PSI 8.8 liter / 550ci ???
10-25-2022, 04:56 AM
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PSI 8.8 liter / 550ci ???
I see these industrial engines on ebay and they are built on the Gen7 8.1/496 platform.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/23471275582...Bk9SR9LRjOmBYQ
Last one I looked at was @ 4.350 bore x 4.500 stroke...
Intake and ports look a little small but they are selling complete, intake to oil pan @ approx $1500-$1800.
Even if I toss the heads in the dumpster and use the shortblock as a rebuildable core, I can hang Raylar heads on it and be @ 550+ cubes pretty cheap.
Otherwise Im looking at $2500~ish for Dart 4.500" block and $600 for a 4.5" crank.
Thoughts ???
https://www.ebay.com/itm/23471275582...Bk9SR9LRjOmBYQ
Last one I looked at was @ 4.350 bore x 4.500 stroke...
Intake and ports look a little small but they are selling complete, intake to oil pan @ approx $1500-$1800.
Even if I toss the heads in the dumpster and use the shortblock as a rebuildable core, I can hang Raylar heads on it and be @ 550+ cubes pretty cheap.
Otherwise Im looking at $2500~ish for Dart 4.500" block and $600 for a 4.5" crank.
Thoughts ???
Last edited by Dragracer_Art; 10-25-2022 at 08:17 AM.
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Rolling7s (06-15-2023)
Top Answer
04-05-2023, 05:33 AM
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Just a brief update...
Garage is done/signed-off by the county inspectors so I started moving a bunch of crap into it... and finally just brought these two 8.8's home yesterday.
Still need to wire and hang lights on the 1st floor so I can see WTF I'm doing and will be digging into these things in the coming weeks.
Garage is done/signed-off by the county inspectors so I started moving a bunch of crap into it... and finally just brought these two 8.8's home yesterday.
Still need to wire and hang lights on the 1st floor so I can see WTF I'm doing and will be digging into these things in the coming weeks.
10-25-2022, 05:56 AM
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My understanding is that PSI bought the tooling when Gm discontinued the 8.1 so these should be functionally very similar to that. Gen VII so you can't use earlier cylinder heads on it, Raylar pretty much your only choice as far as I know.
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SecondWind (10-25-2022)
10-25-2022, 06:02 AM
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Obviously cubic inches are always the answer... and this looks like a pretty cheap score if I can use the shortblock.
If the Math doesnt shake-out, I will likely just build from scratch on a Dart block and forged crank.
10-25-2022, 08:42 AM
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Dart had a head listed for the 8.1. Not sure if they are still making it?
10-25-2022, 08:59 AM
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Yeah I currently have a VP 8.1 and was hoping to keep the same platform when I make upgrades so it looks and functions like OEM.
Obviously cubic inches are always the answer... and this looks like a pretty cheap score if I can use the shortblock.
If the Math doesnt shake-out, I will likely just build from scratch on a Dart block and forged crank.
Obviously cubic inches are always the answer... and this looks like a pretty cheap score if I can use the shortblock.
If the Math doesnt shake-out, I will likely just build from scratch on a Dart block and forged crank.
Yep, it's compatible with gen 7 8.1 platforms. The block is a nice piece with individual piston oil squirters. Can be bored to 4.400". 4.500 crank. Minor grinding will fit a 4.750" crank. Stock shortblock internals from PSI are forged. Though the pistons do not have a large valve relief as most performance pistons. PtoV needs checked going bigger than Raylar 203 cam. The PSI heads are junk for power usage. Designed for BIG torque under 3k rpms. Raylar and Dart heads will bolt right up. Raylar has a new 90mm alum intake out very similar to the LSX intakes.
Last edited by Ryan00TJ; 10-25-2022 at 09:19 AM.
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Dragracer_Art (10-26-2022), DrFeelgood (10-25-2022), hogie roll (10-25-2022), Keith Atlanta (10-25-2022)
10-25-2022, 09:58 AM
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535ci as from PSI. 572ci if you stroke to 4.750".
Yep, it's compatible with gen 7 8.1 platforms. The block is a nice piece with individual piston oil squirters. Can be bored to 4.400". 4.500 crank. Minor grinding will fit a 4.750" crank. Stock shortblock internals from PSI are forged. Though the pistons do not have a large valve relief as most performance pistons. PtoV needs checked going bigger than Raylar 203 cam. The PSI heads are junk for power usage. Designed for BIG torque under 3k rpms. Raylar and Dart heads will bolt right up. Raylar has a new 90mm alum intake out very similar to the LSX intakes.
Yep, it's compatible with gen 7 8.1 platforms. The block is a nice piece with individual piston oil squirters. Can be bored to 4.400". 4.500 crank. Minor grinding will fit a 4.750" crank. Stock shortblock internals from PSI are forged. Though the pistons do not have a large valve relief as most performance pistons. PtoV needs checked going bigger than Raylar 203 cam. The PSI heads are junk for power usage. Designed for BIG torque under 3k rpms. Raylar and Dart heads will bolt right up. Raylar has a new 90mm alum intake out very similar to the LSX intakes.
Good to know.
I saw pictures of the PSI intake and while the 91mm throttle body mount is a plus... the intake ports are terribly small. Nothing like the tall cathedral ports on the stock 8.1.
I think the Raylar heads and cam on a fresh PSI shortblock might be the cats whiskers.
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10-25-2022, 10:16 AM
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Why not just go the entire Raylar route? They are the de-facto experts of modifying 496 platform and you will probably be ahead of the game when it comes to cost. Especially if you want to upgrade HP and maintain stock appearences.
10-25-2022, 10:29 AM
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If wanting to run a windage tray setup in a performance PSI 8.8 block you need ARP main studs and align hone accordingly.
Last edited by Ryan00TJ; 10-25-2022 at 12:50 PM.
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10-25-2022, 11:18 AM
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Dragracer_Art (10-26-2022)
