AES 390 or AES 408?
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Joined: Jun 2011
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AES 390 or AES 408? I cant decide which one to go with. An assembled 390 or the parts for the 408 and build it my self? AES 390 is 3800 assembled and 408 is 3650 about for the parts from him. What would you guys do? I feel like the 390 would be more reliable because of the thick pistons. My goal is 1000rwhp with around 20psi of boost. Can anyone throw their opinions around? I will be putting my ls1 heads on it. Im waiting for a quote on shipping for the 390. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks guys.
I think we're all missing a little information, however, it doesn't necessarily relate to engine A vs engine B.
241 heads just aren't optimal nor smart for a reliable 1,000rwhp car. They don't flow well and don't have a thick deck surface needed for a reliable 20psi and/or 1,000rwhp.
Secondly, I like the idea of the 390 due to the shorter stroke. Many engine builders will agree that the shorter stroke increases the reliability and increases internal wear on parts.
What power adder do you plan on using?
241 heads just aren't optimal nor smart for a reliable 1,000rwhp car. They don't flow well and don't have a thick deck surface needed for a reliable 20psi and/or 1,000rwhp.
Secondly, I like the idea of the 390 due to the shorter stroke. Many engine builders will agree that the shorter stroke increases the reliability and increases internal wear on parts.
What power adder do you plan on using?
No offense, but you can't have a 1,000rwhp car that is reliably built with cheap parts. It's just not going to happen.
You may want to look into the TFS "as cast" heads that run about $1,600 for the pair. Other options are Patriot or PRC ported heads, but they are still GM casting heads with a smaller deck surface than the aftermarket castings.
You may want to look into the TFS "as cast" heads that run about $1,600 for the pair. Other options are Patriot or PRC ported heads, but they are still GM casting heads with a smaller deck surface than the aftermarket castings.
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No offense, but you can't have a 1,000rwhp car that is reliably built with cheap parts. It's just not going to happen.
You may want to look into the TFS "as cast" heads that run about $1,600 for the pair. Other options are Patriot or PRC ported heads, but they are still GM casting heads with a smaller deck surface than the aftermarket castings.
You may want to look into the TFS "as cast" heads that run about $1,600 for the pair. Other options are Patriot or PRC ported heads, but they are still GM casting heads with a smaller deck surface than the aftermarket castings.
Apparently these are "cheap parts"
2618 Forged pistons
.180" wall 4130 chrom-moly piston pins
NPR gas nitrided steel top metric ring set, same rings Wiseco packages as their 'GFX' ring set.
Napier 2nd ring
Compstar H beam rods with ARP2000 bolts
Compstar C-series Forged crankshaft
ARP main studs
Only questionable point maybe C-Series crankshaft which is a 5140 Forging, machine wise its as accurate as any other compstar crankshaft we've seen. Strength wise, i've yet to seen a issue. People take factory cast crank over 1000rwhp btw.
390ci AES engine over 1050rwhp, through a 4L80E
https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...ugh-4l80e.html
I take exception to your post,
Apparently these are "cheap parts"
2618 Forged pistons
.180" wall 4130 chrom-moly piston pins
NPR gas nitrided steel top ring set
Napier 2nd ring
Compstar H beam rods with ARP2000 bolts
Compstar C-series Forged crankshaft
ARP main studs
Only questionable point maybe C-Series crankshaft which is a 5140 Forging, machine wise its as accurate as any other compstar crankshaft we've seen. Strength wise, i've yet to seen a issue. People take factory cast crank over 1000rwhp btw.
390ci AES engine over 1050rwhp, through a 4L80E
https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...ugh-4l80e.html
Apparently these are "cheap parts"
2618 Forged pistons
.180" wall 4130 chrom-moly piston pins
NPR gas nitrided steel top ring set
Napier 2nd ring
Compstar H beam rods with ARP2000 bolts
Compstar C-series Forged crankshaft
ARP main studs
Only questionable point maybe C-Series crankshaft which is a 5140 Forging, machine wise its as accurate as any other compstar crankshaft we've seen. Strength wise, i've yet to seen a issue. People take factory cast crank over 1000rwhp btw.
390ci AES engine over 1050rwhp, through a 4L80E
https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...ugh-4l80e.html
My comment was in no way directed towards the AES shortblock. I was referring to his choice of 241 heads as well as the comment asking what other cheap set of heads he could use.
If you can't swing a set of good heads that will hold up to big boost, just keep cylinder pressures in check with moderate boost levels, good gas, and a good tune until you get a set of good cylinder heads on it. When you get greedy, things break LOL
Oh, and I've generally found shipping to be ~$150-$175 depending on where it's going.
