I used the search feature, but couldn't find anything with it. I was just wondering if I would even need a girdle for the ls bottom end. There are some FI guys making 500 or so on just maincaps w/out the girdle.

Portflow GSR Head

B18a1 block-
ACL bearings
LS Rods with ARP rod bolts
PR3 pistons 81.5mm
ARP Main studs <-- (if getting girdle i dont' think i will be getting the main studs)

So in the end. Would I need a block girdle, or can i just use the LS main caps and call it a day?

 

without a girdle i wouldnt rev over 8k.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chippy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I used the search feature, but couldn't find anything with it. I was just wondering if I would even need a girdle for the ls bottom end. There are some FI guys making 500 or so on just maincaps w/out the girdle.

Portflow GSR Head

B18a1 block-
ACL bearings
LS Rods with ARP rod bolts
PR3 pistons 81.5mm
ARP Main studs &lt;-- (if getting girdle i dont' think i will be getting the main studs)

So in the end. Would I need a block girdle, or can i just use the LS main caps and call it a day?
</TD></TR></TABLE>i wouldnt worry about the girdle or the main studs...ive twisted past oem ls/vtec builds up to 9500 with zero problems...just my .02

 

i have an oem gsr girlde and main caps for sale if you do decide to use it.

 

i would run a girdle. rather be safe than sorry. every build is different so i would run one especially if u plan on reving it high.

 

some say its needed some say its not needed. i hope this helps.

edit: but it also matters how high you rev it.

 

it's a daily driver with the occasional rev to redline

 

so im just wondering...how many people have seen an engine failure that was directly caused by the lack of a main girdle?...

 

i rev my ls/vtec close to 10,000 rpm daily ( no girdle)

 

dont you have to get an align hone with using gsr mains? but i guess you would have to anyways if you got arp mains

 

not arp main. just main bolts i don't think you need to get it align hone for main bolts. Anywho how much does it usually run to get a align hone if i do go that route. I'm thinking i can be safe without the girdle. There are LS turbo's that are making 350hp without using a girdle.

 

the power isnt the issue, the rpm is.

i couldnt even find a machine shop within two hours of me that had the machine to do an align hone so i went without and just checked for roundness.

 

Honda's have a very stable stock mainline.Your stock rods will fail long before the stock mainline gives you a problem.And your stock rods w/arp bolts should be fine for your build.

 

To the OP, the ls block is pretty good on its own. I have myself taken ls motors above 9k on a reg basis without the girdle and the crank and bearings looked fine when the motor was torn down(reg. maintance plan). The biggest thing is to make sure the block is align honed, and mic the crank for straightness. If everything is straight and within spec, your good to go

Also if you install ARP mainstuds, you need to have the bottom end align honed. The ARP's will cause the mains to distort. Its a given anytime you install studs in a bottom end, you need to check it to make sure its within spec. And before anyone says that if the ARP's distort the mains, then there no good, everyone in the racing industry that has a clue about installing ARP's will tell you they align hone the mains.

And of course if you do decide to install the girdle, wether it comes from golden eagle, erl, or even a stock gsr girdle, remember that you still need to have all the mains align honed.

Good Luck.

 

Oh and I almost forgot, the stock main bolts are strong, hence why teams like Eggum Racing(well over 1000HP) run stock bolts in the mains.

Just food for thought.

 

ah interseting. Thanks. Maybe i'll just stick to the stock bolts and and main caps. Run it without a girdle.

 

thats what i would do

 

question, why does everyone say you have to lined honed you mains, when non of the seller that sell these girdle suggest getting line honed? thanks

 

If the sellers told you extensive work was necessary to properly fit the girdle, how many would they sell ?

 

you have a point thank you.

 

Balance the rotating is a great option to do if you plan on reving high.