So i am gathering parts for my cams swap. I was wondering if is it possible to replace the pistons while the engine still in the car? I could figure dropping the oil pan and unbolting the rods from the crack then pushing piston up through the cylinder. Has anyone done this?

 

thats how the ecotec build book says to do it.

 

It's how I've built all my ecotecs. Easy-peasy.

 

Dont forget to hone the block. I believe you'll need a new oil pump too when you do this.

 

reportedly, dropping the cradle isn't too hard though. but id rather not do that either haha

 

Yes you can replace the pistons with the engine still in the car. But if you're going with aftermarket pistons (Or OEM, but especially aftermarket), then it's best to pull the engine out and get it honed. Proper piston-to-wall clearance can make or break an engine.

 

have the engine properly honed out of the car.

 

As everyone else is saying, when you go to a forged piston the clearance will need to be a little wider then the stockers. Also if you just do a little clean up hone there will be debris and theres no way to really clean the inside of the motor properly at that point.

 

well, for the $600 for the pistons, and at least a $1000 for labor and misc. parts, then just get a new ldk motor, and be done with it...

 

ldk internals arent bullet proof. the blocks very solid and the internals are better in my opinion but they still arent as strong as forged internals

 

Ive got an LDK , it isnt seeing any other turbo until its got forged rods and pistons with valve springs and fueling, sorry

No point in blowing a good LDK block in "hopes" it will hold . when you can for sure put a few hundred into it and make it pretty close to bullet proof

 

I still want to see some dynos or logs of that GTX on your LNF bro..

 

How about a gen 3 2.1 LNF based on a 2012 2.4 block. Girdled from the factory