[L78toLT1]

Originally Posted by Drsagacity

We did the drop in pistons only (no rods). My plan is to stay under 800whp (shooting for 850 at the motor)...so we feel good about this setup without the need to add rods and rebalance. If I decide to add more power down the road, then I would revisit the rod discussion...I just don't see that happening. You figure that at 750whp our cars are probably in the top 1% of all cars on the street. Plus, I don't race...primarily cruising, golfing and top down fun with the kids. For me, kind of how people handle motorcycles, it's about making it uniquely my own.

As for access to the shop, yes, that is huge. I got in with a really cool group of guys back in my Corvette modding days (before wife and kids)...and luckily, they agreed to work on my Camaro too. :-) Although there are a few things that you can tell...it's not their primary platform. . .for this job, they actually used two guys and then I got to jump in and help out:

1. pick up food or buy beer
2. clean car parts
3. Perform searches for those one-off non-Vette questions.
4. Hold the flashlight when needed
5. Find things they misplaced (like tape)

Still, I love doing this because I learn so much just hearing and watching them. It really is awesome...

It sounds like you're having fun in addition to learning new stuff, which is the whole point I suppose!
When replacing the pistons, did you hone the cylinders or replace the rod bolts/bearings?