Sonomajoe

I’m looking to build or buy a street engine built around throttle response, low end tq, and below 4k rpm power

I’m pretty sold on aluminum block, car will probably only weigh 3500? Pounds with a TH400 and 3.54 gears

i just want something quick and drives nice with a low profile cam that will sound cool and increase my torque but not choppy…

what would y’all do? My first thought is LS2 with a 224-228ish cam, port the heads and rebuild them, headers and mild tune.

Could I be happy with a 5.3? Should I go LS3?

LLLosingit

iTrader: (4)

The 5.3 will power it pretty well but there is no doubt the ls3 is a better choice by a considerable margin. The heads on the LS3 are good enough that there is no need to port them so all that is needed is a cam upgrade and some long tubes and a converter if you're running an automatic trans and your all set for a street car.

Ls1Rx-7

iTrader: (4)

Thats a pretty broad question and you’ll get a bunch of different answers depending on who you ask so ill leave my 2c. I like using price vs power when it comes to these types of questions so i think an L76 would fit the bill and be not break the bank since it comes out of many different suv’s and trucks. Its a 6.0 aluminum block with Ls3 heads and i think a nice small cam like the summit ghost cam or maybe call cam motion and have them custom spec you a cam that will do exactly what you want. I wouldn’t waste any time on a 5.3 if you’re looking for torque and mid range power. You need to delete DOD but youd be changing most of those parts anyways since your changing the cam and valve train. Dont waste your time on any metal intake manifolds, they will rob all the low/mid range tq. The stock Ls3 intake manifold is really good overall and isnt too expensive.

Also, if you enjoy a nice responsive and torquey engine then do not go with a large stall converter. I have a 3800rpm stall on my Lsx 454 and it feels like a dog unless i stomp on it, not crazy about it and will likely switch to a t56 down the road. Good Luck!

Goldhawg

iTrader: (7)

I would strongly encourage you to consider getting the overdrive transmission with it. Sounds like you want a nice cruiser, and it really helps make highway driving manageable. Even w/3.54 gear.

LS1 TJ

If you are looking at salvage yard engines I would suggest a L92 out of a Chevy whatever. I've done two. One 2010 and one 2012. On the L92's I've used I deleted the VVT. Some keep it. Neither had DOD. 225I/230E cam. LS3 intake/injectors and throttle body. Last one was 420 RWHP. Super easy to tune. Not huge numbers but it drove great.
Yeah some type of overdrive. Stick or auto.