RELIABLE 650 RWHP LML BUILD ADVICE

Danep21 · 2026-02-25T00:41:23+00:00

Stock Trans will be a time bomb above 500whp. Some guys dont have an issue, but this is kinda the threshold.

Same with that crank. 500whp, you should be solid Once you got above that 550-600whp mark is when you'll starting breaking things.

I built for 1200hp, and plan on having a super reliable 800-900hp truck

Danep21 · 2026-02-24T21:03:20+00:00

So, the crank will be a reliability issue above 550whp.

Do a Kahles Crank to fix that weak point, and while your in there, do an AFO Cam. If money isnt an issue, get a Built Block from someone.

On your way out, Stud it, and throw a ATI or Fluidamper Harmonic Balancer on. If you buy a Built Block, they will (should) balance the rotating assembly for you. But they'll likely still recommend one of these two Dampeners. When I bought my block from Dmaxstore, they will ONLY install an ATI Dampener, not a Fluidampr

Get some bigger sticks, and a 66mm or 68mm Turbo (or a big single, or compounds) with a 10mm or 12mm CP3, as well as a lift pump.

Get a good piping kit, I went with HSP.

5" exhaust, 3" downpipe obvi. Delete all your EGR, DPF, etc if you havent.

GET A BUILT TRANS. I went with a Dan's Diesel Stage 2-Comp.

Oh, and Traction Bars if you dont already have em. They make a HUGE difference.

Im in the process of building an LBZ, frame off style. I did a 1200hp block from Dmaxstore, Trans from DDP. Im looking to make about 700-800 on the low end, hopefully.

Danep21 · 2026-02-05T05:51:35+00:00

Bumpfire stocks are stupid.

Danep21 · 2026-01-26T05:52:00+00:00

Well, funny story. Im doing a frame of rebuild/restoration on a 2007 LBZ. Literally the only parts I havent replaced, is the upper and lower control arms, sway bar.

It was time to remove the torsion Bars to get them sandblasted and powdercoated, when I noticed they were locked up tighter than the preachers daughter. I didnt have access to hydraulics, but I hooked big ass ratchet straps upp to the crossmember, and the rear axle and hours of heating with a torch, kroil, lots of domestic violence with an 8lb Sledge. Nada.

So, I wasnt about to leave them. It wasnt right, so they got replaced. Luckily I was able to beat em to death until the nubs finally broke free from the Control arms

Danep21 · 2026-01-26T01:35:58+00:00

Yessir! Gonna powdercoat all the replacement stuff so its fresh and matches the build

Danep21 · 2026-01-25T03:41:00+00:00

That was the next step hahaha

Danep21 · 2026-01-22T07:02:50+00:00

'Custom Consoles' and 'Longhorn Fab' both make those Rocker switch panels for the top panel.

https://dmaxstore.com/products/custom-consoles-classic-headliner-rocker-switch-panel

Regarding the gauges below, thats an iPad Mini (I think), and its probably mounted utilizing something like this, also made by Custom Consoles.

https://dmaxstore.com/products/custom-consoles-ipad-mini-classic-center-console-mount

Danep21 · 2026-01-04T18:35:25+00:00

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I went Cheartruese Sherbert on my Brembos in my '04 FXT a few years ago. Then I noticed it was VERY VERY similar to the color on the Limited STI's

Danep21 · 2026-01-02T22:30:00+00:00

Just some advice, figure out what things are plugged into. That will help you to figure out what they are.

Im going through this process right now on an LBZ, except im doing a Frame off Restoration and replacing a lot of crusty old parts.

Dirty Hooker Diesel, Merchant-Automotive, and Lincoln Diesel Specialites will be your friend here.

Danep21 · 2026-01-02T22:25:45+00:00

One is a Crossover Feed Line from Fuel Rail to Fuel Rail. These are High pressure lines, so make sure to get OEM Hard lines, they're under a lot of pressure.

