in their LE5s? What rods/pistons did you go with? What's the labor cost associated with this (roughly)?

 

I think hhrfreak had low comp pistons in his 2.4, could be wrong though. I know the low/mid range will feel a bit more sluggish but I'm not sure if it would pay off in power gains. Depends on the fuel you want to use also

 

91 octane is all we have out here in CA. You can be more aggressive with timing at a lower compression. Cylinder temps will be lower increasing reliability at higher boost. I've been running 9lbs since 2007, and it's still strong but I'm not sure I want to risk it with a GT3076 @ 15-17psi.

 

The JE 9.0 and ZZP forged rods are actually 8.8CR, labour can be steep if you don't reuse the stock rings as you will need a rough hone of the bore to remove glaze. I ordered the zzp forged block and had zzp take care of everything. Piston to bore clearance is another issue, impossible to judge until you actually measure it. I personally wouldn't order pistons without being custom fit to my actual bore #s, but I've already blown one build due to piston slap, install error etc.

You can order 88mm bore 9:1 slugs and rods, install and hope you have no problems but it gets expensive fast if you don't get a little lucky on the piston to bore clearance.

Freek and I both rebuilt our bottom ends, he got luckier than I but still spun a rod bearing and he had compression/leak down issues and we both ended up selling our blocks for scrap. Mine pretty much right away and his within 6 months. A first time do it yourself job this ain't.

 

Live and learn. Wouldn't do it again myself. If I ever recoup my fun money after that fiasco, I can tell you I won't be tearing into my LNF myself. Having it done professionally is a very good idea.

Consider a forged block from ZZP and save a headache. At 17psi you are getting to the point where you can break a sleeve on a stock block at some point. I know good tuning goes a long way, but your forging parts to make more power and eventually you will get a little knock and at that power level say good bye.

 

Building the bottom end is not hard and can be done with the motor in the car.

Just get a buddy that knows what he's doing (aka has done this before) to help and you'll be fine

Got 480 miles on my rebuilt L61 and I'm expecting it to last *knock on wood*

 

I'm in the process of building mine I have je pistons zzp rods n girdled block lots of boost lots if e85 lots of timing lol should be fun

 

My motor was the first I ever tore apart and rebuilt. I have no issues at all