LS7 alternatives - Best value in large cube LS?
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Teching In
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: West Michigan
LS7 alternatives - Best value in large cube LS? I'm accustomed to large cube old school GM power and can't do without the torque that comes with the cubes for my next swap. After studying LS specs, it seems that in order to duplicate the torque of an BOP 455, I will need to go with a 427 or 454 LS engine. I'm looking at the GMPP LS7 454 and wondering if there are more cost effective alternatives out there.
It looks like Texas Speed has some offerings but I'm leery of the reliability of a stroked 6.0 aluminum block. Can anyone recommend any other naturally aspirated LS crate engines that can produce 500HP / 500 ft lbs of torque below 5500 RPM? Suppliers?
Thank you
It looks like Texas Speed has some offerings but I'm leery of the reliability of a stroked 6.0 aluminum block. Can anyone recommend any other naturally aspirated LS crate engines that can produce 500HP / 500 ft lbs of torque below 5500 RPM? Suppliers?
Thank you
TECH Resident
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Elkridge MD
The entire LS engine family is extremely responsive to upgrades. In 2008 Super Chevy did an article on LS1 and LS2 upgrades. With just a set of headers, they took an LS2 from 405hp to 462hp and 461 ft lbs of torque. A cam and a tune would probably get you to 500s fairly easily on the 6.0.
The 6.2 LS3 starts around 430hp. I don't think the LS3 was available at the time of their article but you can probably assume getting into the 500s is just as easy or easier.
A friend of mine took the bottom end of a truck 6.2 and built his own top end. With a turbo he is hoping for 800hp.
Beyond that, I don't know of a lot of people playing around with the 7.0s. The cost involved to mess with those engines is just beyond the reach of most of us.
Super Chevy article: http://www.superchevy.com/technical/...s/viewall.html
The 6.2 LS3 starts around 430hp. I don't think the LS3 was available at the time of their article but you can probably assume getting into the 500s is just as easy or easier.
A friend of mine took the bottom end of a truck 6.2 and built his own top end. With a turbo he is hoping for 800hp.
Beyond that, I don't know of a lot of people playing around with the 7.0s. The cost involved to mess with those engines is just beyond the reach of most of us.
Super Chevy article: http://www.superchevy.com/technical/...s/viewall.html
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 38
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From: West Michigan
I'm currently in the process of building a LS7 headed 434. ERL is doing the shortblock, and Frankenstein Racing Heads are rebuilding and porting the heads. All said and done, it'll have near 600 wheel horsepower, and over 500 ft-lbs of torque. You also have some great LS builders in Michigan that could knock this out for you. This said, you need to resleeve the block to get the cubes you want from a factory LS motor reliability. This, or go with an LSX or RHS block.
As for a create, I don't think you'll find a create to give you the power you're looking for short of the LS7.
As for a create, I don't think you'll find a create to give you the power you're looking for short of the LS7.
Just curious why you need to keep the rpm so low. I regularly spin my motor well over 6k with my MS4 but am still able to put around town at "normal" rpm no problem. You should just pair the motor with a 6l80e so you can take advantage of high rear end gearing without sacrificing fuel economy and cruising rpm.
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Verdad Gallardo The block, heads, etc are completely different from the LS platform, but I think they share some of the efi, electronics, etc.
The engine is designed for lots of low end torque and still used in boating applications. Probably better torque than a BOP 455. Raylar marine has lots of upgrades. I have not seen much in the automotive sector, but sure something is out there.
As for cost effective, guessing anything stock GM will be a fraction of hi performance LS454 or other strokers.
The engine is designed for lots of low end torque and still used in boating applications. Probably better torque than a BOP 455. Raylar marine has lots of upgrades. I have not seen much in the automotive sector, but sure something is out there.
As for cost effective, guessing anything stock GM will be a fraction of hi performance LS454 or other strokers.
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