368...should I, could I, would I

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Hib Halverson

Good point. My guess is the last new development Lingenfelter's or Automasters have done on LT5 performance enhancements came in the late 90s/early-00s.

And, yes, I get the implication in your question, but, to me, it seems, maybe, a little bit arrogant. I suggest that it's unlikely you'd be where you are now had those folks not done their "20 year old stuff."

Ya think your attitude might sour potential customers who are outside of your flock of admirers here on the Registry forum? Much less get someone connected with media interested in your product?

Good question which I can't answer. I stated earlier that I based my belief on what Haibeck said to me in an email. I have not personally tested a closed deck LT5 for oil control but, I do put some faith in what Marc tells me. I've known him for a long time.
Thankfully, mine does not...at least, not with the way I drive it most of the time. I suppose, if I was tracking the car and running laps such that the engine spent lot of time above 5000 rpm, I probably would. Currently my oil consumption is about a quart every 8000-miles. In the "old" days, when the car was a magazine project, we put about 100 dyno passes, maybe a dozen or so drag strip passes and several track days on the car, but nowadays, it just gets run hard on the street.

Three trips from DesPlaines to BG and back cruising on the highway along with, say, fifteen or so, 11-sec. drag strip passes. I take it, I'm to accept that as demonstrative of good durability and oil control superior to that of "20-year old stuff"? That in mind...I'm curious. Have you run any GM durability test schedules on the engines you build?
Nope. There's nothing really wrong with it other than 60,000 or so miles and 15 years in service. Ok. I admit that, of late, my oil use has gone from about a quart every 10,000-miles to a qt in 8000-mi, so maybe I need stem seals. Mainly, I just was thinking of updating the engine but, admittedly, I want to do it on (as someone else aptly stated) a "beer budget."

I submit: if you truly believed that, you'd be doing LS7s.

I do not do the closed deck it's done by AES anybody can call and get it done.
I'm not selling anything.
When i saw the crazy prices on LT5 parts i went out and found/made lower cost replacements and were initially made for myself but if anyone wants what i have they are welcome to them.
Basicly i don't care where or who does your motor the advise i'm trying to pass on to you is not worth doing a 368 for the money.
I know it's your money and you can do whatever you want with it but you came on an open forum with the question did you think everyone was giong to agree with you?

Because someone disagrees with you does this mean they have an attitude.
If you think you won't like the answers i suggest don't post questions on a puplic forum.

Question right back at ya, has any other tuner done durability tests?
I will need documents from GM on the durability of the 368.

Well if five 1000 mile trips,racing her hard,driving in Chicago traffic is not good testing,what is?

We try to do testing on parts as best as we can without having to spend millions of dollars and thousands of hours, Jerry tested his head gaskets did he spend millions and thousands of hours i don't know,i was satisfied with his testing and i'm using his head gaskets will they hold up
200k miles i don't know i'll post up when i get there,so far they held up to 4500rpm clutch drops,
130mph 1/4 with some aggresive street driving,good enough for me.


Man if you use 1 qrt every 8k miles that is one killer motor i would not touch the short block,there i go again disagreeing with you.lol

LS7 pushrods been around since caveman.

The only attitude i have is because i'm not a yesman.

You asked i replied maybe you didn't like the answer so i have an attitude.
Oh well,lifes too short.
Eitherway enjoy your choice.
Pete

P.S.
For those that know me know i love the LS7/LS9 the reason for smiley.