L31 daily driver rebuild

[Orpedcrow]

I wanted to start another thread outside of my main build thread because I know I’ll have more questions. This is not necessarily a “budget build” but I want to spend my money wisely. I want a reliable daily driver that’s quiet-ish and smooth mostly highway cruising. No towing, and I don’t want to rebuild or replace my current 4l60e.

I’m rebuilding the engine in my truck (97 c1500 l31). I’ve thought about just slapping rings and bearings in it but I think it’s a little past that.

Ill preface by saying I am doing all the assembly in each instance.


It’s $179 difference between having my machinist do all the accompanying work on my factory bottom end ( that includes balancing but not including Mallory metal if needed) and just having him do the block prep and me buying a rotating assembly from SWP.

Machinist would use all factory parts, engine tech bearings and rings, KB or sealed power OE pistons. My 2 bolt block .040 over.

SWP includes Scat crank and rods. Weisco pistons, Hastings rings and king bearings

Or for another $676 I can buy the SWP short block kit that includes a seasoned 4bolt block .030 over making it an $855 dollar difference between having my machinist do everything and buying all new.

I don’t know if I could find a 4 bolt block AND have all the machine work done to it for under $1000

350/357 ASSEMBLY SCAT CRANK 5.7 RODS WISECO FLAT TOP 040 PISTONS 1PC RMS-350 | Skip White Performance - We have the best prices you will ever find for aluminum heads, rotating assemblies and strokers

FULLY BALANCED SBC CHEVY 350/357 ROTATING ASSEMBLY WITH WISECO FORGED FLAT TOP PISTONS.4.040 BORE, .040 OVER, SCAT BALANCED CRANKSHAFT 5.7" SCAT RODS. FITS 1PC REAR MAIN SEAL BLOCKS. BALANCED IN HOUSE. Important note. Our user id is: skipwhite, and our store name is whiteperformance1. You...

skipwhiteperformance.com

SBC CHEVY 350 SHORT BLOCK KIT FORGED FLAT TOP 4.030 PISTONS SCAT CRANK & RODS | Skip White Performance - We have the best prices you will ever find for aluminum heads, rotating assemblies and strokers

SBC CHEVY 350/355 CUBIC INCH COMPLETE SHORT BLOCK KIT. 4.030 bore x 3.48 stroke, SCAT CRANK & SCAT RODS. WISECO 2618 AIRCRAFT ALLOY FORGED FLAT TOP PISTONS. 1pc. rear main seal, late model roller cam block. May be used with an oe roller cam or flat tappet cam. This short block kit is not...

skipwhiteperformance.com

Thoughts and constructive criticism welcomed.

 

[Orpedcrow]

Here’s a link to my trucks build thread

Thread 'Teal daily driven farm truck.'
https://www.gmt400.com/threads/teal-daily-driven-farm-truck.59676/

And some pictures of the torn down engine. And some measurements.

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Edit: pictured cylinder (#6) is AFTER about 100 passes with a 3 stone hone.

 

[L31MaxExpress]

Even if you keep the stock heads and cam, I would still suggest a 383 rotating assembly. The added torque off-idle and cruising will get you rolling much more easily. That block either needs to be bored or that cylinder sleeved.

 

[L31MaxExpress]

Something like this would make an excellent driver. $855 for a machined and preaped 4 bolt block is worth it provided it is done correctly and gauranteed as such, IMO.

383 STROKER ASSEMBLY SCAT CRANK 5.7" RODS WISECO -24cc Dh 030 PISTONS 1PC RMS | Skip White Performance - We have the best prices you will ever find for aluminum heads, rotating assemblies and strokers

FULLY BALANCED SBC CHEVY 383 STROKER ROTATING ASSEMBLY WITH WISECO FORGED -24cc RD DISH TOP PISTONS.4.030 BORE, .030 OVER, SCAT BALANCED CRANKSHAFT 5.7 SCAT RODS. FITS 1PC REAR MAIN SEAL BLOCKS. BALANCED IN HOUSE. Important note. Our user id is: skipwhite, and our store name is...

skipwhiteperformance.com

 

[L31MaxExpress]

$45 more is well worth a 6" rod 383 vs 5.7" rod 350. Just get the larger -24cc relief pistons if you plan to run it on 87 octane with iron heads.

SBC CHEVY 383 SHORT BLOCK KIT FORGED -10cc DISH 4.030 PISTONS SCAT CRANK & RODS | Skip White Performance - We have the best prices you will ever find for aluminum heads, rotating assemblies and strokers

SBC CHEVY 383 CUBIC INCH COMPLETE SHORT BLOCK KIT. 4.030 bore x 3.750 stroke, SCAT CRANK & SCAT RODS. WISECO 2618 AIRCRAFT ALLOY FORGED -10cc DISH PISTONS. This short block kit is not assembled. Important note. Our eBay user id is: skipwhite, and our eBay store name is whiteperformance1. You...

skipwhiteperformance.com

 

[Orpedcrow]

I would prefer 87, I’m also looking at either the AFR enforcers or SWP house brand heads. I haven’t taken mine apart yet to see what kind of shape the valves and seats are in. If the need a full valve job I’ll just replace them.

 

[Orpedcrow]

The GM marine cam 94666492 is what I’ll put in it too. My cam had to be slide hammered out…

 

[Orpedcrow]

The longer rod has less side loading Which would increase longevity by decreasing tapering of the cylinder wall?

 

[Orpedcrow]

I guess I’m under the impression that the 383 is this torque monster that’s going to grenade my transmission the first time I go to pass someone on the highway

 

[letitsnow]

I say stockish size will be the best for your 2wd road cruiser.

For decent mpg while still making decent (tq below 3,000 rpms) driver power - it is tough to beat the vortec 350.