Need advice LS1 w/LS2 heads and cam
12-25-2005, 10:37 PM
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Need advice LS1 w/LS2 heads and cam New to this forum. I'm helping a friend out with a road racing car project, but have very limited experience with contemporary V8 tech.
The current plan is a low mileage take-out donor LS1 based transplant into an otherwise completely set up car. A broad torque curve suited to road racing use, and durability/longevity are the primary objectives. Peak power is way down the list.
The basics are T56 with custom 5th and 6th short gears on 3.73, 2500 lb car.
The current plan involves LS2 heads and LS2 cam with LS6 intake as a starting point. I have been looking around on this forum and haven't seen much about LS2 parts on LS1 bottom ends. There is a great thread about road racing cams, but nothing specific to LS2 heads.
We're looking for guidance in watching out for stumbling blocks or otherwise obvious silly mistakes. For example, there seems to be mixed opinions about the need for high performance valve springs, pushrods, rockers and so on.
Thanks for your input.
The current plan is a low mileage take-out donor LS1 based transplant into an otherwise completely set up car. A broad torque curve suited to road racing use, and durability/longevity are the primary objectives. Peak power is way down the list.
The basics are T56 with custom 5th and 6th short gears on 3.73, 2500 lb car.
The current plan involves LS2 heads and LS2 cam with LS6 intake as a starting point. I have been looking around on this forum and haven't seen much about LS2 parts on LS1 bottom ends. There is a great thread about road racing cams, but nothing specific to LS2 heads.
We're looking for guidance in watching out for stumbling blocks or otherwise obvious silly mistakes. For example, there seems to be mixed opinions about the need for high performance valve springs, pushrods, rockers and so on.
Thanks for your input.
12-25-2005, 11:19 PM
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LS2 heads are the same heads as the LS6 heads. You are better off just buying a ported set from one of the vendors on here. Livernois is selling them for $950 with no exchange. As far as cam goes, I would do some more research on the smaller cams available that will make a little more power than the stock LS2 cam. There are baby cams that will give you better results for the same cost.
12-26-2005, 11:23 AM
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Understand there are virtually unlimited combinations out there.
We already have the LS2 heads and cam in hand as part of the package along with the LS6 intake. The ultimate power of this combination is acceptable at this point given the parts we have, until we get a chance to assess the overall engine/chassis combination. Durability and longevity are the primary objectives as the car will see 4, 8 and 25 hour enduros.
My principle question centers around what types of obvious improvements should be made, if any, given the intended use of the car as a track day and road race car to enhance durability and longevity. There will be no A/C or PS. There will be an oil cooler and accusump added. Exhaust is proprietary headers with 1-5/8 to 1-3/4 stepped primaries into 3 inch collectors, the rest of the system TBD depending upon packaging challenges. Ideally, a twin parallel pipe system with an X pipe and 2 in/2 out muffler. Possibly a Y pipe into 3-1/2 or 4 inch. We want to stick with hydraulic lifters and something that will run well on 92.
Assuming a limited budget, from this list, if we could only choose three things, or how should the items be prioritized to enhance the durabililty, or are the GM factory parts sufficient?
valvesprings/lightweight retainers
pushrods
lifters
rockers
cam chain
main cap girdle
serpentine belt guide
lightweight flywheel
lightweight pressure plate
other ideas?
Thanks.
We already have the LS2 heads and cam in hand as part of the package along with the LS6 intake. The ultimate power of this combination is acceptable at this point given the parts we have, until we get a chance to assess the overall engine/chassis combination. Durability and longevity are the primary objectives as the car will see 4, 8 and 25 hour enduros.
My principle question centers around what types of obvious improvements should be made, if any, given the intended use of the car as a track day and road race car to enhance durability and longevity. There will be no A/C or PS. There will be an oil cooler and accusump added. Exhaust is proprietary headers with 1-5/8 to 1-3/4 stepped primaries into 3 inch collectors, the rest of the system TBD depending upon packaging challenges. Ideally, a twin parallel pipe system with an X pipe and 2 in/2 out muffler. Possibly a Y pipe into 3-1/2 or 4 inch. We want to stick with hydraulic lifters and something that will run well on 92.
Assuming a limited budget, from this list, if we could only choose three things, or how should the items be prioritized to enhance the durabililty, or are the GM factory parts sufficient?
valvesprings/lightweight retainers
pushrods
lifters
rockers
cam chain
main cap girdle
serpentine belt guide
lightweight flywheel
lightweight pressure plate
other ideas?
Thanks.
