Share Your Information on a Good LS1 Driver Build
LS1Tech forum member building an LS1 car is clearly in need of some advice in terms of what to buy from front to rear.
The LS1 is an incredible engine in stock form, but the ability to make monster power via the aftermarket is what secured the LS lineup’s place in automotive history. The “problem” is that with a nearly-endless aftermarket for the LS engines, it can be hard to pick the right combination for your driving needs. Fortunately, we imagine that every possible combination has been built by someone here at LS1Tech, so when “cwilliamsws6” posted his question to the forum, he received all of the input that he could want.
LS1 Build Introduction
When the OP first posted his LS1 build list, he ran through the key features of the build including the rear gear set and the torque convertor, focusing on the engine items needed for the project.
Planning ahead an LS1 build based around the MS3 cam, here is my part list, am I missing anything?
Yank SS3600 converter,
Summit 3.73 gears,
SLP airbox kit,
PaceSetter longtube headers,
MS3 cam 113LSA,
LS7 lifters,
TSP Upgraded rockers,
7.4″ chromoly rods,
TSP 660 dual springs,
LS2 timing chain,
Melling high volume oil pump,
Bosch Green Giant 42lb injectors,
also assembly lube and new valve cover gaskets.I am pretty sure I have it all covered but I want to double check before I pull the trigger on it. TIA!
While he provided a fair amount of detail, he left plenty of questions unanswered from the perspective of those who can help.
The Community Responds
The first person to reply was “kott0n”, who added a few small pieces from his own build.
My list I’m starting is all motor related but I also added a new rear cover, and SacCity barbell to what you have.
The first member to go into great detail was “SLP IROC-Z”, who copied the OP’s original list and added notes in bold.
Yank SS3600 converter, – more converter
Summit 3.73 gears, – more gear
SLP airbox kit,
PaceSetter longtube headers,
MS3 cam 113LSA,
LS7 lifters, – go with johnson drop ins
TSP Upgraded rockers,
7.4″ chromoly rods, – you need to measure pushrod length when the cam is installed before you can order
TSP 660 dual springs,
LS2 timing chain, – katech c5r chain
Melling high volume oil pump, – high pressure not high volume
Bosch Green Giant 42lb injectors, – more efficient injectors like ls3/ls7
also assembly lube and new valve cover gaskets.”
To which the OP replied with a question.
Regarding the converter and gears, would I be fine with a 3800 stall and 4.10s? I’m looking for decent drivability as this will also be my daily driver most likely.
And SLP IROC-Z replied with a bit more detail.
if it were mine id go with a yank ss 4000 and motive 3.90s that would give you the best performance. dont forget a trans cooler
As the thread continued, other members added items to the list. “Che70velle” recommended head gaskets and head bolts while “zboy2012” added some items and amended some others.
New lifter trays, better intake, chris1313 ram air, FTI, circleD, yank 4000 converter.
Eventually, “StealthFormula” chimed in with a ton of information and all of the key questions that need to be answered before planning an LS1 build.
The list as-is won’t equate to a strong running combo. MS3 is a max effort LS1 cam. Unless you want a max effort LS1 car I would put a smaller more appropriate cam in there. But assuming you want a more max effort combo, you will need more compression and more converter to take advantage of the cam. I would do something like a Yank SS4000 or PT4000 for the converter. While you have the heads off for the lifter swap I’d run a .040″ Cometic gasket to get the quench at a more ideal level while also giving a small compression bump. If heads aren’t in the budget then I would mill the ones you have to bump the compression further. Since the Johnsons are more than you want to spend, check out the Morel drop in lifters. For the oil pump I’d pick up a stock LS6 pump and port it yourself, videos on youtube show how and it’s easy. Don’t order pushrods until you appropriately measure. If on a budget, the LS2 chain on stock gears (if in good shape) will work fine, tons of people go that route although there’s better options available.
EDIT: Just saw you said this will be your daily driver most likely. If that will be the case, this could be all wrong. An MS3 car with big converter is not daily driver friendly for most. Have you owned a cammed car before? Are you ok with the potential of cam surge and bucking in a daily? Are you ok with running high cruising RPMs until the converter locks in a daily? Are you ok smelling the overlap of that cam in a daily? Are you ok with 10 mpg for a daily? The converter will help tremedously with taming the overlap of that cam from a driveability standpoint but you can still expect surging while cruising. Just things to ask yourself first. I once daily drove one of these cars with gears, a big converter and a cam with a lot of overlap. It was cool at the time when I was 20 years old. Now, 10 years later, I’d rather poke my eye ***** out then deal with that. If your answers are yes then go for it. Just trying to help you make an informed decision.
The Pros Chime In
After some other members shared their input on the various aspects of the OP’s LS1 build, two LS1Tech sponsors offered up their input.
The first was “tech@WS6store”:
Dont use melling high volume only high pressure
Use the tsunami cam instead of ms3
Add 255lph racetronix pump
The rest is good
And ditch the slp. Use the ftp 98mm lid.
While “David@Vengeance” provided some further input.
A couple things I would add:
1.I saw no mention of a built trans, the stock 4l60 likely wont last long if you continue forward with this build
2. Providing you utilize a good lock up converter and tune the car correctly, you can tame a pretty large cam down and still retain great drivabilty and fuel millage
3. We use the Melling 10296 and have not had a single issue in any of the builds we have done here in house.
4. while I agree the Johnson lifters are a better choice if the budget allows, however the ls7 lifters are just fine for a build like this.
5. I do agree a looser stall should be used with a cam of that size.
Let me know if there is anything we can help you with.
There is more chatter after those sponsors posted, including some pointless bickering, but over the course of the three-page thread, the OP has gotten a ton of information on how to build the LS1 that will best suit his needs. If you have input of your own or if you are looking for input on a similar build, click here to join in on the original thread.
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