My first rebuild: L98, any tips?

[BAT TA]

Ok, my dad got a 91 corvette for $2500, the car is in good shape except the engine is siezed. We finally decided to rebuild it ourselves. This is my first time rebuilding an engine, so what all helpful hints can anyone give me? Also, where is the best place to get pistons, rings, etc that isn't too expensive? We're, not doing anything fancy, just a stock rebuild.
I can't wait to get this car going so I can take it for a spin. Even though it's a 91 the interior is made so much better than my trans am, and the way you sit in it feels like you're wearing the car.

[Cody]

Call up your local GM dealer, get a ZZ4 motor, and toss that bad boy in it. You won't be dissapointed and then sell off the motor you've got for about 300 bucks. It's alot easier, and alot less headache. It'll cost about 800 dollars more but you will have the project done in a matter of weekends, not a matter of months.

Oh, throw on some headers and a 100 shot if you're feeling kinky.

[parad0x177]

Given all the parts, tools, machine shop fees, and time that are required to build an engine from scratch, it is often cheaper or about the same to order a crate engine and swap your intake, exahust, and accessories to it. Plus, the crate engine will usually come with a warranty to boot.

I agree that the ZZ4 is a good choice, as is the Fastburn 385 or the new ZZ383. But, if you are looking for something a little less extreme/expensive and you would like to choose your own heads and cam, then you could always order a Goodwrench 350 shortblock. (I suggest the 4-bolt main version.)

Then, you could get some of the joy of bilding an engine from scratch while avoiding most of the headaches and many of the specialized tools. (You'll likely only need the basic tools, plus a torque wrench and perhaps a degree wheel for installing the cam.) And while the engine might not be quite as tough as the ZZ motors, it will allow for a nice performance improvement over stock while still saving a good deal of money.

Good luck; I think you will have fun however you decide to proceed!

[BP]

Since you said it's "seized" then there is a good possibility there is a spun main bearing. If so the block is basically a boat anchor anyways so it's time for a new one, might as well buy a crate motor.

The ZZ4 motor is pretty nice but it's also $3800. You can get the short block for $2200, includes the steel crank, PM rods and unfortunately Hypereutectic pistons. Then buy a gasket kit, new timing chain and a small cam and be ready to go. You could also go all out and spring for some nice aftermarket heads but those TPI computers aren't nearly as mod friendly as the newer stuff. A minor port job on the stock castings will put get them flowing as much as the Vortec style heads on the ZZ4 setup.

[GMRL]

We just went through the same thing on our 85 Vette. Let me tell you, that had to be one of the easiest engine swaps I have ever done. We just pulled the hood off and unplugged and unbolted everything and pulled it out in about 3 hours. Theres tons of room in there to work with. We were gonna do a rebuild at first but after taking every thing apart. We figured it be better to just buy a crate motor. The crank journals were in pretty bad condition. And a cople of the rings were broken in several pieces, the walls didnt look too good.
If your not too familiar with the TPI motors, get a digi cam and take lots of pic of how everything hooks up. There are a lot of wires and vacuum line etc. Itll make it a ton easier to put backtogether. I know what you mean, it feels awesome to drive a car like that. It feels like your part of the car.
Good luck!

[BAT TA]

Well I fired her up yesterday, and spent today driving it around breaking it in. After tearing it apart we found out what the problem was: the previous owner started the car with water in the gas tank. When the car wouldn't run he left it set for a year, and the water turned to rust in the entire fuel system. Even worse the rings were rusted and that's why the engine wouldn't turn. So we cleaned it all up and did a thorough rebuild replacing too many parts to list. But it starts right up and runs now and I can't even explain how good it feels to finally have it running. I still have to adjust the idle and give the brakes some attention, but other than that it seems to be all good.
In the future though I think if I have to work on it again I'll be putting a mini ram or an LT1 intake on it because TPI, although it looks sweet, is a bitch to work on.