Building A Chevy Stroker From Scratch With An LQ4 Iron Block - Engine Power S1, E9

How-to build a modern Chevy stroker starting from scratch with an LQ4 iron truck block strong enough to survive plenty of turbo boost.
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PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE:
ARP: Main Studs, 4-Bolt Main, Chevy, 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0L, Kit
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_411
Dupli-Color: Paint, Engine, Enamel with Ceramic Resin, Flat Gray Primer, 12 oz., Aerosol, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_412
Dupli-Color: Paint, Engine, Enamel with Ceramic Resin, Semi-Gloss, Black, 12 oz., Aerosol, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_402
Holley: Oil Pan Baffle, GM LS Retro-fit, Aluminum, Natural, Chevy, 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, Kit
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_406
Holley: Oil Pan, Engine Swap, Aluminum, Natural, 5 1/2 Quarts, Chevy, 4.8, 5.3, 6.0L, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_405
Melling: Oil Pump, High-Volume, Chevy, 4.8/5.3/5.7/6.0L, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_410
Mr. Gasket: Exhaust Gaskets, Header, Soft Aluminum, 1.92 in. Round Port, Chevy, Big Block, Pair
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_414
Royal Purple: Assembly Lube, Max-Tuff, Synthetic, 8 oz, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_400
Summit Racing: Block 6.0L GM LS Iron
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_403
Summit Racing: Camshaft Thrust Plate, Solid Type, Steel, Includes Four Bolts, Chevy, Small Block LS, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_415
Summit Racing: LS Lifters & Lifter Guide Kit
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_409
Summit Racing: Timing Cover, Cast Aluminum, 1-Piece, Chevy, LS1, LS6, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_404
Trick Flow Specialties: Camshaft, Hydraulic Roller, Advertised Duration 278/286, Lift .625/.625, Lobe Sep. 113, GM LS, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_408
Trick Flow Specialties: Carburetor, Gasoline, 850 cfm, 4-Barrel, Square Bore, Mechanical Secondaries, Universal, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_413
ARP: Manufacturer of fasteners found in engines and drivelines, ranging from OEM replacement parts to specialty hardware for racing applications
K1 Technologies: GM, LS, 408 Stroker Kit (24 Tooth Reluctor) (Pre-Balanced)
The Industrial Depot: Fasteners, Hardware, and Shop Supplies
WD-40: WD-40 12 oz. Aerosol Lubricant

[@haroldbenton979]

Here's something people do not know about ARP. All their material is shipped temp controlled. That means it is shipped in a refrigerated trailer to stop rust from even getting started. I hauled many loads into that place.

[@nellof1244]

Wow 👏😮

[@prasun911]

That's some coca cola level genius

[@chloehennessey6813]

That also explains some of the cost. When someone complains about the cost of ARP hardware on an engine I’ll remind them of the steps they go thru.

[@ivanjimenez8868]

@@chloehennessey6813 save your money and use stock gm bolts.

[@BigBlockCaprice]

@@ivanjimenez8868 believe it or not, some ARP bolts are cheaper and stronger than stock gm bolts. Only exception is like crank bolts and some others.

[@nickmellon6677]

Love when a stroker video gets turned into one long ARP advertisement.

[@Mike-xt2ot]

I would highly recommend using thread chasers instead of using taps. Taps will remove some metal and sharpen the edge of the threads which make them weaker. Thread chase full sets are inexpensive and last a long time when uses properly. Taps are for cutting not cleaning.

[@peltel2222]

Seasoned block from Summit! = Used junkyard block. Love that it’s rated at 1400 HP. I made 780 HP on my junkyard LQ4 with a VS turbo. Had no clue what I was doing. Hey, it works, what can I say.

[@perotekku]

That Tech tip on the studs changing main bore roundness was really interesting. Learn something new everyday!

[@MoneyJohnson-z8k]

God plz bring the show back this what kids need to be watching not all that b.s they are now

[@Chris-ux5nl]

Amen

How about just clamp that slide hammer to the outer edges of the cap where nothing touches it anyways and not drilling a hole in the cap that to me could make a weak spot? Not sure just a random thought.

[@th600mike3]

LOL yeah. Spend all that time "removing stress risers" from the lifter valleys and gasket surfaces, only to drill a hole in the middle of the main cap YIKES

[@gabeutsecks5427]

Lol or using your hands 🤣🤣 never needed anything more I've done quite a few of these

[@gruntperformance6284]

I WAS LOSING MY MIND WHEN I SAW THAT

[@gruntperformance6284]

@@th600mike3 I WAS LOSING MY MIND WHEN I SAW THAT

[@tylerwilson8615]

Yeah I wasn’t a fan of that or the work they did to an aftermarket piston. If you’re that worried about the product, don’t buy it.

