Im about to purchase a LT4 conversion for my '94 Z28, now im going to rebuild the bottom end before i install the LT4 heads, cam, & intake so my question is Will the 2.02 intake valves be safe with stock pistons?

Would forged pistons make everything perform porperly? Or would a stock bottom end not even being rebuilt, be ok?

I've heard 2.02 valves can damage stock pistons over time so i was told id have to probably get the bottom built as well as the heads.... If anyone has any usefull information or that has successfully installed a LT4 please let me know
thanks,
Charlie

 

I've only been messing with SBC's since about 1971, but I've never heard of 2.02" intake valves causing problems with pistons.

Whether a rebuild is necessary depends upon the condition of the shortblock. If the engine has received normal maintenance, hasn't been run low on oil, hasn't been over-rev'd (although valve train issues typically come up before rotating issues in that regard), doesn't use oil, has good compression - there shouldn't be a need for a rebuild.

Forged pistons don't help anything perform properly. Forged pistons are to protect the pistons from high stresses such as produced by power adders.

 

Don't waste your money on the LT4 kit. If it is the hp you are looking at then look in to this guy. www.eportworks.com He makes more hp than the LT4 kit and for less money. IIRC you have to buy a LT4 intake to go along with the LT4 heads. So there is another added cost.