BirdsSince16

iTrader: (3)

So I'm leaving for Basic Training on February 26th. I currently have the T/A in my sig, but I know a guy that's sorta trying to get rid of a 79 T/A that he planned on doing an LS-swap with.

I'd like to have a 402 stroker LS2. I feel like with a mid-sized street cam and good heads I should be able to hit 520rwhp. Is this realistic? I should have around $8500 to spend on the engine. I won't have much else to spend my money on for my first couple of years in, and an LS-swap second gen T/A is something I've wanted to do pretty much since people started LS-swapping.

I want a daily-friendly setup with at least 500rwhp. I currently drive a 5.7L with the cam listed in my sig, and I'm fine with how that drives, and I love the choppiness of the cam, if that helps with recommendations.

Anyway, I was hoping you guys might be able to help me put a list together and recommend some parts. I'm thinking a short-block from Texas-Speed, and going from there. Opinions on rotating assembly brands are welcome, and I'll be doing some of my own reading as well.

Thanks in advance for helping me try to see if this build is something I can do.

litle88

iTrader: (20)

For 520 you'll need a lil bigger cam than a mild street cam. You'll need some MAST black label heads or some TFS 235's heads, a fast 102 intake and 102 TB and a good valvetrain.

1994z

iTrader: (48)

start with this.-
TSP 402 C.I.D. LS2/L76 Short-Block
base price $4,749.99
call brian tooley or geoff@eps for a custom cam.$350.00
Rectangular Port LS3 11 Degree Med Bore CNC Assembled (4.000"-4.070" Bore) from mast motorsports.$1499.99 each
then your choice of induction, 1 7/8 long tube headers.
this should put you into the mid 550 hp. to the rear wheels.

BirdsSince16

iTrader: (3)

Thanks guys. I've still got some reading to do. The biggest thing now is cam and head selection. Then picking up the other bits and pieces I need.

Are Lunati parts on the bottom end sufficient? I've heard super mixed reviews, but they're more economical than the Callies line. Any input?

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

eagle makes a nice rotating assembly, its what I got

BirdsSince16

iTrader: (3)

My options on the TSP shortblock are Lunati and Callies I think. The Compstar Crank should suffice. I don't think I'll need a dragonslayer for 550rwhp. But connecting rods and stuff I'm not sure about.

WKMCD

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for your future service!

Check the build thread in my sig. Tons of very good info there.

Blackpanther99

iTrader: (8)

Eagle and Callies make amazing rotating assemblies. As far as Callies goes go with a compstar, dragonslayer wont be needed unless you are planning on hitting close to 1000HP.

BirdsSince16

iTrader: (3)

Compstar is waht I was thinking. Should I do the same with connecting rods, and I'm assuming Wiseco pistons will be fine as well?

Blackbird-WS6

iTrader: (15)

unless i misread it but what trans you going with?

BirdsSince16

iTrader: (3)

Probably a t-56 and monster stage 3 clutch. Helps on hwy gas mileage, which is a good chunk of my driving. And I get bored in an automatic... I'd probably start smoking again if I didn't have to change gears.

COPO9560

Have you looked at AI for heads and cam package? They sell a CNC TFS 230 head that looks like it would be great for your application. A set of CNC LS3 heads would be a good alternative, both with the right cam should get you to your goals.

Make sure to add up all the costs for the LS swap before you get started. If you are going to run fuel injection on the LS don't forget you will need a whole new fuel system too.

For the money you are going to invest have you considered a BBC? A mild 540 can be built for about 10K and can net you 600 rwhp with a very mild hydraulic roller cam and 10:1 compression. Far easier swap and with a little creativity you can reuse the old TA hood scoop too.

BirdsSince16

iTrader: (3)

I'm not terribly worried about long-run cost. I've decided not to sell my current T/A to fund the project. It'll draw it out more, but I'd definitely regret selling this car as it's the first car I ever really did anything with.

I'm actually debating setting the LS2 up for E85 as well. I know this is gonna get costly, but it's gonna turn into a life's work I think, and something I keep for many many years. A friend of mine does swaps like this for a living, and will be helping me a lot along the way.

I've definitely looked at AI for my heads/cam package, and that's probably where I will go. I'm wanting to stay with LS. I just sold a 454BBC a few months ago, which marked my point of no return into LS world, lol.

Thanks for the tips, guys. It'll be a few months before I get this rolling (after I get out of Basic). But, I'll be sure to make a thread and keep you guys updated.

WKMCD

iTrader: (2)

I've been running West Coast Cylinder Heads - ProHeads.com - L92 heads since 2006 with great success. I ran Richard's Stage 2 L92 heads with a 234-240 cam and that build made 520+/480 to the wheels in an extremely mild build. With a 230-240 cam in the 403 it made 530/480 and still so mild your mother could drive it.

I'm running WCCH Stage 3 L92 heads now on the 427 with a cam of very similar durations and make 577/530 - still extremely mild. 2C5S made over 500RW with a cam similar to the 232-234 you have.

Jimbo1367

I seem in a recent mag that Virgina Speed has help Crane develop a new line of cams. Is this where Shaun sourced your cam?