so im on a rather tight budget for my LS-T build, (who isnt these days) but my goal is a reasonable 300 whp with a b18b1, t3/t4 50 trim-57trim mabybe. i need it to be reasonably reliable.

anyways, my question is: Ive always heard and thought of stock LS rods as being strong stock pieces. i simply do not have 1000 dollars for forged slugs and h beam rods. so would my money be better spent on nice forged low compression pistons, and then just get my ls rods inspected and shotpeened and throw some ARP rod bolts on them? would they hold reliably?
OR
should i just buy some affordable Nippon pistons, get them machined for c- clips and get some nice beefy crower or eagle rods?
im just not sure, i think my power goal is reasonable.

input would be appriciated.

 

nippon pistons, to my knowledge are just a stock replacement. so, unless your stock pistons are melted or trashed, i wouldn't worry with them. unless you want a forged piece, then your gonna have to dish out about 400 or so. as far as max hp on stock ls rods, there's guys in here that push 350 on them and have no issues. check out the ls/turbo thread. lots of smart guys in there.

 

yes i know nippons were stock replacements, thats why i would have to get them machined to receive a c-clip because they are designed to be used with stock LS rods and a pressed in wristpin. if i used them with aftermarket rods, theyd have to be machined for a c clip. and yes, my old pistons looked pitted and burnt. detonation maybe....

 

nippon pistons with eagle rods. thats what i run. 460hp going strong. more hp to come soon.

 

there are some guys from washington that come up to my race track, with stock block LS bottom ends, running high 10s.

 

you can make 300 on stock rods. i think they really get sketchy around 350+hp.

honestly, if your motor is kinda hurt up and only want 300hp, go find another ls block/motor and run that. plus that way when its apart you can throw some nice arp headstuds in there