[@scotteric8711]

I have nothing but good things to say of ARP. I've seen many engines detonate, and the ones with ARP hardware were still torqued to the part.

[@bassackwards8821]

If you place a strong magnet beside the hole you're drilling, most of the shaving won't get blown all over the inside of your block

[@jaimepadilla9548]

I don't understand why the engine block didn't come already without all that work from smooth edges and bores and all that. But I loved how you explained why and how to do it all! 👍

[@Adrianinhd]

Agreed. I feel like if im buying a block, all i should have to do is assemble but it is what it is!

[@ZackNakazora1]

My dad used to supply stock to ARP in the 80s. Worked with MGF industries outta California. They sold alot to aviation groups. And ARP was one of the few automotive venues.

[@science999]

The Vet they added to the show is an amazing addition. He’s great I hope to see him for years to come👏

[@PatrickScottlxw]

6.0 cam headers and a 80 mil choo choo boy

[@baggedmazda666]

1000hp build list….. cam springs boost but that definitely won’t help with a 20 minute add for different parts

[@bobbydartonhricko4068]

I had a ‘89 chevy Blazer With a 383 stroker I bought from Summit racing. Had to replace the 700r4 transmission with a T400 a few other things as well. Awesomeness.

[@yieud]

Am using a meling high volume pump on my lm7 5.3 swap on cold start up 75lbs, absolutely the best equipment to use in such a vital area

[@codo7]

Nice. Thanks for the ARP tour. It makes me proud of those folk. I am from California and am not much into racing, but seeing the science that goes into their studs and bolts makes me want to find them markets for their product.

[@jamest.5001]

I like ARP, if I could I'd even use ARP bolts to hold my lawnmower wheels on! Being the best is great, but it's something else when you are the best because of the hard work and all the effort that makes ARP the Best bolts available! The only thing better than a ARP bolt, is a bigger ARP bolt! LOVE the ARP FASTENERS! My 385 stroker has ARP main studs, head studs, rod bolts, and even intake bolts! ( I had a extra head stud, used it to hold the oil pump on! ) And ARP rocker studs!! #1 ARP!

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

yes ARP head studs in my engine ! = thank you - ARP - real quality .

[@CZ-kz7ug]

ARP hardware is a phenomenal product.

[@DYLANTRIES]

Ok, most people making a video or TV show would just show one maybe two things to help oil flow but if you dont inspect and cover each and every path doing one or two things won't help much so shout out to these guys here showing how it done for real!

[@chloehennessey6813]

Mr Buick passed in 2011. He’s helped my dad with a few projects.

[@cutty-mg3kf]

You mean Dr. Olds Joe Modello

[@allenl9031]

I didn't know Joe Mondelo had passed away 10 years ago. RIP to the Oldsmobile guru. Go to the video done on him building a 455 for the boys. It was 2014 when this LQ4 video was made. It looks like a fun project, looking forward to the next episodes.

[@scottb4029]

Just wondering about that trick with the main caps , isn't drilling a hole in the smallest part of the main cap introducing a possible failure point in the weakest point of the part? I've never heard of one breaking, but at big numbers and pressures you can see nowadays, just curious...

[@youngsavage6328]

I’m literally in love with this channel

[@mitchblackmore5230]

'I'm a Stoker, I'm a Stroker, I'm a midnight Toker...'

[@TheOldRecordStation]

Good thing you didn't say midnight stroker lol 😆

[@TrumpsEarBandage]

Stroke me

[@harrystevens462]

1988camarorearhatchpulldownmotor

[@josmith213]

@@harrystevens462 I was just thinking the same thing!

[@danielfrazier840]

@ d

[@chandlerlofton6536]

Awesome build! I’ve actually been looking for a good LS stroker series. It would be cool to see this thing with a Whipplecharger strapped to it when you are done playing with the turbo set up. The Superchargers don’t seem to get much love in the LS world.

[@eriksucksatgames]

couldn’t agree more man, the supercharger sound is unrivalled

[@getmarked7443]

I’m making one with a 2.9 Whipple on a Texas speed 408 stroker The sledgehammer

[@petepeto9335]

​@@getmarked7443u made it? How it runs?...what truck u have? Lot of HP?/TQ?

