i have been searching for a couple days and must be missing something. i doubt i'm the first to ask this.. but anyway:

we're building an engine according to engine-building basics (lots of experience with other platforms) and using the OEM shop manual.

any secrets we should know? tips? tricks? particularly anything, "the manual says blah blah but it works better if you..."

info:

Eagle rods/ARP bolts
JE Pisons and rings (gapped per JE's specs)
ACL rod bearings/thrust
King main bearings

short block is done with the head torqued down. still have to check end play on the crank. everything else seems to spin and move perfectly.

car is being built for about 350whp on pump and 450ish on e85 (time attack only).

 

What were your bearing clearances? Did you use head studs? Main studs?

The timing belt is way easier if you have the tool that goes in between the gears and holds them in place..

 

was this a blown engine you rebuilt? because stock block will do 450whp fine

 

Main and head studs. Crank is unturned.
Unsure of clearances. They were within specs is all I remember.
Engine had low compression in a cylinder for about a year. Finally decided to go ahead and fix it and refresh bearings while I'm at it as the engine had 125k. Only doing forged internals because they were free. Plus, if I decide I need more power, I'm not as limited on tq. That's a bonus, I guess. I hated to do the rebuild, honestly. OEM engines airways last the longest.
Yes, I'm aware of the stock bottom end's limits, but thanks for the info.

 

you should be able to get a 100k miles out of it. thats a pretty low target. great safety margin

 

that is 100% what i'm shooting for. the car is only used for Time Attack, Auto X and a few HPDE. even during HPDE i don't stay out the entire 80-100mins, so there won't be a TON of hard mileage put on. other than that, i drive the car to local meets and the occasional weekend errand run.

i was hoping to build an engine that is mild enough to enjoy as much as i did the OEM one, but with a bit of extra insurance. even my cams and turbo are mild (264/MAP 2.5). i've gone the "crazy build/max HP" route before.. it was fun, but too much maintenance for me.

thanks for all the input, guys.