700rwhp on a Budget?
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 439
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From: IA
700rwhp on a Budget? I need help spending my money that's burning a hole in my pocket and unfortunately, with my dad's health deteriorating, time is a factor. It's a project for my Dad and I and I want to make sure we can complete it.
I have a 72 Chevelle w/an 1995 LT1, 12 bolt, 4L80e and wanting much more power. Is it possible to swap in a supercharged, 700rwhp LS motor for around $15k?
For the swap alone, this is what I've come up with:
Harness/PCM - 1300
Headers - $950
Oil Pan - 400
Engine Mounts - 300
Corvette Accessories - 800
Total of $3750 for just the swap. Obviously looking for a forged short block as reliability and longevity is a concern. I prefer the torque/looks of a Maggy or Whipple but can be swayed since I'm on a tight budget. So what do you think? Can this be done? Otherwise I could get by with a measly 600 fwhp LS3 stroker
Car is not a track car. Summer driven and car shows. Basically, I just want a badass, mean sounding, tire shredding Chevelle!
Any help is appreciated. This FI is all new to my dad and I! No turbos for this guy. Hate the looks of em. Cleaner bay the better!
I have a 72 Chevelle w/an 1995 LT1, 12 bolt, 4L80e and wanting much more power. Is it possible to swap in a supercharged, 700rwhp LS motor for around $15k?
For the swap alone, this is what I've come up with:
Harness/PCM - 1300
Headers - $950
Oil Pan - 400
Engine Mounts - 300
Corvette Accessories - 800
Total of $3750 for just the swap. Obviously looking for a forged short block as reliability and longevity is a concern. I prefer the torque/looks of a Maggy or Whipple but can be swayed since I'm on a tight budget. So what do you think? Can this be done? Otherwise I could get by with a measly 600 fwhp LS3 stroker
Car is not a track car. Summer driven and car shows. Basically, I just want a badass, mean sounding, tire shredding Chevelle!Any help is appreciated. This FI is all new to my dad and I! No turbos for this guy. Hate the looks of em. Cleaner bay the better!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: IA
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/LSA-...10805C556.aspx
Can this be beat for the price? Could add Tooley blower cam and diff pulley. Maybe 600+ would be a better goal.
Can this be beat for the price? Could add Tooley blower cam and diff pulley. Maybe 600+ would be a better goal.
Last edited by korndawg; May 19, 2015 at 05:57 PM.
I think your budget is realistic if you are doing the labor. Don't forget to budget $600-$1000 for the tune if you don't plan on tuning yourself. Fuel system upgrades will probably be required also.
Look on camaro5.com classifieds and FI forum, there was a guy the other day asking if he could get $6k for his pullout low mile LS3 with blower, evidently you can get used setups pretty cheap.
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 439
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From: IA
I'm def interested in finding some deals on used stuff. Since the Corvette accessory drive fits directly in my chevelle, I'm guessing I'd need a supercharger kit for a corvette, correct? I'd love to get a good deal on a complete short block also.
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Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 439
Likes: 26
From: IA
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 439
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From: IA
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2004
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here was my "scrounge" that was done here all here on LS1 tech and racing junk to save some coin
used 4.8 engine (190k miles) $200 (that's not typical, but nobody wants the "little" engines and they boost quite nicely!)
Manley rods and wiseco pistons (used 3.84 bore) $700
balance rotating assembly $200
bore and clean up block $250
used 799 heads $400 (although the 4.8 heads would work fine and save me $$)
for 700 you could even get a late model "take out" and be just fine.
I would also consider a megasquirt instead of the factory stuff (same cost and you get the tuning software with it) with the plug and play harness
for 700 hp, try some Z06 manifolds, they are very cost effective and hug the block tight, you might give up just a few ponies, but not many
let me know if you need some iron block stuff, I've got a few of them laying around I scrounged for future budget builds!
used 4.8 engine (190k miles) $200 (that's not typical, but nobody wants the "little" engines and they boost quite nicely!)
Manley rods and wiseco pistons (used 3.84 bore) $700
balance rotating assembly $200
bore and clean up block $250
used 799 heads $400 (although the 4.8 heads would work fine and save me $$)
for 700 you could even get a late model "take out" and be just fine.
I would also consider a megasquirt instead of the factory stuff (same cost and you get the tuning software with it) with the plug and play harness
for 700 hp, try some Z06 manifolds, they are very cost effective and hug the block tight, you might give up just a few ponies, but not many
let me know if you need some iron block stuff, I've got a few of them laying around I scrounged for future budget builds!
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2014
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Why not just a crate LSA from Chevy Performance?
http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...0164/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...0164/overview/
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 319
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From: Longview, TX
Why not just a crate LSA from Chevy Performance?
http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...0164/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...0164/overview/
If he does not want turbos, that is the direction I would go other than contacting Thomas Performance for a custom engine line the one they built for Hellfire...
