Originally Posted by trigger
Wow, thanks for all the help. I think I'm gonna go this route.
TPiS Mini-Ram Intake Manifold w/fuel rails
58mm Throttle Body
?# Injectors
Fuel Pump
Ported L98 Stock Aluminum Heads
TPiS Hydraulic Roller Cam
Stock Crank
Stock Block
...but I'm not sure about the pistons yet.
I think you are on the right course. The stock crank and block will be fine. The heads will need to be worked nicely, but if done well will be fine for what you want. (remember the heads will make or break the entire combo...so make sure you have them done by someone who knows their shit) 30# injectors should be plenty and give you some leg room. Be carefull with the 58mm throttle body. You can probably make just as much power with the 52mm version, but have better throttle response, drivability....etc. Something to think about along those lines; a 70mm factory LS1 throttle body has less cross sectional area than a 52mm twin blade like you need. And you know how much power guys make with the stock LS1 TB!
Just get some off the shelf flat top .030" over pistons from Ross or JE. When you have the machine work done on the block, make sure it is zero decked with the pistons, rods a crank you are going to use. Then have the heads milled (or opened up, whichever) so that you get around 10.5-10.75:1 with a .040" thick head gasket. Don't get greedy with the compresion ratio. The head/chamber design of the L98 heads won't allow you to get away with compression ratios like that of the newer stuff. (not to mention the older batch fire computer system with knock sensors that aren't as good)
One more thing. Within reason, the bigger the header primary, the better. Either 1 3/4" or 1 7/8" primaries (or a stepped version of both sizes) would be great. Don't settle for 1 5/8". And put a good true 3" dual exhaust system on it - preferably with an x pipe. You will be glad you did all this down the road if nitrous comes into the picture.