450rwhp - H/C LS1 or 408?
#1
450rwhp - H/C LS1 or 408?
To stave off the "OMG search n00b!" posts, I am, but there's a LOT of material to read through on the subject. Working on it, slowly.
Been out of the go-fast world for a while now, and since I finally have a little play money to use, I'm looking at finally doing something to the engine in my car. I'd like to hit around 450-475rwhp in a weekend warrior car that'll see some drag strip use and some evening cruising. '99 M6 car, not worried about having an ugly cam (not a daily, after all), but I don't want a 6000+rpm car only, either. Debating on whether I want to try and get to at least 450rwhp with a good set of AFR heads and a matched cam (not sure what the popular ones are right yet), or whether that's just too unrealistic and prone to failure on a stock-cube LS1. Also unsure as to whether I should consider swapping in beefier rods and possibly a crank, or if that'd just put me in 408-price territory.
I'd like to stay under $5000, since I still need to pick up a rear end and some other assorted stuff, but that's somewhat flexible depending on options.
Been out of the go-fast world for a while now, and since I finally have a little play money to use, I'm looking at finally doing something to the engine in my car. I'd like to hit around 450-475rwhp in a weekend warrior car that'll see some drag strip use and some evening cruising. '99 M6 car, not worried about having an ugly cam (not a daily, after all), but I don't want a 6000+rpm car only, either. Debating on whether I want to try and get to at least 450rwhp with a good set of AFR heads and a matched cam (not sure what the popular ones are right yet), or whether that's just too unrealistic and prone to failure on a stock-cube LS1. Also unsure as to whether I should consider swapping in beefier rods and possibly a crank, or if that'd just put me in 408-price territory.
I'd like to stay under $5000, since I still need to pick up a rear end and some other assorted stuff, but that's somewhat flexible depending on options.
#2
What modifications are done to the car? If it is stock then you will be cutting it close to your ideal spending price. A set of AFR215's with the proper camshaft paired with good flowing headers (Kooks, ARH) and either a ported LS6 or FAST intake should certainly get you to your goals.
I've always been a fan of larger cube motors so if you believe a 402/408/418 is in your budget then I would definitely go that route over a 346. Not to say that you can't make great power and still have drivability on a 346 but the difference in low end torque between the two would be drastic.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Philip
I've always been a fan of larger cube motors so if you believe a 402/408/418 is in your budget then I would definitely go that route over a 346. Not to say that you can't make great power and still have drivability on a 346 but the difference in low end torque between the two would be drastic.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Philip
#3
For just 450 hp, new rod bolts (which I should have done), matched head cam combo (also should have done), good exhaust and a fast. I am making 423/382 with a 242/248 111 lsa cam, stock 243 heads, ls6 intake, ported stock tb, 1 3/4 Hooker headers, and a SLP exhaust. With 1 7/8 headers (going bottle and cubes in the future), true duals, and a FAST set up, I should hopefully be 450+, and 400 torque.
Philip is correct with torque though. Thats why I want a 408 later on...get that low end torque I miss because I have this large cam in the car.
Philip is correct with torque though. Thats why I want a 408 later on...get that low end torque I miss because I have this large cam in the car.
#4
What modifications are done to the car? If it is stock then you will be cutting it close to your ideal spending price. A set of AFR215's with the proper camshaft paired with good flowing headers (Kooks, ARH) and either a ported LS6 or FAST intake should certainly get you to your goals.
I've always been a fan of larger cube motors so if you believe a 402/408/418 is in your budget then I would definitely go that route over a 346. Not to say that you can't make great power and still have drivability on a 346 but the difference in low end torque between the two would be drastic.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Philip
I've always been a fan of larger cube motors so if you believe a 402/408/418 is in your budget then I would definitely go that route over a 346. Not to say that you can't make great power and still have drivability on a 346 but the difference in low end torque between the two would be drastic.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Philip
I'd love to run an LSX block at around 470-480ci, but I might be living in a cardboard box for a while to swing that. 402/408 prices sort of seem to be all over, from the threads I've been nosing through, so I don't know if $5k would be undercutting it for a stout 408 with install price included.
#5
For just 450 hp, new rod bolts (which I should have done), matched head cam combo (also should have done), good exhaust and a fast. I am making 423/382 with a 242/248 111 lsa cam, stock 243 heads, ls6 intake, ported stock tb, 1 3/4 Hooker headers, and a SLP exhaust. With 1 7/8 headers (going bottle and cubes in the future), true duals, and a FAST set up, I should hopefully be 450+, and 400 torque.
Philip is correct with torque though. Thats why I want a 408 later on...get that low end torque I miss because I have this large cam in the car.
Philip is correct with torque though. Thats why I want a 408 later on...get that low end torque I miss because I have this large cam in the car.
