Biomechanoid

well some background info 1st:

I've been wanting to build a project car for the longest time, but was always intimidated by initial costs. then I found a 86 Fiero GT with a 5spd manual for $150 (no engine). what I want to do is make this a dedicated track car and I'd like it to be powered by the LS1 block, and it seems to be the easiest way to get fairly large amounts of HP out of a relatively small sized engine. right now my largest obstacle is the budget. I've only got $3k set aside for the entire engine swap (adapter from v8archie excluded in this cost).

I'll be upfront and admit that my knowledge about the LS1 is mostly from hype, and I really don't know much besides that it was available in an iron and aluminium block, and also in the 4.7 and 6.0L, and was in the 'vette, Some Camaros, and some transams.

what would be the cheapest way to get about 400HP out of an LS1 block? On my other forum people have been telling me to get a 6.0 iron block out of an SUV (not sure what model they're reffering to, or even if it's a US model), and adding cams and heads. The area I live in there aren't a lot of wrecked 'vettes, camaros, and TAs, and the ones that I did find in the 'yard didn't have a salvagable engine.

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

NOS..................It does a body good.

Biomechanoid

doesn't help me with the actual building of the engine though :/

jrp

iTrader: (16)

your best bet with 3k is just purchasing a take out engine complete. check ebay, here, and other various ls1 boards. with the light weight of the car and ~300rwhp stock ls1 it'll be plenty fast. you want an ls1 block, not the 6.0l. the 6.0 weighs an extra 100+ pounds.

check out the hybrid/conversions forum, im sure there are alot of guys who can help you out.

ccajun4real

iTrader: (29)

Heads, radical cam, headers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

black_z

iTrader: (4)

Full boltons and a descent sized cam will get you 400 RWHP.

blkZ28spt

The LS1 has an aluminum, not iron, block. Don't know if you will be able to make it with $3k, but simple bolt ons, a nice big cam, and a tune should net 400 rwhp.

99RedZ28

With only 3 grand for the engine and respective mods to get u to 400 rwhp, i dunno if you can go heads and cams, let alone the install if ur not gonna do it all yourself, i think spray is gonna be the only way 400rwhp that fits into your budget.

AK's WS6

Like others have said 400hp can be had pretty easy with an LS1, but it seems your only set back would be $$ You will have plenty of power with a stock LS1 to get that little rig around the track just fine for a little while.....then when you have some cash, mod it as your budget allows.

StoleIt

iTrader: (3)

Spray Spray Spray

Ls1LikeNoOther

So your gunna put an ls1 in a fiero?Id just leave it the car is gunna be faster then a stock Fbody anyways if you do it right...Then save up your money and go heads and cam...I would just try to find an ls1 from a 00 or newer car if its possible for that cheap...

Colonel

A bone stock LS1 with a 125 dry shot of nitrous will EASILY get you over 400 RWHP. Safe and effective.

To do it cheap NA, look for good deals on used parts here in our for sale section.

HAMRHEAD

iTrader: (8)

Heads and cam for 3K I don't think so. You'll need extra parts as well like gaskets, bolts, and what not! If you want 400 get some bolt ons a N2O setup. The only way on that budget.