[@sixx6sixx107]

Probably because they're more expensive and limits boost amount...on top of already loosing power to spin it.

[@cuthwulf]

That ARP facility looks like a great place to work if you hate having fingers.

[@elite4championjosh]

My daughter threw away about $1300 worth of fastners from ARP. She has a part time job now

[@williewillie4175]

😅

[@ronniewalters129]

😆 🤣 😂

[@bri-manhunter2654]

🤦🏻‍♂️☝🏻😲🤣🤦🏻‍♂️

[@bruhpopoppoop2759]

Jesus christ

[@tjlovesrachel]

Please explain how this happened

[@kanakamaoli9642]

I miss Mike on the show, Frankie is cool but Mike was there a long time, and they never tell you why he left.

[@RANDOMNATION907]

I wouldn't mind a little clarification on that as well.

[@wsfwsf1497]

He married a Kardashian, so he's out on the west coast now.

[@Bodeesafa]

Just like Ian with extreme off-road. They cut their key guys and won’t say why. Wonder why ratings dropped

[@kanakamaoli9642]

@@Bodeesafa Ian has his own show now called Four-wheeler I don't remember what channel it was.

[@Bodeesafa]

@@kanakamaoli9642 for sure, I watch it. It’s on motortrend. But still not sure what happened to extreme and why he got dropped

[@rcs0296]

thread chasers are better than taps,taps actually remove metal most of the time

And damn! I just finished my build of my 5.4iron block gt500 and I wish I’d seen this because deburring the bottom of the cylinders and the piston skirt is a good idea I wish I knew before! Damn it! But thanks!

[@wsfwsf1497]

Next Sunday morning, yank that pan in the driveway, blocking your wife's ride in the garage, and start grindin'!!

@@wsfwsf1497 lol 😂

[@pl7868]

didn't watch the video because i thought it was one thing an turned out to be go buy bunch of summit parts,having said that once you get a block clean first thing you do is go over it for casting flash an stuff, if you touch the pistons use a scale an weigh them get them the same an that goes for any rotating parts , chevy rods have balancing meat on them to even them out um stuff like that , longer you do it more you pick up like anything really

[@parrot69777]

If you are going to have studs put in....you should have it done when you have the block prepped in the first place. No need to have it done again afterwards..same goes for deburring the bottom of the cylinders. .BTW....there is no way in hell I am going to drill/tap a hole in a main cap and make it weak.

[@forterierocks]

This is the engine I have in my 86 IROC it's bone stock but man does it make my car fun!

[@katofelix9705]

Hey man how’s it going ! I also have a 86 Iroc currently with 350 and a t5 , how much did you spend in total doing the conversion !

[@forterierocks]

@@katofelix9705 I've got about $2500 into it including the engine

[@bri-manhunter2654]

@@forterierocks. That is cheap! Hell yea!!

[@user-pk2bf8rx2t]

Some folks drill a piston oiling hole through the crank webs on the block. cheap nice upgrade

[@chadrichardson411]

I miss these guys

[@adamc8409]

Love some arp bolts they are very much worth the upgrade.

[@HotRodReverend]

After filing those pistons please tell me you rebalanced...

[@lucky13demo]

Good chance the wire came from the steel mill I work at thanks arp proudly made in the USA 🇺🇸

[@glenthomas6306]

Thanks for the ARP advertisement

[@DYLANTRIES]

Arp like, "we like being better than the other guys" you mean litterally any bolt manufacturer in the world lmao arp is where its at

[@gothicpagan.666]

Crazy fitting two parts together without them

[@austinpfoster]

@White Rider What makes you say that?

[@DYLANTRIES]

@White Rider realllllyyyyyyy

[@duggydo]

I used to watch these shows all the time. I had forgotten how little of the show was actual building engines and just ads or promoting parts for sponsors. At least you can skip over them in youtube.

[@edvinobing3576]

12:26 Got'em

[@cashional]

Was scrolling down to see who caught it!!! GOT EEM!!!!’💀

[@Timman57]

I like how the thumbnail said, "stoker" instead of stroker lol

[@creepingjesus5106]

Keep shovelling that coal, dammit!

[@morthomer5804]

I know that I was stoked.

[@bmstylee]

Good help is getting harder to find I guess.

[@williamroberts6803]

I have a 1992 Tahoe , it’s the small one, to put it in. It’ll fit right in.

