The Real Beginning...

Well, my engine bay is now completely empty. I have a few parts going out here and there, but they are pretty much gone. I have started my Excel spreadsheet once again of the parts needed. It's going to be another long road, but I have high hopes that this will be the last one. I am using ZERO used parts in this build. Everything will be new. Progress will be slow, as my $14k in rotary parts essentially only bought the LS7 long block, new T56 Magnum transmission, and the Samberg components. As the game got stepped up, obviously the cost did as well. Another $6k should get it done, so it won't be that bad.

I'm sure some of you are shedding a few tears seeing my engine bay like this. Don't worry, it will be as shiney and epic as ever soon.

 

Nice build

 

So much more room for activities!

 

NOT TRUE! What about the cylinder heads

 

Busted! I guess you are right Wastegate John. The heads do have around 1300 miles on them. I really don't mind considering what they are, and who build them.

 

Engine Time!!

Here are some pics of the engine, before assembly. I went over to his house to check out the action. I am sourcing quite a few parts from the builder. Getting things pieced together before I move to MS in January. There will still be lots to do, but it's definitely a start...

 

Lookin sweeeeet

 

Is that the new round rotors...
Good luck with that beast..

 

Ya still hurts but I am sure that it will be done right and that it is what you want a horse power car that can be driven daily. If I was santa I would drop a 4 rotor na at your door step. LOL!!!!! Good luck anyways on your project.

 

UPDATE

2 weeks and the engine will arrive. I went ahead and ordered most of the other engine parts through the builder. He gets parts at cost with most vendors so it was a viable option. The LS7 will essentially be a crate engine with harness, ECU, fuel, and intake. I may have DigitalSolo modify the harness, or I will try my hand at it. I'm pretty decent with wiring, so I may just do it myself. I'm using a Fbody ECU and EFI Live. This also allows me to do some cool OBD stuff.

At this point I will need to get the accessories. I am likely going with March Performance accessories. I'm still debating on keeping PS or not. My rack is still in tact, but I am considering pulling it apart during the swap to properly "de-power" it. I personally love the looped line so it can only get better.

I am in on the next group buy for Samberg's radiator/intake kit.

I have also put my deposit down on Spoolin's 1 7/8 Premium merge Headers. Very great quality.

I will be ordering the mount kit from Ronnin as I like their powder coating and poly mounts they add to the Samberg kit. Overall, I think it's a great deal for what they do.

I will post pictures of the engine in 2 weeks. Until then, it's pretty much a waiting game.

 

The properly depowered rack makes a world of difference.

 

I may have missed it, but what is the cost of a built LS7? My mechanic friend Mike (Supra racer) is in love with the LS7 but puts a very large price tag on a built motor.

Great option though as that is a helluva power plant.

 

What rear end is gonna be used?

 

I have always heard that and really think that is the way for me. I never minded the "looped" rack as it always seemed easy to turn for me. P/S is just another accessory and another set of lines to fabricate. Though it isn't hard, no sense in doing something that ins't necessary for me.

Thanks David. It should be a wild ride. As far as cost, that REALLY varies. I walked upon this deal out of luck on LS1tech. However, if you look around you can see built LS7's go for around $10k in longblock form. Figure another $2k to get it to crate status and you have a 7 liter monster. GMPP does sell crate engines for $13.5 in stock form with a warranty as well.

 

Stock for now, but that won't last. I'm still deciding on a full Cobra 8.8 setup, or sticking with a standard aftermarket like Kaaz or Carbonetic. Even the S4 rear swap would show some benefit. I will likely be running some good sticky street tires on a 315 so an upgrade will be in order. However, since it really will just be a street car, I have no plans of launching it hard in a drag setting.

What I really need with the added strength is lower gearing. The stock diff is geared pretty high for all that torque. I have been reading that a 3.70 is nice. I will be using a T56 Magnum so I will have some added flexibility there as well.

 

What wheels you going run and offset to fit 315?

 

Uh oh. 315's, v8 mount kit from Ronin. I smell Ronin widebody on the horizon.

 

^ That is what I was thinking. No way that I know of to fit 315s in a stock body.

Cool build. The LS7 is a great engine.

 

There a guy In town with 315 Hoosier on ccw, trying to figure out the specs.

 

I currently run a 18x10.0 +43 (O Disk) on my Meisters. I will have them re-drummed to a 8x11.0 +30 (O Disk). This effectively keeps the placement the same, but pulls the outer lip out 1". I easily have 1" of room after having my finders rolled and smoothed.

Below is a few pictures of my current fitment. As you can see, there is definitely room to grow. As far as putting a 315, it may be too close with the tire and I might have to to go with a 305 and a little stretch instead. I will definitely be doing much more measuring before I pull the trigger on anything, as this is just preliminary planning.

Thanks guys!

 

Lol... I will definitely not be going widebody. The paint shop did a smooth number on my rear fenders as you can see from above. I have confidence I will fit all the tire I need.

 

Any updates? It's been a little while.

 

It has been quite awhile.

The update really is that there isn't any updates. I am STILL waiting on my engine to be finished. The builder is definitely moving slower than anticipated. He also, ran into an issue with the block being off, so it had to go back to get decked. The good news is that even though he is taking so long, it's getting done right.

I have all the money together to order my Magnum T56, and plan to order soon. However, until the engine arrives I am holding off. Still saving my pennies, and planning for things to go together well. Ultimately, things are going slow for now.

I am in Halfspec's recent group buy for A/C lines, and I am researching a few other small things to continue to compile my list. I picked up a clean Cobra rear with 40k miles and a nice set of stock inner snubs. I will be sending my FD outers and the Cobra inners to DSS for them to assemble.

Pics of all the cool parts and REAL updates will come when the engine arrives. Until my engine arrives, everything is kind of on hold.

Thanks

 

Exciting! I'm looking forward to pics

 

you should fit 315s. I can fit a 295 with an in of clearance to the inside and 10mm to outside(fender lip folded no pull). I am going to 315 personally for a street tire soon and invision a slight pull of ~10mm to fully tuck the wheel and tire.