SVT THIS

iTrader: (27)

Ok, I have decided on a TSP iron block 408. I am putting together a list and trying to get a finalized price so I can see what the damage will be.

When adding suggestions, remember that this is a daily driver and I am on a budget. I will stay NA, and if not, the most I will ever do would be a 150-250 shot of N20, however, I doubt it will ever see any N20. This has to be reliable for the next 5 years as a DD until I finish med school. Here's a list:

The 408 shortblock assembly is $3,599.
-Do I need any upgrades on this?
*$70 more gets upgraded connecting rods.
*$165 more gets ARP main studs
*$95 more gets heavy duty steel topped piston rings
Are any of those really necessary for my application? Budget, budget, budget.

I am trying to decide between several sets of heads.
-TSP PRC CNC 220cc 5.3L stage 2.5 heads w/ dual spings for $1,199
*These flow 312cfms at .60 and 315cfms at .65 w/ 2.04/1.57 valves
-Are the 5.3 castings to small for my application?
-Patriot Performance stage III LS6-style heads w/ dual springs for $1295
*These heads flow 322cfms at .60 w/ 2.08/1.60 valves
-Are the 2.08/1.60 valves to large for my application?

Add your thoughts on head selection's. I am trying to stay in this general price range as this is a budget build. Nothing over $1300 w/ dual springs.


As far as camshaft selection and supporting valvetrain goes I was planning on TSP's Texas Giant cam, hardened pushrods, LS2 timing chain, LS7 replacement lifters and a stock LS6 oil pump.
-Will I need the LS2 timing SET or just the chain?
-The stock LS6 pump will be fine, correct?
-The LS7 replacement lifters will be fine, correct?
This puts the valvetrain components at $720

As for fuel injectors and fuel pump. I was thinking of the F.A.S.T. 36lb'ers on TSP's website and their in-tank Walbro fuel pump. This would be $430
-Will 36lb'ers be fine or should I upgrade to 42lb'ers? Probably staying NA, and if I go N20 it won't be big.

I am keeping my LS6 intake and SLP 1 3/4in headers for now. I will eventually upgrade to a 90/90 or a vic jr. intake and 1 7/8in headers.

I plan on doing the install myself. Any suggestions? How long do you expect it will take with some help from my dad and a buddy?

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

make sure to get ARP head studs and I would go with 42lb injectors, 36lbs wont be enough for that setup. i wouild also get a set of ported/polished 243 casting heads and have them milled to suit what you want.

slow trap

iTrader: (22)

get 42 lb injectors and the prc/ls6 style heads with 2.08/1.6 valves. the base shortblock should handle a decent sized shot,probably 200 or so.alot of people have run shots that big or bigger on non 918/nitrous type pistons.i really like my 244/248 cam but the giant is definitely a strong performer.i'd get your scr close to 12:0 or whatever it takes to get dcr up over 8.5 if 93 octane is available. actually tsp might have some decent deals on longblocks worth looking at also.

BOWTIE

Well if I was going to do it I would like to only do it once so I would upgrade just about everything. Callies crank, better rods, studs, etc. I would also talk to Jason and find out the availability of the L92 heads. They will most likely sale for around $1500.00, and flow better than any LSx style head and will also allow you to use the L76 intake, which will outflow the best ported 90/90 yet cost 1/4 as much. Food for thought. Livernois has completed L92 for $1900.00 as well, but those would need a spring upgrade. Good Luck.

88ls1blazer

iTrader: (1)

actually the Livernois heads would not need an upgrade, the 1900 price would (i assume) be their stage 3 head, which would have a dual manley spring good to 680 according to their website

BOWTIE

The post I saw on their new L92's stated they came with 918's for that price. Perhaps it was a typo, not sure.

N4cer

iTrader: (11)

I agree on the Livernois L92 heads. I'm curious about this setup. Everyone talks about the heads/intake, but I hear very little about the results after the motor is built.

david vericker

iTrader: (1)

Good point,where are the dyno graphs to support all these claims?

N4cer

iTrader: (11)

I meant track times. Dyno graphs 2nd. Track times 1st!

AmericanMuscle313

iTrader: (5)

For a daily driver I would go with a smaller camshaft and the best heads you can afford. I would upgrade to ARP main studs regardless. If you plan on using nitrous I would ugrade to head studs as well. If you are on a tight budget remember its probably going to cost you a little more than you planned. Dont forget about new gaskets, seals, etc.

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

ARP's, I think they use Scat rods and upgrade to Callies h-beam correct? Not a bad idea but pro'lly not needed. Thats a big cam but you've got a 408 as well. What pistons?? of you 2 head choices you've mentioned the PP's ls6 stage 3's are better for your 408.
You'll need a few things to make a complete engine besides the timing set. The build aways costs more than you think as well.

darrensls1

Here is my original list for a 408 build I started. I have since changed to ETP LS7 heads and a LS7 intake but this should give you a good idea of cost.

Motor:

LME 408 Iron shortblock capable of 700 to the wheels $4300 shipped.
ETP 240 heads $2500
gaskets & head bolts $100
Timing chain $100
fast 90/90 combo $1100
Cam $450
SLP oil pump $160
Fuel pump $110
42# injectors $300
Underdrive pulley $200
Belts $50

Suspension:

LCA $120
Panhard bar $130
SFC $250
Torque arm $330
STB $100

Transmission:

Performabuilt Level 3 4L60E $2,500

Misc:

Dyno tune $400
M/T Street radials $320

Total: $13,520

Now I want to run it at the track so I will need some safety equipment so I don't get kicked out. That adds:

6 point roll bar $300.
Pair of quality racing seats $300
Helmet $100
5 point harness $70
Fire Jacket $60
Fire extinguisher $60
DSL $100

That makes the new total: $14,510 for just parts. The good news is this leaves a LS1 longblock and a working stock 4L60E to sell. Maybe I get back 2K for the pair.

For N20 add another 1K. It's not cheap so it better be a whole lotta fun

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

You buying a used helmet? Figure 200 minimum for a decent one that qualifies.

darrensls1

Actually I bought a helmet all ready off Ebay for $80. But Speed Inc sells Snell M2000 helmets for $139. They are the motorcycle helmets but they will still pass Tech so that's all that matters.

Now you could pay $200+ for a SA 2000 helmet but I don't really see the point in spending the extra money.