Im finally getting around to putting my billet turbo on my engine so I pulled it and stripped it down to the shortblock and now Im mulling over some options. I want this thing to last but hear that those 99 LS1 engines can't be pushed too hard without failure.
I am shooting for 600rwhp on pump and 700 on E85 on a Holley Terminator, I already have the VRS 7875 Billet snail, 780cc injectors, using the LS6 intake unless I find a nice fast 102 out there for cathedral port.
Anyway I want to upgrade the pistons and rods but already have some Gen4 rods on my bench but not sure I will find pistons in the proper bore that will fit, so that brings me to my next question, I was thinking about maybe just getting a complete rotating assembly and turn it into a stroker, but not sure thats the best plan of action for my goals..

Anyone else built an LS1 for boost and what did you end up doing (also what power did you make)
Just trying to do this once so I dont need to learn some hard and expensive lessons!!
Thanks in advance guys!

 

In the distant past, I would've considered a stroker but when I see the tremendous power people are getting from literal 200k mile engines by only adding injectors, gapped rings, a turbo and some tuning, I just can't think how you'd be justified in the extra expense. With the savings you could invest in an intercooler or electronic boost controller, etc. Good luck with whatever you decide to go with . It'll be fun for sure.

 

I'm in the same boat, boost is boost in the end. Im just trying to cover my *** when it comes to it as far as strength. But as long as I build my tune conservatively I should be fine, or at least I guess I will find out.
Not to mention just about everything is currently out of stock so that helps me conclude as well..

Thanks for the input.

 

E85 and send it. You didn't even need to tear it down

 

Stock unopened bottom end 02 LS1 on 13-14 lbs. pump gas only, 700+whp on pump gas for three years tuned by Pat G.
Sold the car still running.

 

I wanted to change the cam with a Sloppy's best and replace/gap the rings anyway, also I needed to pull the engine in order to remove the pan so I can weld the -8 fitting so it needed to happen anyway. And yeah E85 is the plan!

Wow impressive! Awesome, thats good to hear!! I should be just fine then, thanks for the info!!

Thanks guys!

 

It was a six speed car too and literally every time I drove it I drove it like a stole it.
Always doing three gear burnouts, 140+mph pulls, it never failed me, great car until the kid I sold it to totaled it.

 

Well that is good to know! I have my engine apart and was gonna replace the rings but I guess Ill just file them and put it all back together with new gaskets and send it!

 

Just make sure the tune is spot on, 700whp is definitely pushing an sbe LS1.
If I was intending to street or track race I'd always toss a little Trick 101 in the tank just for a little safety.
Pat G is excellent, I've been trying to tune my own car for the last year and finally threw in the towel because I simply do not understand enough and I just don't have the time.
So again I went to Pat, his base starting tune has my car running better than anything I've done, wish I'd have just tapped him sooner lol.

 

If it were mine, I'd sell the LS1, and buy a used L33 or LC9 whatever fits your needs. The LS1 still commands more $ than a L33, and the L33 will definitely hold 700+.

 

^^^^ He's not wrong.

 

Stock LS1, Ran it as high as 15-16psi good for 700-800hp.

Street driven last few years at 10-12 probably 550 -600, still destroys the tires.

You have probably already done more than you have to for your goals.

Don’t even need to pull the pan, can use the oil level port.

Weekest link is probably the pistons, so since you have the Gen 4 floating rods, you will have to update them anyway

 

On a side note, I love how clean your engine bay is.
I could stand there with a whiskey or tequila in my hand and just stare at it lol.

 

Thanks very much, I appreciate it.

Many have been consumed contemplating and starting at it lol

 

Beautiful setup!! Yeah I know its been a minute or three..
So what has happened since then was I did end up pulling the engine to prep for boost on the stock short block, I got better pistons, proper gap for my boost level, put it all back together and installed the VS racing next gen 7875 w/billet wheel turbo, 5" exhaust from the turbo outlet all the way to the axle where I split that into dual 3" pipes for dual exhaust that comes out where the stock one does and mirrored that and even used the Toyota TRD chrome fancy tips..as well as added a Terminator X ECU for engine control.

So after I got it all back together the knocking I previously heard, but didnt think it was a big deal) got louder really fast when I added 12psi to the mix quickly letting me know we have an issue!! So back to the garage I went and since I was tearing it down once again I just said F-it and ordered a complete rotating assembly from Summit racing and since the cost was the same for stock vs stroker I opted for the 383 version since Ill have it torn down anyway and had an SBC 383 many years ago and loved the huge torque increase it provided..

Cut to current time, I have the 383 all built, installed and running on just a base tune at the moment, 12psi was just bonkers on the street so I pulled the WG spring and but the little guy in there so it only makes 3psi WOT now, however I also have an electronic boost controller that I will be programming for the "Dial-a-Boost" setup on a dial with 7 detents which I will likely just program as detent 1 does not adjust it all and every detent thereafter adds 2psi for a 12psi max boost until I get things dialed in and then Ill change that if needed.

But it runs great now and holy hell it fries the tires very easy with all the power it has, so much fun!

 

I have a 2000 LS1, sbe, TFS 220 heads, FAST 102, cam, twin turbo 14psi on E85.

It's making well over 700 wheel I'm sure, haven't had it on the dyno yet.

It made 430rwhp N/A with ported 5.3 heads and a LS6 intake. With the better heads and intake, it would have probably made 450+.

Add one atmosphere of boost on top of that with cool turbo noises.

Best thing ever.

 

Did you ever figure out what the knocking was?

 

SBE 5.7 if it has good oil pressure could be pushed to 700 I think pretty safely, keep the timing conservative, new head gaskets and head studs.

I went 9.4@145 with a forged LS6 (750rwhp) and I know folks who went mid 8s with 5.7s (~1000 HP I'd think).