I want to do a rebuild of my LS engine both bolt ons and internal work, BUT I want to keep all parts OEM, to keep costs down. My motor has 170K and burns a small amount of oil between oil changes. I am doing this rebuild for spring so I can install my turbo kit. What would you suggest I replace?

 

If you looking to be in the 250/300hp range I would upgrade to a forged 9:1 piston.The stock rods with arp rod bolts will work fine.Other than that just the normal rings,bearings,gaskets,timing belt,and tensioner.
Glenn

 

I am going for 225 - 275 whp. Can I keep my OEM pistons in this case. I will be using uberdata to tune on a dyno.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by projectxspeed &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I am going for 225 - 275 whp. Can I keep my OEM pistons in this case. I will be using uberdata to tune on a dyno.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, go for some forged slugs. The stock cast pistons are quite brittle around the ring landings. Just spend the few hundred bucks more for some forged ones. That should really only be the only thing needed to be upgraded for your target HP.

 

Do a search on ls ring lands and you will see why.The pistons are the weak point.You are going to want to bore&hone the block so do the forged pistons.
Glenn