Engine builders in Essex who can work on a new Chevy

[jimxms]

I think I've got a bent valve in my Chevy LT1 (new direct injected LT1 - not the old LT-1). I need an engine builder who can remove the engine from my car, strip it down, diagnose the issue, maybe drop in some uprated parts and stick it all back together again. Its a fairly expensive and new engine,s o I need someone who knows what they are doing. Any suggestions guys?


Background:

My engine has been Procharged for about 2000 miles, All tuned properly with meth injection. But I guess the engine was too weak. At about 1.5-2.5k RPM it has developed a knocking noise over on the left-side near cylinders 7/8. Other than the noise, the car still runs fine, has no engine error codes and no unusual smoke out of the exhausts or through the PCV system.

I disconnected the supercharger to rule that out, took the intake manifold off and put a scope down into the valves, pulled the valve covers off to check the springs, but I can't see anything obviously wrong. I will get the scope into the cylinders tomorrow to check them over too.

https://youtu.be/9mA2pAMA1lE

[Krikkit]

They're not exactly round the corner, but I think TopCats Racing are well rated: http://www.topcatsracing.com/

You might also try Boost Performance, an LS specialist http://www.boostperformance.co.uk

[jimxms]

Krikkit said:

They're not exactly round the corner, but I think TopCats Racing are well rated: http://www.topcatsracing.com/

You might also try Boost Performance, an LS specialist http://www.boostperformance.co.uk

Thanks for the links. I just called Top Cats and they sound promising other than the month wait.

[Eddieslofart]

Sounds like a lifter to me.

[jimxms]

Eddieslofart said:

Sounds like a lifter to me.

IS there any way to check for a bad lifter without having the engine out?

So far I’ve put a camera down into the pistons (they look fine) and the tops of the valves and they also seem ok. I am going to pull the pushrods out next and check for bending.

[jimxms]

I ended up dropping my car off with Top Cats racing on 22nd June. Loads of nice metal there!

I'm going all out on this build in pursuit of 1000rwhp. I only hope that I get the car back soon before the summer is over!!

[roscobbc]

A fair number of our guys in the CCCUK have work done there - and happy with it. 1000 rwhp - are you really sure you'll ever A. feel the benefit of it if oem traction control etc are in place B. if 'not in place' despite the current C7 being one of the most capable cars in engine 'boostability',handling/performance terms will the stock drive-train/tyres etc be 'up for it' - not being critical, just wondering and looking forward what else you'll be doing to rein it all in?

[jimxms]

roscobbc said:

A fair number of our guys in the CCCUK have work done there - and happy with it. 1000 rwhp - are you really sure you'll ever A. feel the benefit of it if oem traction control etc are in place B. if 'not in place' despite the current C7 being one of the most capable cars in engine 'boostability',handling/performance terms will the stock drive-train/tyres etc be 'up for it' - not being critical, just wondering and looking forward what else you'll be doing to rein it all in?

Good questions.

At present (up to the rebuild) the car ran around 750whp. To help keep the power on the ground I upgraded to Toyo R888R sem-slicks with 315's in the rear. This really helped stop the traction control intervening when doing hard pulls on good surfaces.

Most likely I will only be pulleying down the supercharger on the car to make approx 850-900whp, and making the remaining 100-150whp with nitrous. The centrifugal supercharger that I am using is much more drive-able than a roots/screw for example as it doesn't really start to make power until 3k RPM - putting less stress on the drivetrain and traction. The nitrous however will be reserved for the drag strip anyway - and only once I've converted the rear end to work with 15" slicks.

The engine and clutch are being built to support 1500whp, the rest of the drive train will be a case of suck it and see. I've seen C7's with 1100hp at the wheels with mostly stock parts. I'm sure they wont last long, but the drivetrain seems pretty solid.

[roscobbc]

Have you been to CCCUK Essex regional meeting - Red Lion, Margaretting - third Wednesday of month (next Wednesday) - be interested to learn more.
Ross - CCCUK Chairman

[jimxms]

roscobbc said:

Have you been to CCCUK Essex regional meeting - Red Lion, Margaretting - third Wednesday of month (next Wednesday) - be interested to learn more.
Ross - CCCUK Chairman

I haven't been to any meets with the car yet, as it has been a constant work in progress. But as soon as I've got it back from Top Cats and fully sorted I'll be taking it to some meets and shows

I just hope that they get to work on my rebuild ASAP so I can actually drive it while the weather is good.

[roscobbc]

jimxms said:

roscobbc said:

Have you been to CCCUK Essex regional meeting - Red Lion, Margaretting - third Wednesday of month (next Wednesday) - be interested to learn more.
Ross - CCCUK Chairman

I haven't been to any meets with the car yet, as it has been a constant work in progress. But as soon as I've got it back from Top Cats and fully sorted I'll be taking it to some meets and shows

I just hope that they get to work on my rebuild ASAP so I can actually drive it while the weather is good.

Just come in your daily - ask for me and I'll introduce you to some of the fella's - one of our bunch runs a Procharged C5Z06

I'll be in this.........

[jimxms]

Very nice! You may well see me if I'm at a loose end. I'll be in a very noisy AMG.

I hope Top Cats live up to their good reputation, as I was expecting some form of progress update by now...but alas they are totally silent. I'm beginning to feel that I've been kicked to the kerb while they work on their own cars and race them at the weekend.