1998 Chevy Silverado Repair and Restore

[Erik the Awful]

The Vortec injection system can handle some decent power upgrades, even more if you update it to MPFI. If I were building it with the stock injection...

Port the heads if they aren't cracked. If they are cracked, replace them with better heads.
I'd ask a cam company for a roller cam that will maximize power output without blowing past the FI's capabilities - that'll likely mean building for torque
Your factory compression ratio is 9.5:1, and the rods and pistons are good quality for a mild hot rod, so I'd keep the bottom end stock
Take the time to balance the rods and pistons
Maybe a thinner head gasket to raise the compression a little and improve quench
Don't bother with fancy rockers, if anything get some 1.6:1 stamped steel rockers
I like the beehive valvespring upgrade - LS2/LS6 valvesprings with Comp Cams 787-16 retainers on factory valves - allows you to run up to .530 lift without machining

 

[GMTMark]

The Vortec injection system can handle some decent power upgrades, even more if you update it to MPFI. If I were building it with the stock injection...

Port the heads if they aren't cracked. If they are cracked, replace them with better heads.
I'd ask a cam company for a roller cam that will maximize power output without blowing past the FI's capabilities - that'll likely mean building for torque
Your factory compression ratio is 9.5:1, and the rods and pistons are good quality for a mild hot rod, so I'd keep the bottom end stock
Take the time to balance the rods and pistons
Maybe a thinner head gasket to raise the compression a little and improve quench
Don't bother with fancy rockers, if anything get some 1.6:1 stamped steel rockers
I like the beehive valvespring upgrade - LS2/LS6 valvesprings with Comp Cams 787-16 retainers on factory valves - allows you to run up to .530 lift without machining

I plan to upgrade the injection to the later design spider. I saw somewhere that someone is making bigger injectors on a spider. I have it bookmarked somewhere. They are almost double the price however. I know the owner of Bullett Cams and he will grind the cam. I also have a new set of GM hydraulic rollers. I can buy the Comp Beehive springs and lifters from Comp Cams locally as well. Thank you for the good advice. I’m an old big block drag racer and my experience with these engines is limited. I do have HP Tuners and will be installing the ecm upgrade. Any more advice from the members here will be appreciated.

 

[GMTMark]

Ok, I recently completed the 4L60E and installed it with a Yank 3200 converter. I’ve also installed a rear disc brake and nbs master cylinder conversion. I used the Cunningham Machine brackets along with Cadillac’83 rear brake calipers. I used the Impala SS rotors (had to drill the lug stud holes to 9/16”). It’s coming along but still a long ways to go.

 

[GMTMark]

Couple more pics.