Mikeyss Build Thread

[mikeyss]

Welcome!!!

The time has come to begin a build thread. I am 3 years over due for a build thread, but after recent events...it's time. I will try and keep the last 3 years in order, and I'll tell you what's coming soon.

I have a 09 Tahoe LTZ with a 6.2 L9H.
This is the day I bought it

Here are my RPO codes

After I bought it, I decided to make it more of a sleeper. I removed the side moldings... But found this...

Cont...

 

[mikeyss]

Got the paint fixed...

Then those hideous wheels had to go

Cont..

 

[mikeyss]

After that I color matched the grill surround and mirror caps.

Then I got a Blackbear tune. I added a Airaid MIT tube and dry open filter element in the stock airbox. Also replaced the original 5/7 rimmed fans for the 2012 PPV K5L dual 5 blade rimless 700w motors. Then I rebuilt the suspension and added Eibach Sway bars..

 

[mikeyss]

After that, I added dual batteries and replaced the alternator. Then my driver's heated/cooled went on the fritze...

Got a new connector for the burnt plug, and replaced the drivers side foam and TED units.

 

[mikeyss]

I replaced the motor mounts

Also added sound deadening

This is just one picture of many that i saved.

 

[mikeyss]

I have now parked it for now... The last few days I have heard a nasty valve train noise that has gotten worse, after it's warmed up out sitting for less than 10 mins. Sounds like there's no oil in it, then after a min it's ok. It's a collapsed lifter so I am doing a top end rebuild.

Ordered a TSP VVT stage 1 cam and ARH 1 7/8 long tube headers. The hard part is finding lifters!!!

 

[adventurenali92]

Wow! I didn’t realize you’d done so much on your truck! It looks great man! I love the look of the grill surround color matched! Looks great on your color truck! Can’t wait to hear what your trick sounds like after the headers and cam! Lol. Keep up the good work!

 

[Tonyrodz]

I have now parked it for now... The last few days I have heard a nasty valve train noise that has gotten worse, after it's warmed up out sitting for less than 10 mins. Sounds like there's no oil in it, then after a min it's ok. It's a collapsed lifter so I am doing a top end rebuild.

Ordered a TSP VVT stage 1 cam and ARH 1 7/8 long tube headers. The hard part is finding lifters!!!

Think you'll lose some bottom end with the 1 7/8's?

 

[Rocket Man]

Nice to see another build thread brother. Do you by chance have extra time on your hands right now to do the work? For quite a few of us that’s the case.

 

[swathdiver]

I have now parked it for now... The last few days I have heard a nasty valve train noise that has gotten worse, after it's warmed up out sitting for less than 10 mins. Sounds like there's no oil in it, then after a min it's ok. It's a collapsed lifter so I am doing a top end rebuild.

Ordered a TSP VVT stage 1 cam and ARH 1 7/8 long tube headers. The hard part is finding lifters!!!

How about these? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12499225

 

[mikeyss]

Think you'll lose some bottom end with the 1 7/8's?

With the VVT cam, I don't think I'll notice any torque loss down low. The 6.2 has so much torque, and the low 1st gear always gets it moving.

However....

I have thought about the possibility that the stock torque converter may be the next thing to hold me back. When it's time to rebuild the trans, I will buy a 2600-2800 stall convertor. That will make up for any potential losses in the low RPM range

 

[mikeyss]

How about these? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12499225

Thank you for this, I have been searching and searching info about lifters and what I can use since the LS7 lifters are on national backorder. I don't mind spending a little more on lifters, are these good ones?

 

[mikeyss]

Nice to see another build thread brother. Do you by chance have extra time on your hands right now to do the work? For quite a few of us that’s the case.

I have been fortunate to keep working at my job through all this virus stuff. However, we cut one day off the work week and my hours were reduced. Over the last few years I thought about starting a build thread, just never got around to it, haha. But now that I'm gonna be tearing into the engine soon, this makes it an official build now.

 

[mikeyss]

I really abbreviated what I have done so far, if there are any additional pictures or info needed, let me know

 

[Dantheman1540]

Looks good I don't think you will lose any down low either, not enough to notice at least. Keep the updates coming!

 

[swathdiver]

Thank you for this, I have been searching and searching info about lifters and what I can use since the LS7 lifters are on national backorder. I don't mind spending a little more on lifters, are these good ones?

They are stock replacements and not recommended it seems for performance camshafts.

 

[mikeyss]

They are stock replacements and not recommended it seems for performance camshafts.

I was finding that out too. I am thinking since LS7 lifters are on national backorder, I'll cough up some extra dough for really good ones. I'll work with TSP to see what will be a better option.

 

[swathdiver]

I was finding that out too. I am thinking since LS7 lifters are on national backorder, I'll cough up some extra dough for really good ones. I'll work with TSP to see what will be a better option.

Isn't Melling the OE supplier? They are for a lot of engine parts, such as our oil pumps. Delphi and I think even Eaton made the AFM lifters, maybe they makes the regular ones too?

 

[mikeyss]

I got a PO430 code today... Good thing I'm planning on replacing them soon with ARH long tubes and their cats. Tomorrow I am ordering the TSP VVT-1 cam, and once that comes I can give Blackbear all of the specs so they can modify my tune.

Do you guys think I need a 180 T-Stat now that I'm doing cam and headers? Should I ask to have my fans come on at lower temps when I ask for my retune?

 

[Rocket Man]

No and no. Why would you?