I am planning on doing an ls build, no ls/vtec, just straight ls all motor. The parts that im lining up to get for the block are p30 pistons brand new with rings, shot peened ls rods, rod bearings and main bearings, get the block honed and get crank micropolished and balanced if need be. The engine that this work is being done to is an ls with ferrea valvetrain, and a stock bottom end with 140,000 miles. I havent decided yet if I want to do cams and port and polishing and all that. Im not looking for crazy power, just something with a little more pep than the stock ls. One question I do have is if I just build the bottom end and leave the head alone, what kind of tuning do I need? I was planning on just sending my ecu into phearable.net and telling them what its got, but for just higher compression pistons and a couple bolt ons do I need to get it tuned at a shop? I dont want to put a bunch of money into it and see it blow up, but I am on a budget. Any help or opinions on this build would be greatly appreciated

 

I would go with either 402 Crower cams or 403's to "feel" a difference and match up the compression of the p30's, and yes i would get it tuned as well. I would also invest in some arp rod bolts. No the rod bolts are not necessary but they add security above the stock 7k redline on ls motors.

 

I also want to do a little something to my LS also. Have you calculated how much this LS build will run you?