jakesktm

I am getting ready to (re)build my Z's tired engine. Initially, I was doing the timing chain because there was a timing issue that popped up. Come to find out the chain actually jumped timing at the head due to very badly lubricated, under lubricated tensioner. I married into this car so I will spare the ugliness of Z neglect and just tell you the deeper I got into the timing cover and valve covers the worse it started to look. Crappy oil, irregular oil changes, failure to ID the oil consumption TSB on this motor all contributed to early retirement.

So it's in my friend's shop and we are contemplating the build and preparing for the overhaul now. I want to keep the engine NA, but want the short block upgraded to Stage 1. I don't know much about this engine. What other upgrades would you consider for a solid long block that will be rock solid reliable, long life (with proper and regular care), and maybe a few extra horsepower. This is a daily driver and I don't want to spend a fortune building a super street car.

Do I need to upgrade the oil delivery system? Sump? Do I need an oil cooler? What are the weak points on this engine that have aftermarket solutions?

Any help would be great. I am still researching this site and others for the answers. Any suggestions would be considered.