General LSX Automobile Discussion - If you could build a motor...

I have posted a few threads on here recently trying to figure out what cam, bottom end, supporting mods I need to make ___ amount of power.

Well I took my bird up to a local speed shop and while I didn't have the guys tear the engine down, they did come out and listen to the motor. We agreed that it is probably a bad bearing and i'm better off to get a new motor than rebuild an engine I already have. I have talked to my dad about it and he is open to the idea. I'm ready to get back in the saddle and smash the gas and have a big smile on my face when I see other cars headlights in my rear view. I haven't been to the track since last year, but i'm hungry for more.

I was originally thinking about a honed 347 c.i. motor with a forged rotating assembly since I plan on spraying nitrous. I have been thinking though, and I was wondering what options are out there. I would probably have a shop build my engine to ensure everything is done correctly, since I don't know anyone who has enough skill with ls motors to build one the right way.

What is needed to make a fun motor with 450+ at the wheels? I think naturally aspirated is the way to go. I want to able to drive it home on the weekends and run 91 octane fuel. I also have a stock A4 and 10 bolt out back. I'm well aware those two don't hold well at all, but I want to try and keep the transmission and rear end alive as long as possible. And again, my main goal is having a car that is very "streetable".

So, if you could build a motor that is reliable and will hold for a long time, but runs on pump gas with an excess of 450+ at the wheels, what would you build? I'm trying to get ideas for my future motor. Thanks.

A ls1 with around 450whp would be have to be a big cam/good heads and full bolts on to reach that n/a. It also wont be the most 'streetable' setup if you plan to drive it alot.
Id look into a lq4/9 motor as you already have more cubic inches, and it can be bored to a 408.
You can put a decent cam in along with some nice heads and easily have a good streetable 450whp monster. Throw some pistons and rods in there while your add it so that down the line you can add boost/nitrous if you feel like it! Its a win, win and win! :nod:
Only disadvantage is that they are iron motors which add a little weight. But i didnt read you were doing any weight reductions so you should be good :thumbsup:

I'd say look at a ls3 with good heads and forged rods/pistons and get with pat g for a custom cam? What's the budget that will also help alot...

simple, ive got a build that will be close to that number if not at/above. its the same build im doing for a c3 corvette. im doing this all to a ls1 block i have laying around

random tech CAI (there all the same)
FAST 102 intake and 102 TB
42lb injectors
texas speed stage 2.5 ls6 heads
texas speed 233/239 cam
gm ls7 lifters
PAC .650 lift beehive springs
chromemoly pushrods
wiseco -2 cc flat top pistons
lunati 6.125 rods
ATI underdrive pulley
Melling high pressure oil pump
Mezaire electric water pump
A/C delete
1 7/8 long tubes
and of course a 3200 stall with a tune.

should be plenty fun for the street and make very nice power. and it will take a 50 shot or 75 shot of the bottle if things get too boring. anyway just thought id share what my build will be.

That sounds like it will be fun ^

And I'm not exactly sure what the budget is, since I don't know how much good heads, internals, and the whole 9 yards will cost to get what i'm looking for. If my LS1 block is still usable, I might use that as my base and get the build started. Just getting ideas for now though.

Getting everything from Texas speed it all together runs about 8 grand if you reuse your block

Im keeping them in mind for sure. The guy who tunes just about everyone's cars here in KC builds motors. I'm going to see what he is charging to rebuild an ls1.

Lq4 lq4 lq4! Lol

any decent cam in the 230s duration with some aftermarket heads and supporting mods (lifters, springs, etc) will hit 450rwhp on the ls1. But if you are going through the trouble of pulling the engine out anyways, Id go with the lq4. If the budget allows, stroke it to 408. Port the 317 heads, decent cam, and boost it for easily over 500rwhp.

you can pick up some nice ls2/lq9 blocks (the way to go) that have already been machined from time to time on classifieds. they usually sell for less than what youd pay in machining along. of course youll have to ship, but after that the rotating assy and all, you could prob save a grand or two easy doing it that way and assembling it yourself.

its true a 230's cam with around 580-610 ish lift with some nice heads and big headers will make some great power.

Hmm ignoring every other post and just going on what the title suggest, then I would build a W16 based on LS9 technology with 2 Superchargers and 2 Turbos, 2 Intercoolers and a 500 shot of nitrous and stick it all in one of those go karts from the go-kart tracks...


But, of course you meant for you, in which case, I would go with an EPS cam, 243 heads ported polished and milled "stage 2.5 ?" , a fast 102/102 combo and all the little things that go with it..... If it was an LS1....

Or you could go LS3, and throw a small cam on it, and full boltons...that should get you in the ballpark...