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The Big LS2 Story - Technical Article - GM High Tech Performance Magazine



Ls2 Engine Rod Piston
The Livernois motorsports rod and piston package for their LS2 404-inch stroker looks like this. The 6.125-inch rod is a forged steel H-beam Manley unit that is rated at over 1,000 horses. The rod comes with an ARP 2000 rod bolt that is 7/16-inch in size. The Mahle piston can come with two different dish sizes to meet the customer's requirement for a naturally aspirated application (as shown here) or for an LS2 that is going to see a power adder. The decrease in compression with the optional, larger dish piston helps ward off detonation.		 Ls2 Engine Piston Rings
John assembles the rings on the piston. The piston has already been placed on the "little end" of the rod via the wrist pin (also supplied in the Livernois kit).		 Ls2 Engine Rod Installation
And then the piston/rod is placed into the block. The rings are compressed as shown, and John eases them into place making sure not to scratch the cylinder walls.
Ls2 Engine Piston Installation
A little "persuasion" with a soft mallet, and the pistons slip into place. Notice that John works the crank side of the rod to make sure its mates to the crank journals appropriately.		 Ls2 Engine Piston Rod Installation
Here's what's happening on the crank-side of the rod as John installs the piston/rod combination.		 Ls2 Engine Rod Fasteners
Once all of the pistons/rods are in position, it's time to start bolting them down. The rod fasteners are bolted down, and then John goes through with a torque wrench.
Ls2 Engine Bottom End
Here's a look at the bottom end once all of the work has been completed. The stroker crank is in position; the rods and pistons have been installed; the main caps and fresh bearings are in place; and all the bolts have been torqued to spec.		 Ls2 Engine Ls2 Stroker Short Block
This is the finished Livernois Motorsports 404 LS2 stroker short-block. It's just waiting for the right cam and heads to be installed, and then you are ready to go make some power. A mild set of stock CNC-ported heads and a hydraulic roller cam will allow your streetcar to make over 500 rwhp. And, with forged bottom end components like the ones we used for this buildup, that power comes with the confidence that it can take the abuse.
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Ls2 Engine Ls2 Stroker Kit Ls2 Engine Main Bearing Installation Ls2 Engine Crank Installation
Ls2 Engine Fasteners
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