I was pondering a FAST 90mm intake (although the price new on those still hurts), and I've got the exhaust taken care of (Lane's 3" duals, although they were set up for Pacesetters, so they might need some tweaking for Kooks or QTPs or whatever), but I figured if I was going heads/cam, I might as well get everything properly matched up from the start, engine-wise, instead of trying to do bits and pieces here and there.
#6
Right now, mostly bolt-on stuff...lid, LS6 intake, long-tubes, 3" duals, various suspension stuff (SFCs, LCAs, torque arm, etc), Tex clutch and 4.10s. All engine internals are completely stock, and she's got 85k on the clock right now. $5000 really just covers the price of the built engine/install/tuning...everything else is on a more staggered basis (finish the suspension this month, new headers and engine mounts next month, etc), but I still need to budget the transmission and rear end in to the overall price, if that makes sense.
I'd love to run an LSX block at around 470-480ci, but I might be living in a cardboard box for a while to swing that. 402/408 prices sort of seem to be all over, from the threads I've been nosing through, so I don't know if $5k would be undercutting it for a stout 408 with install price included.
I'd love to run an LSX block at around 470-480ci, but I might be living in a cardboard box for a while to swing that. 402/408 prices sort of seem to be all over, from the threads I've been nosing through, so I don't know if $5k would be undercutting it for a stout 408 with install price included.
For a stout LS2 or LS3 stroker bottom end you will be pretty close on your 5K price which doesn't count purchasing heads, lifters, rockers, pushrods, springs, oil pump etc.
When you look into pricing things out you should always budget in room for small things because they will add up fast. Ask me how I know.
#7
Indeed. I was looking at some HKE 408s..somewhere just shy of 4k I believe. But when you look at all the seals, gaskets, oil pump, timing chain, clutch to handle the power, ect ect...they really all add up.
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#9
Yeah, the little things like to come back and kick me, which is why I wanted to set a reasonably firm price on what would amount to a turn-key engine. Sounds like a H/C LS1 is the way to go, then...now just have to find a cam that'll match with a set of AFR 215s and go from there.
#10
Yeah, the little things like to come back and kick me, which is why I wanted to set a reasonably firm price on what would amount to a turn-key engine. Sounds like a H/C LS1 is the way to go, then...now just have to find a cam that'll match with a set of AFR 215s and go from there.
#11
Yeah, the little things like to come back and kick me, which is why I wanted to set a reasonably firm price on what would amount to a turn-key engine. Sounds like a H/C LS1 is the way to go, then...now just have to find a cam that'll match with a set of AFR 215s and go from there.
#12
If your LS1 is still in good shape (not using much oil and compression is still good), I say use it. While a stroker motor is great, putting one together adds up fast, I think you'll run out of budget. The AFR 205 heads are definitely nice. But, I'd seriously consider a Texas Speed PRC stage 2.5 LS6 heads and cam package for only a tad over $2k.
http://www.texas-speed.com/shop/item...d=832&catid=47
I bet the Magic Stick 3 cam will reach your goals with those heads. You do have a few miles on the motor, so add an oil pump and timing chain/gears. Also add in a basic heads and cam bolt and gasket kit (MSL head gaskets).
That should leave you cash leftover if you want a FAST intake and Nick Williams TB.
http://www.texas-speed.com/shop/item...d=832&catid=47
I bet the Magic Stick 3 cam will reach your goals with those heads. You do have a few miles on the motor, so add an oil pump and timing chain/gears. Also add in a basic heads and cam bolt and gasket kit (MSL head gaskets).
That should leave you cash leftover if you want a FAST intake and Nick Williams TB.
#13
I just installed Vengaince Racings 575 head & cam package. It just dynoed 466 rwhp/402 rwrq. The kit cost $3400 and I have about $5,000 in it with a new 92 intake and monster stage 3 clutch kit from Tick. I haven't picked the car up yet due to an extanded road trip. I hope to have it early Thursday.
#15
You have to look at the situation too.Are you going to be happy with the built 346 down the road or want more?I have a LS1 with 70 thousand on the clock and had a lifter failer, so i sat down and thought about it for a while. I decided to put money to a 408 and have the power N/A and maybe nitrious in the future. More room to grow with bigger cubes imop...
#16
I'm trying to get the same numbers in my 98 SS A4 and I've been looking around for H/C combos that would work. On this site i found a guy that is doing the Vengeance Racing H/C combo and he's claiming it will give him 575 to the crank with the VRX5 cam. I'm waiting to see his actual results, but i'd figure i'd give you another route to look at...
#17
I'm trying to get the same numbers in my 98 SS A4 and I've been looking around for H/C combos that would work. On this site i found a guy that is doing the Vengeance Racing H/C combo and he's claiming it will give him 575 to the crank with the VRX5 cam. I'm waiting to see his actual results, but i'd figure i'd give you another route to look at...