think differently).

so yeah, aside from the parts I know I'm replacing, I'm looking for any input on IF I should replace these parts, which manufacturers might be good (or just stick with stock/oem), or what type of aftermarket upgrades I should look for in each of them:

timing chain
harmonic balancer
piston rings
main bolts

And I'm doing my own reading and research on all this, but this is just for discussion and in case I miss something, so please let me know what you think

 

Since the heads are coming off, get them ported. Those heads can give you another 40-50 rwhp with a camshaft.

 

Yeah, Tx Speed has a good, and fairly inexpensive, head porting program. I believe it's up to $799 now. For that, you get CNC port work, competition valve job, cleaning, assembling with your valve spring of choice, and milling to your spec. You also might have them check the valve guides. Add a FAST intake manifold to the improved heads along with your cam choice and you'll have a really nice running Vette.

I'd get with Tooley for springs, lifters, pushrods, etc. Absolutely replace the lifter trays. That's not a place to save a few bucks. OEM are fine. I run a Powerbond 10% underdrive crank pulley. Some will guide you to a much more expensive alternative. MEH...If you're not pulling the crank out, I wouldn't touch the main bolts. I used stock GM head bolts in my build. You can spend more money on bolts, but the stockers are fine holding way more power that what you'll be making.