hella_wicked

first post on ls1tech. I blown my engine on my rx7(damn rotary) and was given a 4.8 Iron block full motor. Im planning to use the car for circuit track and mostly for drifting. My question is if its worth it to put some money($2500 ish budget on the motor) and rebuild the motor with headwork and turbo as a learning experience or just get a ls1 with cams and go race. Im aiming for 500hp and engine willing to deal with high rev all the time. any opinion/advice is welcome

pic of car and motor

KCS

iTrader: (20)

The 4.8L is great for turbo builds, but I wouldn’t bother with head work unless it’s needed for repair. Just slap a 78/75 Chinese turbo on it and you'll get your 500whp easy.

00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

If the bottom end is in good shape leave it alone. Do a mild/broad power cam for road race type stuff or a big cam for drag racing.

Good set of heads and a good intake would go a long way.

I would for sure LS swap it (4.8 5.3 actual LSx 6.0 whatever)

B Gordon

That is such a roll of the dice because it is just about impossible to answer without knowing the health of the "free" engine.

My recommendation would be to do a tear down of the motor and inspect everything before making a decision.

cookseyb

Sometime "Free" is too expensive. I agree with B Gordon