Generation IV Internal Engine - ?-418 build using LS1 parts? Pros/cons?

I have an 02 camaro that I was goingto use the LS1 to build a 383 to keep costs down. My shop owner has already gathered up the LS3 block and internals for a 418 build we talked about, but with a tight budget I am considering using the LS6 intake and fuel rails as well as the ported tsp 241 heads. (not using the existing tsp cam)

What am I giving up power wise doing this, vs the cost of a decent set of LS3 heads, intake, fuel rails and a better set of headers to put with it? And what would I expect to pay for those items as well as just selling the LS1 that's around 440hp?

How tight is your budget? I have 1400 in my entire ls3 top end. That includes springs, rockers cam, push rods, brand new heads, used intake and brand new 92mm tb...

Grant it everything is stock, but I can pull the heads later on and have them ported.

To answer your question, the ls6 intake will be a major restriction. Heads probably not so much depending on The cam. I'd say 50 to 80 left on The table at least. Probably more.

You could honestly sell the ls1 in it's entirety, buy the stock ls3 top end and still put money in your pocket.

One more, I suggest EPS for a custom cam.

If I could get $1000 out of the LS1 and only be into the LS3 items for $1500 I'd probably be all over it. But I think I would be into it for another $1000 and then another $1000 for a set of headers and revamp the exhaust.

My builder has already done several LS3 builds and cam swaps and has a cam in mind. He agrees that I may be giving up 75-85hp on the 241 heads, but thinks it should have massive tq, which is what I am looking for on the road course.

Anything over another $1000 is more then I can spend right now.

What's wrong with the headers you have?. If you ebay a complete ls1, no reason you shouldn't rake in 2k for it.

It might be worth a shot. Set a reserve at 2k and if it doesn't sell it doesn't sell.

That's a thought. The existing headers are a cheap set of pacesetters. If I keep the ls1 parts I'll keep them. If using ls3 parts I'm leaving more hp on the table. It's looking more and more like I'll keep it cheap and use what I can of what I have.

Honestly, you'll be happier with a good set of heads and intake on that engine with shitty headers than you would be with the ls1 heads and intake.

Also, it's a lot easier and cheaper to change headers down the road then swap heads.

Either way, with either top end, it should be a bruiser. Keep us updated. Good luck man.

I'm putting together an LSX 427 "on the cheapo". I know, kind of an oxymoron there, but together with my friend who is actually the builder, we have used ebay and CL to maximum cheapo effectiveness. Some of the bargains along the way:

New YT 1.7 rockers (CL): $200
Almost new Manley Chr-mo pushrods (forums): $65
New take-off LS3 intake with rails and injectors (SLP Ebay): $300
Almost new JE 4.125 -12cc dish JE pistons (forums): $175 (w rings/pins)
New GMPP LS3 CNC heads (dealer): $600x2
new Lunati dual springs (trade): apprx $100

I sold my LS1 for $2800, with a baby cam and a dyno chart. Gave $300 to my friend for pulling it and making the sale.

You can find 317 castings cheap on CL, like $100-200, if really want to save. I would get into the LS3 block with whatever I could afford now, and upgrade later as more funds become available. You can do it within your budget if you are patient shopping. It's worth it to get a platform with much more potential down the road.

If we ever finish, maybe I'll post a build thread someday.

I have been keeping an eye out for deals and just saw a set of LS3 heads here in the classifieds for $700, and in AZ no less. I have a few weeks yet, well see what happens.

New or used?

I paid 670 shipped for my ls3 heads brand new.

I think they were used. Can I ask where you found the new ls3 heads for that price?

A guy on here had 2 sets a while back.

Search for a user by the name of "See5". He gets sets all the time.

375 each at sdpc
http://sdparts.com/details/12629063

Summit is cheaper ($359.99) with free shipping IIRC
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12629063/

Hey even better! Lol

Not too shabby. I just need to get rocker stands yet...

Not too shabby. I just need to get rocker stands yet...

just go to your local gm dealer for them there are only 14 for the pair and mine had them in the next day

Yea, this litle88 asshole has a pair for me. Just gotta get them.

Lmao.....this BWW3588 POS gotta give me his address FIRST!!

Why? So you can come rape me?

Summit is cheaper ($359.99) with free shipping IIRC
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12629063/

Not cheaper than Pace performance. $329.50
http://paceperformance.com/i-6255375-12629063-ls3-cylinder-head-assembly.html