A friend of mine bought this engine back a couple months ago at an auction which was in a 55 gasser in the 70's. All owner history is there and long story short this thing might have had 100 miles on it. But unfortunately from it sitting for 35+ years it needed to be pulled down and gone through. This is the process I am going through to this point.
Here are some original 70's pics of the LS7 after being balanced and blueprinted after receiving the crate engine from GM.
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3239_zpskvx6wenn.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3239_zpskvx6wenn.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3238_zps1jizgac9.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3238_zps1jizgac9.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3237_zpshpzzu44t.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3237_zpshpzzu44t.jpg.html)
After sitting on an engine stand for 35+ years.
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3093_zpsjyy0qf4j.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3093_zpsjyy0qf4j.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3219_zpsyujo7idb.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3219_zpsyujo7idb.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3177_zpsitjfkzkf.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3177_zpsitjfkzkf.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3179_zps1el4srmi.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3179_zps1el4srmi.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3181_zpsqmuaeeig.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3181_zpsqmuaeeig.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3215_zps8rcopmxr.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3215_zps8rcopmxr.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3214_zps7mhisgdw.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3214_zps7mhisgdw.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3119_zpsk8xaqvqr.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3119_zpsk8xaqvqr.jpg.html)
The only issue that I found was one broken inner spring.
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3087_zpsv8wcvvnq.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3087_zpsv8wcvvnq.jpg.html)
The amazing part was this engine was used so little that the only items that were replaced were the timing set and valve springs.
Cleaning process begins.
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3109_zps0pibrivx.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3109_zps0pibrivx.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3113_zps1p73rs3q.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3113_zps1p73rs3q.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3114_zpssbfcxumf.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3114_zpssbfcxumf.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3115_zpsuu2cpzjf.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3115_zpsuu2cpzjf.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3116_zpsfuymjdg0.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3116_zpsfuymjdg0.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3117_zpsyvfjusax.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3117_zpsyvfjusax.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3118_zpsxtcyggnx.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3118_zpsxtcyggnx.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3122_zps30oeajar.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3122_zps30oeajar.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3148_zpsuhsf5dbu.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3148_zpsuhsf5dbu.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3147_zps8adwucli.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3147_zps8adwucli.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3149_zpsnjycggym.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3149_zpsnjycggym.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3150_zpsmzwhcgwa.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3150_zpsmzwhcgwa.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3152_zpsmevyulv2.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3152_zpsmevyulv2.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3153_zpsrcsy2w4p.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3153_zpsrcsy2w4p.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3156_zpsbek29qlx.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3156_zpsbek29qlx.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3162_zps9crkslob.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3162_zps9crkslob.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3163_zpssbcnvo9t.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3163_zpssbcnvo9t.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3165_zpslcg5b7ut.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3165_zpslcg5b7ut.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3097_zpsnfvidvrz.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3097_zpsnfvidvrz.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3171_zpswj3m2gmj.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3171_zpswj3m2gmj.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3172_zpscatouctv.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3172_zpscatouctv.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3173_zpsnlfu83sj.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3173_zpsnlfu83sj.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3197_zpslbrxlchs.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3197_zpslbrxlchs.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3198_zpszxixg7ws.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3198_zpszxixg7ws.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3216_zpsoowxl8tu.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3216_zpsoowxl8tu.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3121_zpsublxhe1g.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3121_zpsublxhe1g.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3220_zpsvmbg2jv1.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3220_zpsvmbg2jv1.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3218_zpsgcz1psgl.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3218_zpsgcz1psgl.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3226_zpsk410eetd.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3226_zpsk410eetd.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3227_zpsnvrngfda.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3227_zpsnvrngfda.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3228_zpsllefgflb.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3228_zpsllefgflb.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3228_zpsllefgflb.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3228_zpsllefgflb.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3229_zpsbns2n3rb.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3229_zpsbns2n3rb.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3230_zpsrmjcw66s.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3230_zpsrmjcw66s.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3231_zpsdocanku7.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3231_zpsdocanku7.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3235_zpspfcqkwzi.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3235_zpspfcqkwzi.jpg.html)
(http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_3236_zpsjvapit8t.jpg) (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/cook_dw/media/LS7/IMG_3236_zpsjvapit8t.jpg.html)
After about a month off from the engine due to work and being out of town I was finally able to get the engine on the run stand. Crappy video but here is a short couple of clips of it. I am the one running the engine and owner is operating the camera. I set the timing at 33 degrees total with a mix of 1/3 av gas and 2/3 93. Throttle response is very crisp with the dominator and idle characteristics are very calm.. I couldnt ask for a easier starting and smooth running engine with that much cam and compression..
Video clip 1 (http://vid1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_1120_zpsgkd1uuef.mp4)
Video clip 2 (http://vid1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_1120_zpsgkd1uuef.mp4)
Nice work Darrell, it looked really clean inside.
Did you have a chance to check the chamber size on the heads? The 990s don't seem to vary as much as some others, but they do vary. I have set that has been planed a bit and they are 117 cc.
Every chamber was around 118-119 IIRC...
Just realized I posted the same video twice.. ???
Heres a little better video..
Video Clip redo.. (http://vid1310.photobucket.com/albums/s649/cook_dw/LS7/IMG_1122_zpsq3mv5pex.mp4)
It's great to see another LS7 coming back to life. Darrell, those valve spring dampers were always a problem with breakage.
I have a LS7 454 crate engine I bought new back in the early 70's. It has been stored in my shop for the last 35+ years. I recently opened it up and gave it a freshening. The engine is still standard bore, 100% as Chevrolet built it. Back in the day I street raced it. It did well.
I have decided its time to relive my youth somewhat and get this thing back on the road, but this time racing it only on the track and driving it a bit more conservative when on the street. It will even see some road race time. I'll be putting it in a road race modified '69 C10 Stepside with 4.1 gears with a Midwest Muncie M23 4 speed. I wonder if the LS7 will be anything as fast as my memory recalls! and the sound of that cam!!
I hope you enjoy yours as much as I anticipate enjoying mine!(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd512/1969Muscle/DSCF7749_zpsefmobvkt.jpg) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/1969Muscle/media/DSCF7749_zpsefmobvkt.jpg.html)
Great looking engine! This was not mine but a friend/customers engine. :)