Been following a few build threads and keeping up with the classifieds lately; problem is I'm not completely sure what I can use/ what I need for my build since most have been LB7's.

I'm under the impression I can use an LB7 block, Correct ? If I'm right I'll need and LBZ crank, cam, and flywheel ? What about the front/rear covers, water pump differences,ect ?

I have access to 2 sets of used LB7 pistons I had planned on getting cut/coated (1 set from a core motor and 1 from a still in use motor that is running around 630 hp). Is it safe to use used slugs? How much does Guy charge to do this ?

It's still a ways off but the way I want to do it is buy the smaller things in the coming year or so (studs, maybe gaskets & TTY bolts,doing the pistons) , maybe scoring some of them uneeded from builds.

I don't plan on doing anything to the heads except for springs & retainers. I'm not looking for tremendous power but was considering spraying it a little on the strip/dyno. Plan is to build the shortblock and do that little bit to the heads as I swap them over. Plan on using EPR twins. And either a PPE CP3x2 or a wicked/II single.
Anyway..........what can I use ?

Been following a few build threads and keeping up with the classifieds lately; problem is I'm not completely sure what I can use/ what I need for my build since most have been LB7's.

I'm under the impression I can use an LB7 block, Correct ? If I'm right I'll need and LBZ crank, cam, and flywheel ? What about the front/rear covers, water pump differences,ect ?

I have access to 2 sets of used LB7 pistons I had planned on getting cut/coated (1 set from a core motor and 1 from a still in use motor that is running around 630 hp). Is it safe to use used slugs? How much does Guy charge to do this ?

It's still a ways off but the way I want to do it is buy the smaller things in the coming year or so (studs, maybe gaskets & TTY bolts,doing the pistons) , maybe scoring some of them uneeded from builds.

I don't plan on doing anything to the heads except for springs & retainers. I'm not looking for tremendous power but was considering spraying it a little on the strip/dyno. Plan is to build the shortblock and do that little bit to the heads as I swap them over. Plan on using maybe a BD/HTT 366 eventually. And either a PPE CP3x2 or a wicked 85% over single
Anyway..........what can I use ?

You can use a LB7 block, along with LB7 crank, flywheel and dampner. Rear adapter plate would be the same also. Front timing cover would be different, and you need to use a LBZ/LMM one.

Thanks Jason, that works since there's a complete motor there. just hope the cranks up to it.

PM me about that LBZ I have. It's getting cheaper.:D

Just remember if using a LB7 crank you will need to use a LBZ/LMM crank reluctor wheel. 60 tooth minus 2 were the lb7/lly is 60 tooth minus 3. Water pump mounting housing is different also.

Water pump housing is on the front cover, correct ?

So I'll end up using an LLY water pump then?

So I'll end up using an LLY water pump then?

No, LBZ/LMM

Using the LBZ housing mounted to the LB7 front cover? Sorry if I'm just not getting it, just trying to visualize it. I haven't seen an LBZ water pump and housing to compare it to.

Using the LBZ housing mounted to the LB7 front cover? Sorry if I'm just not getting it, just trying to visualize it. I haven't seen an LBZ water pump and housing to compare it to.

You could run the LBZ timing cover, essentially all the blocks are universal where you could mount the newer stuff on them iirc

Thanks. I'll be on the lookout for a front cover then.

I have a guy looking for me a front cover, water pump housing/pump,reluctor wheel,and maybe a rear cover and coolant crossover if they're cheap enough. Wonder if the bolts will be the same (likely not on the WP but everything else)?
Anything else ?
There's a thread on McRats selling a lot of parts but the guy is kinda sketchy about knowing what's what as far as engine generation.

IIRC all the bolts are the same, only bolt that might be different is the long bolt for the water pump.

OK, what about suggestions on air/fuel ? Should I need around 700-750 to run a mid to low 11 @ 5800-6k lbs ? My concern if I try to go too close to a 10.xx I'll spend as much time fixing as I do racing.
I'd entertain twins if the $$ just fell from the sky but otherwise most likely look at an S400 based unit from Trent. I'd like to stay single on the CP3 and use a Wicked pump.
Cut/coated stockers unless I hear a lot that they wont hold.

