Shop advice - Engine Rebuild

ibmgto

ibmgto

Club Member
Going to post this here because I am not getting much response in the General tech area.

Just spoke with Livernois and it was about what I expected (maybe a bit more).

Appreciate any input / recommendations.

ibmgto said:
Looking for a shop to do some engine work on my GTO.

Over the weekend I had a valve spring decide it no longer wanted to be a valve spring anymore. It snapped and dropped the valve and now I have valve in the shape of a pretzel. One piston is trashed, cylinder liner and one head is toast too. I haven't pulled the other head but found all the pieces so I think the other side is probably good. I also haven't pulled the bottom end but I think (hope) the crank and rods are still good.

Block is an LS7 block so I think it makes sense to resleeve it, rods are compstar 6.125 rods (I think they are the H beam) and Cola 4.000 stroke crank. I dont recall the specs on the cam so I think I will actually replace that during the process.

I dont feel like messing with it at all so I just want to drop it off and pay once its done (I dont really want to pay but I will :) )

So I am looking for a shop to

Pull the block, disassemble it and have it resleeved
Help me pick out camshaft and possibly heads
assemble block with new pistons etc
re-install engine in GTO
retune as needed

Think that is it.

I know Livernois is a sponsor here so I will probably have them quote it tomorrow but it's always good to have a couple of shops quote the work So I am basically looking for some recommendations.

Thanks!!

Pics of carnage, engine had some major carbon build up for some reason. You cant see it in the pictures but the cylinder has 2 small cracks (or thats what it looks like to me).

engine1.jpg
engine2.jpg
engine3.jpg
engine4.jpg
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Ouch, theres a lot of work that will need to go into that. That could have been so much worse.

Can't help with any recomendations, but Livernois definitely knows what they are doing.
 
There are several shops in town that can handle that type of repair. I don't know of any other than Livernois thant can do everything under one roof! they can machine assmble install and tune your stuff. while there are a few good machine shops engine builders in town, you would have to pull engine take here, pay, pick up take elsewhere, yada yada!
 
Livernois seems to really have the LSx stuff down. I'd have no hesitation taking anything to them.
 
I wouldn't hesitate at all to have Billy build a motor for me. He's considered one of the best in the LS world.
 
84mercury said:
There are several shops in town that can handle that type of repair. I don't know of any other than Livernois thant can do everything under one roof! they can machine assmble install and tune your stuff. while there are a few good machine shops engine builders in town, you would have to pull engine take here, pay, pick up take elsewhere, yada yada!
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Katech?
 
LS7 in a new age GTO? Nice, your one of few that have accomplished such a feat. Katech, Livernois, TheCarGuysGarage. I'd find a shop that knows & sepcializes in LS7's, not just LS1/2's.
 
You are correct. Katech has a good rep with LS stuff. They stopped poping up in my head for reference many years ago though. Something about trying to sell 20K+ LS motors that could be built for half kind of turned me off on them. Maybe its different there know? If they cant tell you why it costs that much; i'm buying from the guy that can!
 
Thanks guys, will make some calls tomorrow.

To be honest I think Katech is out of my price range.

04GoaT said:
LS7 in a new age GTO? Nice, your one of few that have accomplished such a feat. Katech, Livernois, TheCarGuysGarage. I'd find a shop that knows & sepcializes in LS7's, not just LS1/2's.
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It wasn't a full LS7, just the block with aftermarket components. It is still a wet sump system and had L92 heads. It ran well and was a blast to drive but it never made the power I thought it should (but it was tuned on one of the stingiest dyno's in the area). It might end up being closer to an LS7 after I am done, leaning towards putting LS7 heads on during the rebuild.
 
You buy the parts and I'll assemble it for you for half what the big names will. Just an offer, those that know me and have seen my work know I am good at what I do. Let me know, I'll be glad help.
 
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