Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

I've been tossing around a couple builds that I'd like to do, just stuck on which to choose. Both these builds are very close in price, the stroker running about $4-500 more. All these combos will utilize a Victor JR. intake with a carb. TH350 trans 3500-3800 stall, 3.73 gears in an 8.8, 1 3/4-1 7/8 stepped headers. Truck will weigh about 3300 with me in it. Mostly street driven, with some trips to the dragstrip. May see 100-150 shot in the future.

1ST option:
403 with TEA Stage 2 243 heads
246/254 .621/.604 110+4 Cam Motion cam
11-11.5 CR

2ND option:
403 with GMPP CNC LS3 heads
242/254 .621/.604 110+4 Cam Motion cam
11-11.5 CR

3RD option:
LS3 4.070 Bore with GMPP CNC LS3 heads
234/247 .621/.604 110+4 Cam Motion cam
11-11.2 CR

I'm guessing they will both make close to the same power, the 403 a bit more torque. Which option would you guys choose?

Flying Dutchman

iTrader: (1)

Either 403 option. More cubes is always better! Why not a 416?

Mavn

iTrader: (3)

Do a 416 bro.

josh4ku

iTrader: (10)

I'm doing a 416 also. If your gonna go stroker just as well go more cubes. Especially n/a

KW Baraka

iTrader: (7)

Option 1.........as a 416.........with compression as close to 11.5:1 as possible.

KW

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

The main reason I haven't even considered a 416 is cost. Sure, the crank only ends up pushing the build another $500, but then heads come into play, need more to feed it. I'm not just gonna throw a stockish LS3 head on it, more work gets that price up another grand or so, atleast.

I'm trying to stay somewhat to a budget, building the entire truck, more cost than just the engine. I don't want to cut any corners, stepping down to LS7 lifters, 5/16" pushrods to save money because the short block sets me back. Also, I really don't think a 416 is needed in such a light truck. Goal is 10's, I feel the options I listed should get the job done. I just can't make a choice between the 2, leaning more towards the 403.

Jimbo1367

416. Stock LS3 heads will do just fine. Just get the right cam ( Patrick G spec'd)

Camaro99SS

iTrader: (4)

Go 403 just for the simple reason the forged crank and Pistons will better handle the shock loads of spray long term.

Also, go with TEA heads regardless of shortblock; they're a better port design than the GMP ported options.

Jason

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

So you think the TEA heads are a better fit on a 403? The reason I was considering them was simply the bore size, a bit of shrouding with the LS3 heads on the 4.005 bore. I know TEA even offers a stage 3 243 head, with 2.08 intake valves.

BTW, the LS3 GMPP cnc heads I was looking at were thru Brian Tooley. He installs his springs and also does a little "hand" work on them.

Mavn

iTrader: (3)

Why cant ypu do the 4' crank in the ls3 Block? 403-416 ci is 10-20 HP ADVANTAGE.

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

It is simply a cost factor. I already have an LS2 block. I would need to purchase an LS3 block, which I'm fine with. Then on top of the LS3 block, another 900-1k for a crank. Doesn't seem worth it to me for the cost, nor do I really need the extra cubes in a lighter vehicle. Plus, I have the rest of the build to be mindful of. Lot's of cash going into other areas aswell.

Why didn'y you put a 4" crank into the build you are doing?

Mavn

iTrader: (3)

Gotcha. I thought you had an ls2 and an ls3 block ready to build. id do a 403 aswell.

Unertl42

iTrader: (63)

Honestly, spend the extra money and go 416, otherwise, I PROMISE, you will regret it down the road. Just do it right the first time

DavidBoren

I would go with the TEA stage two 243's and go with a simple 400 stroker. But I am pretty partial to cathedral port heads, personally.

The stage two TEA 243's use a 2.04" intake valve, which has a very good coefficient of discharge on the 4.00" bore, which you have with the LS2 block.

I do not like the shrouding associated with the LS3 heads on the LS2 bore, but that's just me. It is a proven combination that works very well. If you can afford the same Dart heads that SpeedTrigger used in his 400 stroker, then copy his build as much as possible. Every time I hear about someone building a 400, I always point them towards SpeedTrigger's beast. 700+hp at the flywheel, standard 4.00" x 4.00" shortblock, untouched Dart LS3 heads, custom low lash solid roller cam, victor intake, and a carb.

So, there you go. I would personally go with cathedral port heads, but you definitely need to look up and read about SpeedTrigger's build before you make any decisions.

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

I've seen Steve's build. Makes some serious power for sure. He needs that extra power to get that beast moving, his car has about 7-800 LBS on me. I'm not going to get into the LLSR deal, aftermarket rocker arms. I'm trying to keep the build somewhat simple, with solid parts.

I may give Chris Frank a call before I make a final decision on heads. I know the LS3 heads will give up a little on the bottom end, which I'm fine with. This is a lighter truck, although I have relocated battery and fuel cell to bed for better weight transfer.

I'll get the short block going, while I still figure out what I want for heads. TEA is simple for me, 10 minute drive down the road, plus I already have the 243 castings on hand.

MuhThugga

If you have the 243s already, then I would just drop those off to get worked and bolt them onto a 403.

And this is coming from someone running factory LS3 heads on a 404.

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

I think this will be the final plan, TEA worked 243's. Thanks for the input.