I need help deciding on a engine
07-21-2015, 08:18 PM
#2
Ok. So I just went through this. The debate really comes down to what you have in your budget and how much you know how to work on your own vehicle. I'm not expecting you to be a machinist basic engine assembly would be greatly needed. As well as power goals.
Now, with the 383 option....cheapest. Guys on corvette forum have hit 750+ boosted fairly easy. Since you already have the block, you really just need crank Pistons rods and machine work. And of course a good set of heads. Porting the stock heads can be very efficient And powerful.
Ls2 add a block and some extra machining charges. However, some will not go to .030 (408) on the aluminum block. And obviously the cast iron block is heavier. So I in the same boat, went to 406 in.³ . That's 4.020" bore. Some also say the alum block should not go past 4.010" so.....gonna have to make that choice yourself. If I could do it all over again I would've stayed with the 406 and gone with the LS3 heads/top end. But I'm happy with what I got.
Now, with the 383 option....cheapest. Guys on corvette forum have hit 750+ boosted fairly easy. Since you already have the block, you really just need crank Pistons rods and machine work. And of course a good set of heads. Porting the stock heads can be very efficient And powerful.
Ls2 add a block and some extra machining charges. However, some will not go to .030 (408) on the aluminum block. And obviously the cast iron block is heavier. So I in the same boat, went to 406 in.³ . That's 4.020" bore. Some also say the alum block should not go past 4.010" so.....gonna have to make that choice yourself. If I could do it all over again I would've stayed with the 406 and gone with the LS3 heads/top end. But I'm happy with what I got.
07-21-2015, 08:38 PM
#3
Ok. I'd like to go more in depth.
Ls6 build. Price sheet
Crank 550$ Scat/eagle used forum
Rods h beam 400$ used forum
Pistons 730$
Machine work 800-1500$
Misc bearings etc 500$
Cam 400$
Oil pump 150$
Timing chain 150$
Ls6 intake graphed 90 mm snout 350$(maybe port as well)
Ls2 TB 250$ forum 100$ porting
Heads AI 232cc package 1400$
Lifters 100$
Push rods 180$
Tune 500$
What's that? About 6k?
That's a budget/patient/project build.
Add probably 2k for ls2 build. Adding a fast and a bunch of misc parts and block.
Ls6 build. Price sheet
Crank 550$ Scat/eagle used forum
Rods h beam 400$ used forum
Pistons 730$
Machine work 800-1500$
Misc bearings etc 500$
Cam 400$
Oil pump 150$
Timing chain 150$
Ls6 intake graphed 90 mm snout 350$(maybe port as well)
Ls2 TB 250$ forum 100$ porting
Heads AI 232cc package 1400$
Lifters 100$
Push rods 180$
Tune 500$
What's that? About 6k?
That's a budget/patient/project build.
Add probably 2k for ls2 build. Adding a fast and a bunch of misc parts and block.
Last edited by NIKDSC5; 07-21-2015 at 08:45 PM.
07-21-2015, 09:02 PM
#5
Not sure what they are worth, or cost. But it's not going to handle boost like a forged built motor will. So I'd say it's out. Unless you can get an ls3 block and go larger than 408 but I know nothing about that.
I forgot 400$ rockers in the earlier posts too.
I forgot 400$ rockers in the earlier posts too.
07-25-2015, 02:21 AM
#14
I need help deciding on a engine
Originally Posted by bmylez
He said boost is in the future.
07-25-2015, 07:14 PM
#16
So I take it you plan on buying the ls3 crate engine and boosting it? Which.....doesn't make sense to me unless you plan on staying around 8psi or less. It's hit or miss wether the motor will last on 10psi there is a thread for that topic tracking who had how much boost and how long it lasted.
In my mind it would be more cost effective to build the engine. JMO
In my mind it would be more cost effective to build the engine. JMO
07-26-2015, 01:43 PM
#18
So I take it you plan on buying the ls3 crate engine and boosting it? Which.....doesn't make sense to me unless you plan on staying around 8psi or less. It's hit or miss wether the motor will last on 10psi there is a thread for that topic tracking who had how much boost and how long it lasted.
In my mind it would be more cost effective to build the engine. JMO
In my mind it would be more cost effective to build the engine. JMO
07-27-2015, 08:19 PM
#19
Agreed with 370 here... why not factory ls3 with trunion upgrades... summit sells an ls2 top end kit with gm ls3 heads fully assembled loaded manifold includes ls3 heads intake tb injectors fuel rails gaskets. Comes with all offset rockers, comp cam head gaskets and bolts around 2600. That and a forged 370 would be close in cost. I wouldn't make it a stroker if you don't have a built rear yet. Lq based motor all electronics are the same... gen 4 block would require 58x reluctor wheel or lingenfelter box, new knock sensors with extensions and harness map extension will be needed for ls2 or 3 manifold, front timing cover would need to be changed... stick to gen 3.