[@fila1445]

12:27 Hy hy hy Deez nuts ! :D

[@PatrickLipsinic]

I recognize the bolts at 11:05. Very unique bolt for Continental IO-550

[@kennethhudson8013]

ARP Very impressive

[@angelovasilikos7980]

Awesome video. Sorry for asking if it was said. --zero time in my life-- is there a recipe and price for this build on line???

[@wtfobiden]

ARP is the Best !!!

[@abdullahford569]

Best Chanel in you tube.

[@logannewsome570]

The high volume oil pump are bad for sucking all the oil out of the oil pan!

[@bri-manhunter2654]

I was wondering about that🧐

[@eric63377]

King Bearings are the best! I've NEVER spun one!

[@421ssrida]

ACL, then clevite. Others aren't worth it

[@FreddyFunderbunz]

12:27 deeez nutzzzz

[@nicwilson6391]

I hope ARP got their packaging figured out or I should say who puts the bolts in the package....I have 4 sets of Ford FE intake manifold bolt sets that are wrong and finally the 5th one was right after getting ahold of them and having to send pictures to them to prove that they had them wrong

[@robertcraig156]

I like the ARP walk through, the Build is awsome too. Thanks..

[@overyonderjustapiece]

I want to know where the other 2 parts to this are? Really damn annoying to not have links in the description or something to see the rest of the build and power numbers.

[@MrPland1992]

Just go buy a ls364 straight from GM. Cheaper and with a warranty.

[@wesleynelson8263]

Look up Iron Animal build. They just renamed this video for some reason.

[@scotthultin7769]

My understanding of flexing metal it seems like by doing your line honing after you tore it down you made one side bigger that it needed to be because only one side deflected because of the extra pressure I used a half thousandths bearing and changes the gap and I haven't had any problems with my 408 over the past 3 years of service

[@DaxxTerryGreen]

Hey friends, fyi the counter sinking tool leaves a Chamfer and not a radius.

[@Brass_Heathen]

devil is in the details.

[@Mowtivated1]

Nothing but an 18min ARP Commercial

[@vulcan-900bobber7]

That trick of John's getting those main bearing caps out was pretty smart

[@bmstylee]

It was. Some manufacturers build it in. Either way very helpful.

[@cmkm54]

Still learning about high horsepower engine building, could this possibly cause a weak spot on the cap?

[@bmstylee]

@@cmkm54 I'm not an engineer. But my gut says that the what looks like an 1/2" of hole depth would not be a big deal at normal power levels. Like the 500 hp they suggest before they put the screws to it. Now at 1000 it might be an issue.

[@allenl9031]

I wonder if you could place a strong magnet on the bearing cap, attach the slide hammer to it to pull the caps?

[@bmstylee]

@@allenl9031 you can buy some pretty strong magnets so in theory it might.

[@richardcoleman9645]

Couldn't get the price for the crankshaft, 24 tooth. Seen the compony but no quick jump to find the price like the other parts. Great video guys.

[@Chase_01]

I absolutely love powernation you guys rock

[@ChristopherBell]

Thanks for all the content, could you guys post the rest of the flathead build?

[@ツツ-q8g]

ARP is awesome!

[@sean5comet]

6.2 L92 and 6.0 LY6

[@michaelprice3785]

Have you ever tested ARP fasteners? How do you know they are any good? I worked in aerospace. Fasteners on planes and spacecraft are carefully specified and tested. Do not know any ARP bolts used in aerospace. They are only used in cars where if they fail, it is no big deal.

[@JB-zn1kx]

I welded a slide hammer to a pair of modified vice grips that I put aluminum jaw blocks on to do the same thing. I also use two torque wrenches at the same time when securing caps

[@KniFz]

You guys should look into cryo treating your engine and components

[@---bl6px]

That's a cool tip grinding the oil holes to push oil though easier, but what's y'all's opinion on grinding those cylinders down? Need a 2nd opinion bc that just doesn't seem right

[@mry82]

This is just what my Miata needs.

[@bmstylee]

That would be a scary quick one.

[@mry82]

@@bmstylee Just the car for a "Wild Bill," haha :)

[@stephenmckee6439]

I could really used that motor for my 1982 shortbed stepside GMC Sierra.I'm trying to fix the truck up I'm just a poor hard-working man struggling. I would really appreciate that

[@Davinci12007]

OIL ports - that's a "chamfer" not a radius. And that's an oil impregnated "stone" not a file. ;-) Just pickin, great build.

