Thread: Building a motor for my 2000 GTP

This coming spring, I was planning on installing a Gen V, Intercooler, VS Cam, and a built transmission. Well, with 117k miles (probably close to 125k by Spring), I added head gaskets to the list of replacement parts.

Then I got to thinking, why break my back removing and installing heads and cleaning up the block, when it would be 100 times easier to just pull the motor/trans as one, and replace them that way. I'm tossing around the idea of building a "fresh" motor. It will give me a nice Winter Project I can occupy myself with while waiting for warmer weather.

I'm thinking of starting with a L26 short block (junkyard pull), pulling it all apart, replacing the bearings and rings and putting it back together with ARP hardware. I'm going to just throw some home-ported L32 heads (bigger valves, right?) on her with the the LS6 Springs and call it a day.

I'm concerned that with the L26 Block, I'll run into PTV clearance issues with the VS Cam. Am I worrying about nothing? Also, is there any difference between the blocks and heads externally? I don't want to run into any last minute fabrications I need to do. I just want to swap over my stock sensors, covers, and accessories then fire her up to go get dyno-tuned.

just buy a L67 block, cheaper.

go with an xp and do it right, you wont be sorry trust me.

i say do it. new 9.4 compression l26 block with the stronger rods and a cammed genV setup, it could even be a mild cam and id bet you would still be happy

Originally Posted by Fivefingerdeathpunch

just buy a L67 block, cheaper.

Not worth the bump in compression?

I can find an N/A GP around here a lot easier than a GTP. I just said L26, instead of L36 cause of the powdered rods. I'm sure a L36 will survive the mild build I am planning.

My questions are still valid.

Originally Posted by whiney

go with an xp and do it right, you wont be sorry trust me.

I don't want to lose the reliability of the timing chain in my daily driver by upping the springs to 105# to properly rev out the the XP. I'm giving up a little power for reliability. The 75-shot of nitrous that I already have on the car will more than supplement the slight difference between the two cams.

lower compression is just easier if you ask me, less chance at popping a piston because you can run alot more boost on lower compression than high compression.

Originally Posted by whiney

go with an xp and do it right, you wont be sorry trust me.

the VS does just as well as the XP power wise. it's been proven a number of times.