Is this new shortblock worth it? JAM stage 1

[little-razcal]

I need a motor for my 1G and instead of building my own, I have a friend that is selling his brand new short block he was going to put in his GSX. He has since sold the car and I asked him to sell it to me. It is from Jackson Auto Machine shop (JAM) . It is the 400+hp stage 1 and its still in plastic. It is going to come with a stock head and a brand new box of ARP's. I talked him down to $1100 for everything. Is this good?

My thinking on it is if I were to buy everything and have a shop work on the block and put it together, it would cost way more than this entire setup. The amount of detail they put in building these blocks is sick. Also Ive been looking for a used 6 block but can't really afford to get a tired motor that I will have to end up building anyway. It will cost me more in the long run..This motor is brand new. They go for $2300 and I would be getting it for less than half price, with a head, and arp's. The only thing the stage one's doesnt have are forged connecting rods. They come with Big 6 bolt rods that are shot peened..I don't plan on going over 400hp so I think it will be fine.. Do you think I should get it? Why or why not?

Here is all that goes into a stage 1.

Every engine is custom built to order which ensures that it fulfills the customers' performance goals. Need a core block? We have them too!

The following services are performed on each block

The block is completely disassembled and cleaned
All shaft bearings & freeze plugs are removed
The piston oilers are removed
It is visually inspected
All threads are checked
ARP main studs are installed
The align bore is checked and recorded
The cylinders are sonic tested for thickness
The block is then square decked to a RA50 surface finish
We then bottom tap the deck holes for ARP Head studs
The block is precision bored
The bores are then 4 step torque plate honed using our propriety methods for the ultimate ring seal
The block is then thoroughly washed for the final assembly
The new freeze plugs & galley plug are installed
We now install your shaft elimination kit bearings
Piston oilers are cleaned and installed
We degrease the crankshaft
The crankshaft is then magnaflux inspected
Crank is checked for straight
It is then micro polished ,mic'd and checked for straightness
The big 1g rods are magnaflux inspected
Rods are shot-peened for additional strength
Then we fully reconditioned the rods using ARP rod bolts
The assembly is precision balanced as a complete rotating assembly
Piston rings are file fit custom to your application
All dimensions and clearances are then checked and recorded
The rotating assembly is then installed into the machined block
JAM Stage 1 package, +400whp

Our Stage 1 shortblock comes to you fully assembled with the following components:

Wiseco forged pistons, 85.5mm, 8.2:1 or 9.1:1cr, your choice
Forged steel crankshaft
JAM Spec-ACL rod and main engine bearings
ARP connecting rod bolts
ARP main stud kit
New piston oiler gaskets
New freeze plugs, galley plug and head to block dowels
JAM Spec-7 piece balance shaft elimination kit

 

[cyclonekid77]

Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Should be a good solid engine for a long time.

 

[TSIfreek]

I would go with forged rods as its not a very expensive upgrade and will far out last the 1g rods. You can get a set of rods for under 300.00. Race preping stock rods must run $200 when they are all finished with the arp bolt and reconditioned. Its a worth while investment.

 

[little-razcal]

I know..I would much rather have forged rods. They put manley rods in their stage 2's 550+hp and everything else is the same. Do you guys think this still wil be stronger than a stock block? How much HP can you safely run on a stock bottom end? If I do get this shortblock and choose to put forged rods in, do I need to get everything balanced again? JAM says they balanced and blueprinted the shortblock when building it. Im new to this stuff so no need to explain. This would still be better than a stock 6 bolt correct? I would only be paying a little more than if I got a used 6 bolt off CL or something. Also I would know exactly how the motor has been taken care of. Im thinking its a good deal as well. Thanks

 

[vannaksgsx]

Sorry to bring up an old thread. But did you end up buying the JAM Stage 1 block and installing it? I bought that same block a couple of years ago...and its STILL in the plastic. My project was put on pause for a couple years.

If you've installed it, how has it performed for you? Any trouble with the BS Elim kit that came with the block? Any tips or things to look out for when installing it?

Thanks,
Vannak

 

[prostreetdsmx1]

that's a good price for a short block that comes from a good builder.

 

[Ludachris]

I run a JAM 2.3L block and JAM head. Extremely happy with it. And everyone knows I beat on it at the road course. I'd say that's a good deal.

 

[vannaksgsx]

I'm working on a rebuild now. Jam Stage 1, very happy with their work.

 

[JacksonAuto]

Thanks, Chris and Vannak!

To the OP, if you get it and decide you want to upgrade the rods hit me up. I'll make you a good deal on the upgrade. Also if you give me the original purchaser's name I can look it up and verify the engine is what he says it is.

 

[RT-AWD]

Thats a great deal, hop on it.