it's all about the pain-in-the-a$$ labor required. otherwise i would do the mods in a heartbeat. i figure as far as parts cost 1500 would suffice...

again it's one of those things where i would've rather paid for upgraded rods (and pistons) from the factory rather than rip apart the block and do all the labor.

 

I was also wondering the same thing, after ive read all these stories about rods breaking and plugs shooten out and heads goen'... I have a mod friendly dealer, and I was wondering If i broke a con rod or 2, and the labor was covered for free, wile im in there, i was wondering what set of rods to upgrade to. Also from there, if i NEED pistons, if so how would an upgrade compared to stock, and also what kind of a camshaft upgrade is there on an everyday driver truck... i dont want to anticipate any of this happening to my truck, im just wondering the options i'd have if anything went wrong...
Whats a set of upgraded con rods go for $800-$1000
and what kind of pistons should go on them if the stock ones arent still good.... thank you, Shane

 

Remember, when you install new rods and pistons it will have to be balanced so its an involved process.We have run some good times on the manley HBeam rods and a *custom* CP piston.We Now are trying a *new* designed piston from a well Known Company..trust me we have been building these engines and been up front as long as anyone with these gen 2's..DO NOT Use the STOCK Pistons! I Can't beleive any (reputable)) Company even giving a *stock* piston an option to their customer just to save a few $$..when most likely it will cost you much more in the future.. maybe thats what they call (Job Security). and do yourself a favor to, stay away from the Ross piston too.(I'm not saying that the ross piston isn't a good piston,Just not in this paticular application,i'm sure there are a few on this board who had these only to take them back out...JL

 

Hey JL, why not use Ross? Just curious. I've been collecting a few parts for a shortblock, and pistons are next on my shopping list.

 

does the 3000 dollars include labor for a built shortblock? or is that just the price of the parts? does that include a new block or just labor plus additional forged goodies on your stock block?

i will be saving up my pennies for this *ultimate* mod after a couple of more bolt-ons/traction devices....