I am considering building a complete engine to replace the LBZ in my truck for safe keeping and a project for me and my sons. The performance goal would be to run in the mid 11's. I will replace the tranny when the swap is done. The question is, what block, heads etc should I start with? also are there any vendors that that are knowledgable that could assist with specing the componants? Thanks

GIve us a call, I'll be glad to help you out with questions

Give Merchant a call, they are very good people to work with; I'm sure they can help you out. Your bank account is going to be your final determining factor:D

Eric can certainly help you out, he is getting good at building dmax engines, but if you are interested in doing it yourself there are a number of people who can help you. Mid 11's isn't that big a deal anymore but will require you to replace your stock rods at the minimum, and also maybe a little head work. You have a LBZ so starting with an LBZ block makes the most sense. I would contact Steve at TTS and get a set of rods, either he or Guy Trippin can help you with heads. Pistions have been a hot debate, I'm using stock LBZ pistons in my rebuild, but it is a LB7 engine. We are lowing the compression as well. Cam and crank work probably isn't necessary at the engine hp you are talking about, but I'll probably get an arguement on that one. Head studs are a must.

I'm assuming you are doing your own work right? Probably a set twin CP fuelers ATS, PPE, TTS all carry them. I think stock LBZ injectors will get you where you want, but there are a number of after market injector suppliers as well. I use Formula one. Turbo up grade is also a must. I'm a huge fan of twin turbos by MPI, but there are a number of good single turbos out there that will let your truck run in the 11's. McRat has a good one that he uses. Lift pump, several options, I love the MITUSA, but there are others as well. TTS, Kennedy are two other options that I have heard good reports. Obviously the exhaust and intake. Tuning is critical, EFI live is good and you can learn to tune your own. PPE makes a good off the shelf tune, and I'm assuming TTS will as well. You should be able to run mid 11's with these goodies fairly easy. You need to watch your truck weight, better not to have a 1000 lb tool box in the back.:D You mentioned you would do the tranny, with the new engine, so enough said. Have fun.

You should find a second LBZ engine and build it up. It is stronger.

Minimum of rods and keying the cam. Trans should be fully built.

You should hit mid 11's with the proper goodies bolted on it. I'd suggest a PPE GT42R + PPE Dual Fueler + a wicked EFILive tune.

Did you guys account for his 6" lift and 35" tires???

Good point.

Mid 11's will be VERY hard with a lift kit since the power you need to get there (650-800hp) will normally bend everything thing in the front end of a lifted truck.

Did you guys account for his 6" lift and 35" tires???

Good point, guess I assumed that he would take off the lift.:rolleyes:

Wow, thats alot of info Thank You! I really dont want to bend anything up in the front end so what is a reasonable expectation for performance without lowering it?

My truck is lifted six inches and runs 33 inch tires. Remove the torsion bar bolts when racing and pulling for starters. I use the Cognito tie rod ends and pitman arm support kit. My engine is stock and I get 13.00 in the quarter mile. Mid 11's will take some effort.

You could always straight axle the front end.

Good point.

Mid 11's will be VERY hard with a lift kit since the power you need to get there (650-800hp) will normally bend everything thing in the front end of a lifted truck.
I am working on a custom front driveshaft from jesse at high angle driveline, along w/ Nick at norcal trucks. Just ordered a ppe dual fueler. maybe one day i will hit low 12's.