My From Start to Finish 6.0L Build

[RAMurphy]

Talked to Texas Speed this morning and walked through some questions after receiving my assembly. Quite frankly, the main purpose was to ask about the pistons. I wanted flat top pistons, but they did not have the particular brand I originally ordered in stock. Recommended a different brand (next up in quality) for the same cost. I opened up the box, pulled out the paperwork and read the word "dome" in the balancing portion of the paperwork - however they did have the same net piston volume. Immediately went to the box and pulled out a piston. They are beautiful by the way (I will post pictures later) but they did not look like a "true" flat top. After talking to Derek, my concerns were put to rest. He also answered the numerous questions I had after reviewing the paperwork. Looking forward to putting this thing together - but will be taking my time.

 

[RAMurphy]

A picture of my new piston. I got started working on the block a bit. Chased threads and starting installing plugs and caps.

 

[Rocket Man]

So much fun here. Nothing like boxes of new engine parts. I really want to build one of these engines. I haven’t built an engine since I did a BBF for my jet boat in the 70’s. I just joined a FB group called LS Swapped Jet Boats. Most of the old school guys are still big block through and through for the torque to pull the boat on a plane quick but there are guys that are having a lot of success with LS builds with turbos or blowers. I keep seeing nice boats for $3-4k without engines. Still just a dream but who knows. It’s a possibility for me especially since building an engine doesn’t require a big shop, my little garage is big enough. Keep up the good work, it’s inspiring for me.

 

[RAMurphy]

@Rocket Man It has been a lot of fun so far, some hiccups here and there, but that is expected. Solving problems is part of the fun. I just wish I could go faster, but also glad that I'm forced to take my time. This TY forum is simply amazing. So impressed and quite blown away with the people here so willing to provide their inputs, ideas, sage advice and vast knowledge to all its members. Not sure I would have tackled this dream of mine without knowing I have a vast amount of experience to tap into right here. I'm also impressed with the companies I have been working with (most identified on this forum) and their willingness to provide thoughts and guidance. As far as your Jet Boat dream (which is cool by the way), I say go after that dream - we are not getting any younger. I wonder if this forum would allow you to post that build - it is an LS engine? Would be pretty cool to follow.

 

[tungsten]

What compression ratio will this be?
Been awhile since Ive done engine work.Plasti gage to check journal clearance etc,I still have the old school piston ring compressor and a manual torque wrench.

 

[RAMurphy]

What compression ratio will this be?
Been awhile since Ive done engine work.Plasti gage to check journal clearance etc,I still have the old school piston ring compressor and a manual torque wrench.

Working with Texas Speed on the heads I will use. I currently burn 93 octane with my current engine and build and I don't plan on that changing. I was planning on using heads I currently have on hand but decided to go with something nicer. Looking to be around 10.5 to 1 up to 11:1. This became more of a LQ9 build with benefits. I also went with fully floating pistons/wrist pins with my upgraded pistons and connecting rods. I have plastiguage on hand and will be checking all bearings.

 

[RAMurphy]

Just a few more piston pictures.

 

[tungsten]

so this will be an interference motor or not sure what you call it when valves come into pistons? Its been so long I cant remember.Some pistons actually come out of the block a hair there's a name for that?
Babbling on,cool stuff.

 

[RAMurphy]

so this will be an interference motor or not sure what you call it when valves come into pistons? Its been so long I cant remember.Some pistons actually come out of the block a hair there's a name for that?
Babbling on,cool stuff.

It would depend on the cam that is used (and of course the piston). The particular cam that I had custom made from Vinci High Performance will not cause that issue.

 

[RAMurphy]

Pulled this bad boy out last night from the shipping container for a thorough inspection and cleaning. All looks good.

 

[RAMurphy]

Plan is to plastigauge the crankshaft tomorrow. I will take pictures and post.

 

[RAMurphy]

Pulled this bad boy out last night from the shipping container for a thorough inspection and cleaning. All looks good.
View attachment 386987

Unfortunately life got in the way. I was called into work this morning. So I need to put this off for a few days. Once I got back home, I worked on a few other things on my baby until my wife gets home from work.

 

[RAMurphy]

Received my FAST throttle body. First thing when opening the shipping box I pulled out a case. My first thought was they shipped the wrong product. But then I realized the TB was shipped in this case. The other obvious thing when opening the case was the quality of this TB. I was so much superior to the Holley TB. This thing was obviously built with quality. After looking it over, I was pretty confident tis was would not give me the same problems. The IAS port was much much bigger. Installed it and started up the Tahoe and no whistle or unwanted noise whatsoever. I do have one problem, not unexpected, is how to mount it to my cold air intake system. It is 92mm vice the 90mm and that causes me some fitment issues that I will overcome.


View attachment 386438
View attachment 386439View attachment 386440View attachment 386441

My parts arrived this morning to finally to secure this bad boy to my intake system. Gotta love Amazon at times.

 

[RAMurphy]

I was able to move a few wire bundles slightly and trim my back cable bracket (plastic piece) slightly so it fits better on the TBSS throttle body and now my Vortec engine cover fits in the two back slots and lays nicely on the throttle body. Looks nice. The next problem to overcome is to come up with a way to secure it from the top. The 10mm bolt that normally holds it down is right over the new MAP sensor location. Although the cover fits nicely, I want to find a way to secure it at the top. Back to the drawing board - but I'm closer.

View attachment 385706

Vortec Cover is now installed. We'll see if my fix holds up. Looks very nice.

 

[RAMurphy]

So I decided to start putting my free floating pistons and connecting rods together. Boy those circle clips are pain to install. Ended up buying a tool for the job.

Here the parts are out for the install.

Unfortunately, I needed to modify the tool to make it work with my pistons. Gotta love a pneumatic cutoff wheel.

Now it fits properly.

 

[RAMurphy]

A continuation of previous post. So, essentially you force the circle clip into the center of the part I modified to work - not an easy task. You can see the clip inside the tool.

Then you use the other part of tool to push the clip into the piston - again not an easy task. then you just ensure the clip is inserted properly.

Two piston assembly down - 6 more to go.

 

[RAMurphy]

All eight pistons and connecting rods completed. Should have time on Friday to work on my crankshaft measurements and hopefully installation.

 

[Just Fishing]

brings back memories!
nice build so far

 

[George B]

All eight pistons and connecting rods completed. Should have time on Friday to work on my crankshaft measurements and hopefully installation.
View attachment 387395

Did you weigh them all to see if they are all the same?

 

[RAMurphy]

Thank you for the response. I bought a fully balanced rotating assembly so that has already been done. But I will - trust but verify.