My Supercharged Monaro build

My Supercharged Monaro build

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Behold81

2,931 posts

169 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
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minime68 said:
Looks like it's going to be stout! Props for doing this outside on your own as well. I normally work on a lift and even then I'm pulling my hairs out.

I'll keep an eye out for a forged rotating assembly and if I see a good deal, I'll let you know. I know you don't plan on going that route for the moment but some deals are just too good to pass up.
I think the same thing. If it turns up cheap. Why not.

KMud

2,924 posts

156 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
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Do forged pistons last in LS engines?

minime68

399 posts

135 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
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KMud said:
Do forged pistons last in LS engines?
They hold up much better than cast that's for sure. Forged pistons are more "resistant" to detonation.

stevieturbo

17,260 posts

247 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
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minime68 said:
They hold up much better than cast that's for sure. Forged pistons are more "resistant" to detonation.
Cast pistons used for the correct applications they are designed for are very robust whether boosted or n/a

And although forged pistons are stronger, again they need to be designed for the application and no piston is indestructible.

So any piston designed and used as it's supposed to will give excellent service life in an LS whether forged or cast.

KMud

2,924 posts

156 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
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minime68 said:
They hold up much better than cast that's for sure. Forged pistons are more "resistant" to detonation.
My question was vague, but as Stevie has thankfully expanded on the issue, it's nuanced...I probably should have phrased more like: "are there decent forged pistons available for LS engines?". Not something I've researched - I don't think I'll be going that route, upper-engine only for my modest NA.

minime68

399 posts

135 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
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KMud said:
My question was vague, but as Stevie has thankfully expanded on the issue, it's nuanced...I probably should have phrased more like: "are there decent forged pistons available for LS engines?". Not something I've researched - I don't think I'll be going that route, upper-engine only for my modest NA.
I went with a Manley rotating assembly. Hopefully they hold up better than my stock cast pistons. Gurmeet's build should be fine at the boost level he plans on running. Looking forward to seeing it in action smile.

anonymous-user

54 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
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I think the main issue with LS1 pistons is the crown is quite thin. A set of Mahles from the Fish are £400 and deffo worth doing IMHO, along with rod bolts and head studs.

ringram

14,700 posts

248 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
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Terry way back a few years with what was in effect ls2 heads (c4b) in his LS1 put down 500rwhp on Charlie's dyno.
Basically the same as my ls7.
So that was a good result and still would put him in the above average range for FI but with a smaller engine, no water/meth injection etc.
This was with cast pistons and a centri.

So you can see what is possible if you think things through.

anonymous-user

54 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
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Totally off subject but it was a shame my LQ9 died. Essentially a 6 litre LS1 made from iron and cheap if you live in the 'states. With a 4.8 crank it gets you a 322CI which would make an awesome FI combo. Here's one prepared earlier - just over 1000hp with around 800lbs torque which is great for traction: www.youtube.com/watch?v=so20on3hlJE

LQ9 block is about £800 and strong as hell.


Edit: +1 Mr G. for biting the bullet and tackling this yourself, not sure I'd have the balls!


Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 26th December 16:14

stevieturbo

17,260 posts

247 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
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wormus said:
I think the main issue with LS1 pistons is the crown is quite thin. A set of Mahles from the Fish are £400 and deffo worth doing IMHO, along with rod bolts and head studs.
Ive never seen a piston failure yet due to crown thickness or any lack of it.

As far as supply. the LS platform is one of those engines where you can buy literally anything for them, from dozens if not hundreds of suppliers.

Pistons are no different. There are a huge array of options

gsd2000

Original Poster:

11,515 posts

183 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
quotequote all
ringram said:
Terry way back a few years with what was in effect ls2 heads (c4b) in his LS1 put down 500rwhp on Charlie's dyno.
Basically the same as my ls7.
So that was a good result and still would put him in the above average range for FI but with a smaller engine, no water/meth injection etc.
This was with cast pistons and a centri.

So you can see what is possible if you think things through.
thats sort of what im aiming for, Terry had better heads, but ive got the water meth and a better intake, so we will see

Monaro5.7

7,333 posts

179 months

Friday 27th December 2013
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The heads mate they the ones I sent you?

gsd2000

Original Poster:

11,515 posts

183 months

Friday 27th December 2013
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Monaro5.7 said:
The heads mate they the ones I sent you?
Yep

Monaro5.7

7,333 posts

179 months

Friday 27th December 2013
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gsd2000 said:
Monaro5.7 said:
The heads mate they the ones I sent you?
Yep
Cool so part of my LS1 will be in your build smile

MyM8V8

9,457 posts

195 months

Friday 27th December 2013
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No offence Si, but if G is having the motor out he might as well look for some better heads. I'd even stick a set of ARP's on there. I know you had bad luck with the Darts ( that was down to some stty con artist who knew he was selling crap) but with all you've spent on bits in the past, I'd be selling some of the other stuff off and investing in some better heads for the build.

My 2p. BTW hats off to you for doing it in your drive. Its bad enough when you've got all the right gear!

gsd2000

Original Poster:

11,515 posts

183 months

Friday 27th December 2013
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Ive got some bits up for sale so depending how things go I might pick up a set of tfs or similar heads

gsd2000

Original Poster:

11,515 posts

183 months

Friday 27th December 2013
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But I want to focus on building a solid fuel system first and then maybe add heads at a later date.

Im fitting arp head studs ready for the swap smile

anonymous-user

54 months

Friday 27th December 2013
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You can still get ported 243 (799) heads pretty cheaply. I had a set on mine ages ago and they work pretty well. https://sdparts.com/details/scoggin-dickey-parts-c...

gsd2000

Original Poster:

11,515 posts

183 months

Friday 27th December 2013
quotequote all
wormus said:
You can still get ported 243 (799) heads pretty cheaply. I had a set on mine ages ago and they work pretty well. https://sdparts.com/details/scoggin-dickey-parts-c...
i may do, but for now i want to get it running and also build an overkill fuel system so i can experiment with E85 and E98, so i need a fuel system which can deliver 40% more fuel than petrol

Monaro5.7

7,333 posts

179 months

Friday 27th December 2013
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MyM8V8 said:
No offence Si, but if G is having the motor out he might as well look for some better heads. I'd even stick a set of ARP's on there. I know you had bad luck with the Darts ( that was down to some stty con artist who knew he was selling crap) but with all you've spent on bits in the past, I'd be selling some of the other stuff off and investing in some better heads for the build.

My 2p. BTW hats off to you for doing it in your drive. Its bad enough when you've got all the right gear!
No offence taken, when Delboy asked for them I thought he was gonna break himself in with them in the regard of flowing them never thought they would be fitted. Your right a nice set of heads off the shelf would be a bonus but I know from my build its all money money money.