7 bolt rebuild....HELP!!

[TiradoCC]

Ok well i have a 95 gst shell sitting in my driveway...has everything except tranny or engine. Anyways, i have the block in my garage and i have decided to rebuild it. My goal for the car: Just a weekend car with about 350-400 horsepower. I don't want to waste too much money on the rebuild but at the same time i want a reliable engine. Can i just reuse the crank that was already on the block? Looks to be in good shape. I plan on using 2g pistons on 1g "big" rods.... Is there a kit out there that includes all the timing parts, water pump, oil pump etc? Or do i need to buy all of these parts seperate? If so what all do i need to buy, i took everything off the block because i basically want everything new. Any advice or suggestions would really help, its my 1st build so i want to make sure i take my time and do it right the first time.
Thanks.

 

[DBordersX]

If you really want to do it right the first time, you should put in a 6-bolt block. 95-96 were the worst years for crankwalk and if you rebuild the 7-bolt you are taking a risk that you don't have to take. I'm not saying you WILL get crankwalk, but why take the risk when you can find a used 6-bolt for pretty cheap if you look around?

You're going to have to buy most of that stuff separate. The timing components will come in a kit, the water and oil pumps will be separate, and you can find a complete engine rebuild gasket set, top and bottom. You should also get ARP headstuds. You could spring for some others like exhaust studs but it isn't as important. Don't forget that you'll also need a full supply of engine oil and coolant before you fire it up. You may also need main seals and a couple other things but I'm not entirely sure. Searching around a bit will get you your answer.

Really though, you should consider doing a 6-bolt swap while you've got the engine out. Why take the risk?

 

[TiradoCC]

I have the 7 bolt block already so im just going to stick with that...there are a hand full of 2g dsm's where i live and they are all fine.
Ok so i need to buy all that stuff seperate, and the 2g pistons 1g rods is a good combination correct?

 

[DBordersX]

I can look around. I just did the 6-bolt swap so I don't know about the 2g pistons and 1g rods. I don't have anything better to do right now so I'll see what I can dig up.

 

[DBordersX]

2g pistons on 1g "big" rods is a good combo. Some modification is necessary and the "big" rods are only from the 89-92 6-bolt motors. Any other 1g rods are the same as the 2g from what I gather. The big rods are stronger and some people pair them with the 2g pistons to get the higher compression ratio (8.5:1 VS 7.8:1)

Here's a good thread on it:

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147775&highlight=big+rods+on+a+2g

 

[TiradoCC]

Thanks. So i'm going to stick with the 2g piston 1g rod combo....

 

[DBordersX]

That's cool. Since I've got the 6-Bolt I guess that means I'm running the 7.8:1 comp. I wish I had the 8.5, my power before the turbo spools is a joke. Maybe there's a stroker motor in my future...

 

[turbodsm18]

That's cool. Since I've got the 6-Bolt I guess that means I'm running the 7.8:1 comp. I wish I had the 8.5, my power before the turbo spools is a joke. Maybe there's a stroker motor in my future...

I thought you said you had a 7 bolt. Just because your rods are from a 1g, doesnt mean the motor is a 6 bolt.

 

[DBordersX]

Nope, he's got the 7 bolt and wants to run the big rods. I have the whole 6 bolt engine, as well as the TB and Intake mani from the 1g.

I was just commenting that I wish my compression was a little higher so my off boost power would be less of a joke.

 

[markgholland]

Some modification is necessary and the "big" rods are only from the 89-92 6-bolt motors.

The actual "big" rods were on '90s only. 6-bolt motors were in production from '89 to '92.5, which you might have read wrong.

To the original poster, save yourself time, money, and a few hundred headaches; sell the car and buy a running one; anyone that rebuilds a 7-bolt obviously has more money than brains.

 

[Big Woo]

First off, since your goal is modest (350 to 400 HP) the 7-bolt would work fine, if rebuilt properly. Personally I have never had a 7-bolt crankwalk after rebuilding it. For starters you need to determine if your original 7-bolt is in good and rebuildable condition. The first question is why did you take the engine of of the car, one would suspect that there was a problem with it.

Second, as I read your post are you trying to use 2G pistons, with 6-bolt rods, with a 2G crankshaft and block?

 

[bjones18]

Second, as I read your post are you trying to use 2G pistons, with 6-bolt rods, with a 2G crankshaft and block?

Nice way of saying 1g rods don't fit a 2g crank, and a 6 bolt crank won't fit a 7bolt block