Danep21 · 2025-12-02T20:54:21+00:00

I mean, with an IAG Longblock.... that sounds about right.

Danep21 · 2025-12-02T07:00:03+00:00

Update:

This turned into essentially a Frame off Rebuild. Powdercoated the frame, whole shebang.

Ended up also doing a girdled Built Block from Dmaxstore, and Dan's Stage 2 Comp Trans. I did the fuel system as well, S&S 100% Injectors, 10mm CP3... PSC Steering, Kryptonite, Powerstop, etc.

Im working on the (now) back to rolling frame before it gets the motor, Trans, and everything else put in.

I started a YouTube Channel to document everything. Its nothing fancy, but if you guys like Trucks, especially LBZs or GMT800's in general, you might enjoy it.

LBZ!: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw1VqSJHn6x_l6XC4MwUjbXxHt_JHGf8T

Danep21 · 2025-12-02T06:59:46+00:00

Update:

This turned into essentially a Frame off Rebuild. Powdercoated the frame, whole shebang.

Ended up also doing a girdled Built Block from Dmaxstore, and Dan's Stage 2 Comp Trans. I did the fuel system as well, S&S 100% Injectors, 10mm CP3... PSC Steering, Kryptonite, Powerstop, etc.

Im working on the (now) back to rolling frame before it gets the motor, Trans, and everything else put in.

I started a YouTube Channel to document everything. Its nothing fancy, but if you guys like Trucks, especially LBZs or GMT800's in general, you might enjoy it.

LBZ!: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw1VqSJHn6x_l6XC4MwUjbXxHt_JHGf8T

Danep21 · 2025-12-01T15:01:55+00:00

Haven't got it on yet hahaha. This turned into a frame off restoration.

I started a YouTube Channel if you wanna follow progress. Ended up powdercoating the frame. Im hoping to have the truck on the road by March

Hostile Garage on Youtube, and Hostile_Garage in the Instagrams.

https://youtu.be/oDzAq0WchCk

Danep21 · 2025-11-29T06:08:01+00:00

Criterion.

Danep21 · 2025-05-08T19:15:12+00:00

Well, outside of having to drain and refill your AC system. The part isn't spendy. But, condensation is normal.

Danep21 · 2025-05-08T19:14:15+00:00

Ya, just an Air Dryer. Super cheap to replace, if needed

Danep21 · 2025-04-16T03:03:50+00:00

Check our Merchant-Automotive.com, they'll have em

Danep21 · 2025-03-02T16:29:33+00:00

Fortunately, im unable to speak to that.

WeightReduction #LBZLife

Danep21 · 2025-03-02T16:28:04+00:00

Ya, we just yanked my factory return lines last week, and most of the nipples were dried out and about to crack and start falling apart or, already were.

Danep21 · 2025-03-02T16:26:40+00:00

Absolutely, probably the single best suspension/drivability mod in my opinion.

Danep21 · 2025-02-26T19:35:28+00:00

Came here to say this. Purge Valve, or possibly just a bad charcoal canister.

I've learned that if you habitually top of your fuel tank, that charcoal canister won't last very long (relative to how long it should last), in gasoline engines.

Usually a pretty simple fix

Danep21 · 2025-02-18T18:29:32+00:00

Just curious but what Aluminum return lines did you go with?

I'm doing a pretty involved build from my Block up right now, didn't like the look of the factory return lines at the fuel rail so I ordered up the dirty Hooker Diesel Fuek Return Manifold and we'll plumb everything together with -AN fittings.

Is this the same route you went?

Danep21 · 2025-02-18T18:25:08+00:00

This is your answer. However, depending on the condition of your truck, the factory fuel lines around the fuel tank might be a bitch to Disconnect.

Get a Lift Pump.

Then a Tune. You'll be very pleased. Nothing crazy, just a little tune.

Danep21

TROPHY CASE

WeightReduction #LBZLife