69greyghost

iTrader: (1)

Guys I am thinking of getting an ls for my gen 1 camaro. Before hand I want to know about some tried and true performance combos for the motor to get the best power efficiently. I have been told you can get 400+ hp by looking at an ls motor, I guess I'm looking for a street friendly motor with great power that won't cost too much to get it that way. I hoping to get ideas based on what you guys have already done and know to be good choices. Thanks again guys for any and all help.

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

Well to start with, how much are you looking at spending? Bolt ons will get to around 400 hp at the crank. Heads and cam will add another 50-100 hp over that

justin hover

First..read some stickys. Then complete a full bolt-on exhaust to get the stock restrictions outta their. Ls6 intake, ported TB, LT headers, and 3" catback or true duals. What's your budget? As you know it's not cheap.

Camaraderie

I would suggest a full bolt on LS1 . If you cam it you can make 450+ at the rear wheels . Make sure you get a good tune

TImmy_Jones

iTrader: (4)

Easy there partner. Maybe you can get 450RWHP from a cam only, but that probably isn't a cam I want or anyone wants for just the street.

To the Original Poster, what is the application? Street only? Strip only? Both? Is the car an auto or does it have the man pedal (read: Clutch)?

You may want a small/mid sized cam (like the 228r or 224r) which makes great power all over the RPM range, not something making turbo like power (power spike at 7k rpms).

69greyghost

iTrader: (1)

Sorry guys I just got home, the application is a street/strip motor, the car currently has a 350 with a 4spd muncie trans. I want a cam that is not overly radical, just one with enough thump to get me close to the 400 hp range. As for other parts I am thinking LS2 heads ls6 intake. any other questions or suggestions? For budget I was thinking if I get an ls they start at 1500+ depending on the mileage and trans. I would like to spend probably another grand into getting the motor where I want it with the upgrades I have listed. Maybe I am missing some ways for a few easy gains. Thanks again guys.

87gnx

iTrader: (3)

^^^this^^^ more info on your intentions with your car plz.

69greyghost

iTrader: (1)

I am kinda not understanding what you want to know, the goal of this was to get an idea of what others have accomplished and get idea based on that. I intend to drive my car when I can, (non-daily driver) maybe take some trips but mostly a car for cruising the city with exceptional power. I want power in case I need it, not to showboat, really for my own enjoyment. The 450 rwhp number just seems like an estimate that would satisfy me for sometime.

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

If you are only looking to spend about a grand, then just buy a used nitrous kit and you will get there easily lol Beyond that i'm not sure a grand will get you to your 400 hp goal. If you do ALL the work yourself you might be able to do it for that price though

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

Heads, cam, and boltons will do it.

bestlude

iTrader: (4)

couldnt have said it any better myself

69greyghost

iTrader: (1)

When you guys say bolt on what do you mean specifically? Sorry if thats a dumb question.

87gnx

iTrader: (3)

You were typing the same time as me, try "search".
Welcome to the fray!!.

justin hover

You need a complete exhaust set up
(bolt-ons) before you even want to consider a h/c package. Check out some of the stickys, they will answer some of the most basic questions.

garygnu

what ls engine will you be using ?ls1,ls2 ,5.3 ?243/799 heads ,ls6 intake with a Texas Speed torquer v3 cam will do .

murphinator

iTrader: (2)

bolt ons are items that you bolt on =non internals

internals..... cam , pistons ,crank , etc...

bolt ons...... headers & full exhaust , different intake manifolds such as ls6 , larger throttle bodies& mafs , better cold air intake systems , underdrive pulleys ,truck coils , electric water pump ,etc...

maybe put some more money back in your budget by starting with a 5.3 which will cost half or less what an ls1 will without a big difference in hp , it will weigh 80 pounds or so more though but still less than your 350. with the money saved you could have the heads done or a cam then the rest of your budget to cover the other , a heads cam 5.3 will meet your goals for less $$

TyCZ28

5.3, rod bolts, carb intake, 750 double, ms3 cam, milled heads, and a 150 shot lol

theres a guy on here with that setup in a fox and the car runs like a bat outta hell. consistent 10's and even had a few 9 second runs

69greyghost

iTrader: (1)

How hard are 5.3's to find? I am glad for the insight on bolt ons I didnt know you guys were including exhaust water pumps ect. I had no idea you could increase your output significantly by upgrading those pieces.I guess I will look into good headers, cam heads exhaust and see where I am at that point. What is the average cost on those 5.3 motors and are they frowned upon in the ls community is it really worth cutting that corner. I know some of the upgrades I can do over time with my car once the motor is in, am I right?

TyCZ28

frowned upon NO!.. they 5.3's get beat on more thn any LS motor out there and some of the fastest turbo cars are 5.3's ive seen a few over 1000hp on stock shortblock

codyvette

iTrader: (24)

I just did a LS1 swap for a guy. The biggest cost was the swap parts by far. This included an instrument cluster complete with autometer gauges, stainless works headers, radiator for 69' camaro, etc. It is awesome though. Would have cost about the same to carb it and it would not have been near as cool.