Quote: If you do spray a stock LS engine, at least pull the pistons out and open up the ring gap. Any stock engine for that matter.
Not saying that's not a good idea (b/c it is), but there are a ton of fast GM LS motors being sprayed a lot that have never had the pistons out the block and last a long time.
Here's a simple combo that works...good friend of mine has a '98 Firebird. Stock LS1 shortblock except for ARP rod bolts. Ported factory GM 5.3 truck heads, 240 at .050" cam (hydraulic roller) w/ around .600" lift, FAST intake, headers, 4000 stall, 4L80E OD truck trans, 4.10 geared 12 bolt...3800 or so lbs (nothing taken out of it), still has A/C, cruise, and all factory stuff. It's been 10.90s on motor and pump gas. On a mild 125 hp shot he's been some tire spinning low 10s at around 134-135 mph. It'll go 9s w/ traction. His wife picks their kids up from school in it, lol.