[@Sir.VicsMasher]

Please start putting the episode number in the description.

[@destruxandexploze2552]

Something came in the mail today 12:27

[@WEESTEST]

Wow Arp hard work

[@H00v3r]

When showing the test why did they show a threaded OEM stud and a smooth blank for ARP???

[@MrModmustang]

That's a sweet looking "stroker ".

[@aaronbryant6080]

So if there are many videos of the same build, why doesn't the next video in the build just play after the last one. ?

[@michaelmaine1668]

Would be nice if one of these contests to win something would be available in canada too

[@johnnyboybegood5897]

I didn't know Canadians even drove cars. I thought you guys just rode on moose everywhere

[@calvincandie5344]

I have the same block just waiting on the money to get started

[@shawnmercer933]

i would love to see there builds from start to finished!!

[@1320Jason]

Mike Galley is Da Man!!!

[@786theresonly1GOD]

Love the channel and the videos

[@4BillC]

When they showed the difference between OEM fasteners and ARP, the ARP didn't even have threads cut into it!

[@TyroneShoolaces-f8e]

WHICH LS PARTS are BEST swappable from size to size betwen the main 3 sizes; 4.8, 5.3 & 6.0?? LIKE 4.8L pistons will fit a 5.3 directly and increase compression either .5 or 1.0 SO about 9.4 to 10.4 correct? Which crank in a 5.3 L will make it a stroker? only specific stroker crank or will 6.0 L crank make it a stroker for example? WHY are 862 heads so desireable? cuz they flow better AND raise compression? can they be combined with 4.8 flattop pistons and still run on 87 octane?

[@jacknuts1777]

That engine is a 4x24. The cam gear is needed for rpm correlation of the crank. Yet they didn't use the timing cover with the sensor and I'm wondering how this will eventually work without a stand a lone computer

[@VictorySpeedway]

Filing the burr off the piston skirt... won't that affect the balance of the rotating assembly? Did you re-balance the pistons and not tell anyone?

[@danielsoutherd]

Who else thought that the lady with the red shirt, black hair, and white apron was dressed up like a royal guard at first? Ref. 13:26.

[@BradleyBellwether-oy2qi]

I wonder why they didn't lube up that cam shaft before installation? 😬

[@stevennunez6013]

Do a ford mod motor

[@robertghorne8607]

Very informative article

[@futuresonex]

Can an aluminum block LS1 and/or LS2 be stroked to 410ci?

[@lewisdeclouette6342]

I love this show

[@josephhettiger2711]

My 03 h2 has the 6.0l and its seriously anemic to say the least.stroking it seems like the best option all the way around with regards to money spent. It needs the torque sitting at 8500lbs dry. Now i just need to win it

[@donniecahill5243]

You're hummer is not 8500lbs dry, stop reading the gvwr number on the door and assuming that's the vehicle weight. Actual weight is around 6400lbs. As for performance, truck norris cam from btr, 706 heads, headers and a tune will wake that motor up like you won't belive.

[@josephhettiger2711]

@@donniecahill5243 no it's not prick

[@blakebusbee7186]

To heck with Michael Jordan go Mike !

[@Blackcrow350]

Can ls1 block hold good amounts of boost without cracking it?

[@shadowaries1516]

Got alot of great info out of this, one thing i did wonder though is (even though you gently used the oil inpregnated file) would that have any impact to the balance of the rotating assembly?

[@calvinevans8305]

I was thinking about that too.

[@mikedownen3962]

Earth magnets ❤

[@scotthultin7769]

Turn my lq 4 into a 408 till this 360 foot pounds of torque to the rear tires the 250 horsepower to the rear tires don't know what it has at the crankshaft but in my 2001 Chevy four-wheel drive 3/4 ton of suburban it pulls the race car down the street is fine I lost point .037 in gas mileage over the old 6 l

[@GeoHvl]

Seems to me that the screw hole in the main caps will weaken those caps.

[@DerwoodBones]

Yes asshat idea !

[@Chuck_Carolina]

That is a steel cap on a cast block - what do you think is going to flex - the cap or the block? Their is a reason neither of you are engineers.... Don't over think this stuff.

[@GeoHvl]

@@Chuck_Carolina why would you think that you’d have be an engineer to question a hole where a hole should not be. There are journals in aircraft engines that no one would ever drill a hole to pull the journal. Answer me why? One last thought, the engine design engineers at GM did not drill a hole, why?

[@bri-manhunter2654]

@@GeoHvl. Agreed!