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AES 390 or AES 408?

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Old 09-14-2011, 11:56 AM
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Default 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.
Old 09-14-2011, 02:16 PM
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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?
Old 09-14-2011, 02:23 PM
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Sorry turbo... I was thinking a pt88 or a 91. I was told ls1 heads were better then l92 heads because the deck was thicker and that they would work good.
Old 09-14-2011, 02:49 PM
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ls1 heads are better but still not strong enough for a reliabile power at that level
Old 09-14-2011, 03:18 PM
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AES 390.. yum
Old 09-14-2011, 05:32 PM
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Well then what is a cheap set of heads? That are thick enough?
Old 09-14-2011, 05:40 PM
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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.
Old 09-14-2011, 05:50 PM
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Fast. Cheap. Reliable.

Pick two.
Old 09-14-2011, 05:59 PM
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Well I guess Il just run low boost till I can afford some. But anyways so I guess 390 for the win?
Old 09-14-2011, 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 02blackbeauty19
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.
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 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
Old 09-14-2011, 06:25 PM
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Originally Posted by AES Racing
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
Fraser,
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.
Old 09-14-2011, 08:13 PM
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Going to buy the AES 390 as soon as I hear back. I hope shipping is not bad. Pray for me...lol
Old 09-14-2011, 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by 703 CAMAROSS
Going to buy the AES 390 as soon as I hear back. I hope shipping is not bad. Pray for me...lol
I think that's a good choice.
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.
Old 09-14-2011, 08:46 PM
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That sounds reasonable. Going to have to sell allot of stuff that I don't use to afford the turbo kit.
Old 09-14-2011, 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by 02blackbeauty19
Fraser,
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.
Yeah that's how I took it.
Old 09-14-2011, 09:57 PM
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You *** holes didn't pray for me... It's 380 to resident and 275 to pick up... Ahhhhh I only have so much money.
Old 09-14-2011, 09:58 PM
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Pick up at terminal*



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