I'm not hearing very good things about the cut stockers. I'm wondering if just plain stock LB7/LLY pistons would be the best setup. If your going with a stock cam you wont need the valve reliefs cut in them. I guess the main thing with the stock pistons would be if you could use the right injectors and be able to tune so the spray does'nt spray outside the bowl and heat up the critical lip area?

true. Mine are 45% now and will be done to 60% most likely while or shortly after this is done. Depends on how big of a charger I'll have to have.

Gonna put a roll bar in the truck Chris?

Bottom line on pistons has been the same for years, cutting the stock pistons only makes them weaker and the LB7 pistons fail just as much as the LBZ pistons do. Going to a forged piston is stronger but the question comes in as how long are the rings going to last foron the forged piston. The forged pistons seem to be holding up in the 25,000 mile range OK but no one has made 50,000 miles without having a ring leak issue.

No plans for a bar Jason. What about the cast Mahle's Steve ?

Bottom line on pistons has been the same for years, cutting the stock pistons only makes them weaker and the LB7 pistons fail just as much as the LBZ pistons do. Going to a forged piston is stronger but the question comes in as how long are the rings going to last foron the forged piston. The forged pistons seem to be holding up in the 25,000 mile range OK but no one has made 50,000 miles without having a ring leak issue.When you say LB7 pistons fail just as much as the LbZs do are you talking about the cut LB7s or stock LB7s? It seemed for a while every time I went to a forum there was a new thread on a cracked LBZ piston. It seems to be allot less now almost like there was a bad batch of LBZ pistons?

I have heard that it is very hard to get in touch with the guys at wicked diesel....Is that correct....I've been wanting to get one of their pumps in the near future but have not tried because of that reason......

Interesting....just my .02....but to me unless its an absolute budget crunch...when "building" an engine, stock just spells failure.

When you say LB7 pistons fail just as much as the LbZs do are you talking about the cut LB7s or stock LB7s? It seemed for a while every time I went to a forum there was a new thread on a cracked LBZ piston. It seems to be allot less now almost like there was a bad batch of LBZ pistons?


You have to understand there were a lot of the same people saying things over and over. They want to say that LB7's never failed, when that could not be further from the truth. People are asking for more than what the stock pistons can handle and it was in fashion to say LBZ's were junk and that cut and coated LB7's were the answer. They even went so far as to say cutting the stock pistons made them stronger when that's down right false. Do a little digging on old posts and you can find heated discussions on it here. It's taken a few years but now the truth has come out and the new people do not know about the old discussions.

Bottom line is each type of piston has it's limits, and you need to know and follow them. Asking a stock piston to hold up at 700 Hp is asking for more than it can do. Yes, some people get away with it for awhile but sooner or later they all end up broken. Forged pistons were designed for racing and are much stronger but will not last for 100K and that was never what they were designed for. So figure out what you want and what you can afford to live with BEFORE you spend your money on the wrong things.

What about piston rings? My motor is apart right now and im having a hard time swallowing 400 bucks for rings. Are guys reusing these or are new ones a must? Motors got 80k on it if it matters.

Which one of Trents singles will get me where I need to be ?

Well, Head gasket has decided it's had enough. I need to decide on a pump if I'm doing a single while it's down. What kind of power has been made on a single pump ? If I need a 120% over so be it, I only want to do this once.
Also considering going ahead and getting my Tow Flow up pipes and high temp coating my BD and RH manifolds while it's down.

Well, Head gasket has decided it's had enough. I need to decide on a pump if I'm doing a single while it's down. What kind of power has been made on a single pump ? If I need a 120% over so be it, I only want to do this once.
Also considering going ahead and getting my Tow Flow up pipes and high temp coating my BD and RH manifolds while it's down.

Sorry to hear that man... Let me know if you need help/anything.. If nothing else supervision.. :D

Well I have the front and rear covers and water pump/housing. I'm getting there, slow but sure.

A S475 would get you to low 11s. But with the #s these billet 66mm turbos are putting up it may be worth it to go that way

I'd like to see some #'s coming from Trents single kits. I think the billet 66's that are putting up those #'s are pretty pricey though.

Member zerogravity86 ot whatever it is has tents single kit he is trying to sell for a reasonable price. maybe you can hit him up.

Thanks Josh; It's a 4202 though, just a little too big for me.

Have you found a place to do the machine work for your motor?

Not yet. I figure if nothing else Fleece, Diesel Addiction, or Garmon's will have a place we can drive to. I figure even with fuel prices rising it'll still be cheaper to haul 1-2 motors there and back.