Stick with the 346 or jump to the 408?
Stick with the 346 or jump to the 408? Well, originally I'd just planned on throwing forged internals/heads/cam/intake and exhaust in my original block just because I already have the block/crank and they're in great shape... I was going to potentially throw some nitrous at it at a later date.
Now, I'm considering going with a 408. I've already got the block/crank like I said earlier for the 346 so it would be easier I suppose. My biggest issue with the 408 is the weight of the iron block. I switched to aftermarket K-member/A-arms. Deleted the abs, and stripped the AC out in an effort to save weight. I picked up Strano sways, springs and Koni's because I want the car to handle well and I don't know how the extra 80lbs or whatever it is in the front is going to affect the handling...
I have been seeing very decent numbers out of the 408's, which I do like. The 347 would put out respectable numbers I guess, but not have the potential and torque that the larger motor would.
I'm kind of at a crossroads here.
What would you guys do given the same decision? Will the extra weight of the iron block greatly effect handling? How much will the LS1 block/crank be worth? It's in perfect shape and was pulled out of a 17K mile Camaro.
Thanks guys,
Drew
Now, I'm considering going with a 408. I've already got the block/crank like I said earlier for the 346 so it would be easier I suppose. My biggest issue with the 408 is the weight of the iron block. I switched to aftermarket K-member/A-arms. Deleted the abs, and stripped the AC out in an effort to save weight. I picked up Strano sways, springs and Koni's because I want the car to handle well and I don't know how the extra 80lbs or whatever it is in the front is going to affect the handling...
I have been seeing very decent numbers out of the 408's, which I do like. The 347 would put out respectable numbers I guess, but not have the potential and torque that the larger motor would.
I'm kind of at a crossroads here.
What would you guys do given the same decision? Will the extra weight of the iron block greatly effect handling? How much will the LS1 block/crank be worth? It's in perfect shape and was pulled out of a 17K mile Camaro.
Thanks guys,
Drew
If your that worried about the weight then I would save up a little more and do a LS2 402. It all depends on your budget. Power wise a properly built 408 will put a 346 to shame. But as far as handleing idk. I bought a 402 from TSP during their Christmas sale and saved a bunch. Plus I paid with a cashiers check instead of credit card they knocked 3% off since I saved them on the credit card machine fee. That's a savings of almost $125. Be frugal and you should be able to meet your goals. Even if it means saving for a few more months. You'll be glad you did.
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I'd get an ls2 402, a lot of people here have them and put down real good power, a quick search will prove this. Also if go the bigger motor route you'll make close to the same numbers as an h/c/i spray ls1 but you wouldn't have to deal with all of the spray bs. Not to mention the increased under 3k power that you would have which would beat any sprayed 346 ls1.
I am like you and don't want the extra 75lbs over the nose so will do a 383 when the time comes as long as my block is reusable. I know a guy running 10.90's N/A with 5.3's 90/90 and a MS4. Full weight a/c everthing.
A 402 will run about $800 more by the time you figure in TC cover, LS2 valley cover, harness extensions etc...... In short a 383 can meet my goals and not break my wallet but if it is in your budget a 402 is SWEEEET....
A 402 will run about $800 more by the time you figure in TC cover, LS2 valley cover, harness extensions etc...... In short a 383 can meet my goals and not break my wallet but if it is in your budget a 402 is SWEEEET....
What do you need an iron block for? At what point do you think an aluminum block will fail? I'm not talking about stock bottom end blocks but internally forged aluminum engines. Once you take care of the pistons and rods you are good to go. You can get a 402 LS2 aluminum for $4k or a 408 LS3 aluminum for $4.6k. Of you can just forge your 346 or get a 383 rotating assembly. I'm battling what to do myself since I have 120k on my engine and don't know if it is a waste of time modding the 346 since it is getting up there in miles. Eventually it will need a rebuild so might as well go bigger.
It all comes down to money. I was faced with a similar issue when my original engine died (Comp 918 spring failure). I needed a new block and decided I was going to use a 4.00" stroke crank. Getting an LS2 block was expense. Not many were available used and most were just as expensive as the new block at SDPC ($999.00). I got a used LS6 block and crank for a 2004 GTO for $500.00. I was able to resell the crank for $175.00 and then just needed to build the LS6 into a 383. So, cost to me was the main factor. I also didn't want the extra weight of the iron block.
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I'd go with the bigger cubes anyway you can get them. A 383 will be the most cost effective, A 402 is the nicest combo but also cost the most. A 408 only cost a little more than a 383 and makes more power. If your road racing, stay aluminum, but drag racing I'd do the 408 with spray.
Plus with the 408 it's an easy swap with no adaptors of changes needed.
Plus with the 408 it's an easy swap with no adaptors of changes needed.
Alright guys, I'll look into the LS2 402 setup. What kind of power are they good for N/A? Also, what would my stock LS1 block/crank be worth. There was 17k miles on it when I pulled it. It will also come with all the covers.
im in the same boat as you. if you got the money then i would definitly go with the 402. the alum block will handle whatever you throw at it. money is what is holding me back so i might just do a 383 stroker kit on my block and hopefully run about 450rwhp and throw some spray at it. can anyone chime in on how much things would cost from experience just to give everyone else a better idea on what they are looking at?
I'd get an ls2 402, a lot of people here have them and put down real good power, a quick search will prove this. Also if go the bigger motor route you'll make close to the same numbers as an h/c/i spray ls1 but you wouldn't have to deal with all of the spray bs. Not to mention the increased under 3k power that you would have which would beat any sprayed 346 ls1.