HIPO GM crate engines

[LVCamaro]

The crank strike resulted from replacing the factory oil pan with chromed repro pan that was just enough different to take a windage hit. Once again, the bling comes with unexpected expense. Fortunately, that squawk was discovered during engine cranking test prior to start-up.

[427TJ]

Back in '88 my buddy bought a new crate LS-7 for his '67 Camaro. Once it was home we took the pan off for inspection before putting the engine in the car. Inside the engine was a mess! Dust and grit everywhere. We disassembled the motor and cleaned everything thoroughly. I think the shipping crate came with a tag in Spanish because it had been assembled in Mexico. We just shook our heads. That LS-7 is still in the car and runs great but he's glad he decided to pull the pan and take a look before putting it in the car. That would have been a $3,000 "uh-oh."

[LVCamaro]

Lesson learned here!!


The engine will be done late tonight. It will be running by noon tomorrow. The crank had one counter weight that was 36 grams heavy and the lightest was 7 grams heavy. The whole assembly is balanced to "within" .8 grams. I will be looking for a nickel to balance when it is running!! See progress picture attached...

[LVCamaro]

24 hours to deadline and counting...

[camarojoe]

Git 'er done...

[Stuart Adams]

Steve, with all the crazy last minute thrashing going on - don't forget the oil!!!!! Cool car. Have fun on PT - you'll make it.

[Mr70]

Now who's gonna tell Steve the Power Tour was last week.

[LVCamaro]

The Aloha Automotive "engine guys" stayed til 11:00 PM and got the engine back together and installed, wired and plumbed in the Chevelle last night. The tranny and exhaust crew will do their thing, then test fire late morning for a midday test drive TODAY. Now that's 11th hour thrashin'...

SS