Options for a new motor?
#1
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Options for a new motor?
The ls6 is getting up there in the mileage department so I wanted to see what is the good route to go on a budget is for a new motor? This is my first LS motor so I have heard the 402 is a good option but what short block is that and what other options do you guys recommend? I am still a little new to the gm thing. This is my DD so I am thinking a small-med cam and some good budget heads so let me know....
Thanks Dave
Thanks Dave
#4
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I've been looking at options for mine as well. My favorite rotating assemblies are from Texas Speed: http://www.texas-speed.com/c-527-rot...ssemblies.aspx
My ideal setup is an LS2 stroked to 402 or LS3 block taken to 416/418. The only reason I'd want to change blocks is so I could run LS3/L92 heads.
Realistically, it's a hell of a lot cheaper to just stroke my LS6 as the cost of heads are removed from the equation. It's amazing that the cost of the internals is basically the same no matter what option you pick!
My ideal setup is an LS2 stroked to 402 or LS3 block taken to 416/418. The only reason I'd want to change blocks is so I could run LS3/L92 heads.
Realistically, it's a hell of a lot cheaper to just stroke my LS6 as the cost of heads are removed from the equation. It's amazing that the cost of the internals is basically the same no matter what option you pick!
#5
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Id stay aluminum block, It wouldnt hurt to pick up a shortblock from HKE or TSP etc, if its an LS2 you can throw L92 heads on it, ls3 intake, and a cam and make 475-500 all day long. Or you could rebuild your ls6 to a 383 stroker, port the 243s and do a cam and make some good power and especially tq out of a 383.
Or you could find a stock ls1 shortblock, throw your heads/intake and a cam in it and call it a day.
Or you could find a stock ls1 shortblock, throw your heads/intake and a cam in it and call it a day.
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If you only want 425whp then stick with stock cubes, small cam, and ported heads.
For a budget stroker you can build a 402/408 shortblock for under $4k. You can use the iron LQ 6.0 block. Its a mere 60 or 80lbs more than an Al block. With ported heads and a decent cam you can easily put down 480-520 whp and 460-500 lb/ft and be completely daily drivable. I daily drove a 408 in my SS for about 3 years. Cam was a 240/244 grind. It made 480whp 465 lb/ft and was no less streetable than my LS1 with a little 226 grind.
You can get ported 243's for a little over $1k on up.
For a budget stroker you can build a 402/408 shortblock for under $4k. You can use the iron LQ 6.0 block. Its a mere 60 or 80lbs more than an Al block. With ported heads and a decent cam you can easily put down 480-520 whp and 460-500 lb/ft and be completely daily drivable. I daily drove a 408 in my SS for about 3 years. Cam was a 240/244 grind. It made 480whp 465 lb/ft and was no less streetable than my LS1 with a little 226 grind.
You can get ported 243's for a little over $1k on up.
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#9
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Since you have the "good" 243 heads with the light valves, I would stick with the ones you have and send them to AI (Advanced Induction) or TEA for the head work. AI, EPS, or Thunder Racing can spec a cam for your goals.
I would have a .005" hone done to clean up the cylinder walls and get forged pistons at a minimum, although I would spring for the forged rods as well. You can go with a 383 and get the crank as well for about another $700. Get everything balanced and assembled correctly and you'll be good for another 150-200k miles.
A 383 is bigger than an LS3, but you will still have to use cathedral type heads, not the LS3/L92 heads as the bore will still be too small. The LS3/L92 style heads won't provide you any more over decent cathedral heads with your goals anyhow.
If you are hell bent on going the LS3 route, make sure you have a 24x crank trigger...the LS3 reluctor is not compatible with our PCM's.
I would have a .005" hone done to clean up the cylinder walls and get forged pistons at a minimum, although I would spring for the forged rods as well. You can go with a 383 and get the crank as well for about another $700. Get everything balanced and assembled correctly and you'll be good for another 150-200k miles.
A 383 is bigger than an LS3, but you will still have to use cathedral type heads, not the LS3/L92 heads as the bore will still be too small. The LS3/L92 style heads won't provide you any more over decent cathedral heads with your goals anyhow.
If you are hell bent on going the LS3 route, make sure you have a 24x crank trigger...the LS3 reluctor is not compatible with our PCM's.