Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Opinions on My Engine Combo

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 9, 2011 | 02:45 PM
  #1  
N20neenee's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default Opinions on My Engine Combo

Gents
Im collecting parts for my build and wanted to bounce the combo off the board. (Camshaft is involved so I posted this in the internal engine section)

Im building a 1990 Mustang Coupe/ LS1 w/ 3.55 R&P, manual steering, no AC

The engine is a 1998 Ls1, I have torn it down and the bores still have awesome cross hatch.
-I bought a XR275HR cam-- I went with this cam as I didnt want to notch the pistons yet as I have an extra set and will get them notched when I feel its time for engine Phase II.
- I have put a new Ls2 timing chain, will get some Ls7 lifters as well
-LS6 PCV/valley cover
-I have a set of 853 heads, I will shave .20 to raise compression some and get a decent VJ on them. I have a new set of "Yellow" Ls6 valve springs that I will install. Cam is good for .550 lift so the LS6 springs should be able to handle cam duty
-Use the Ls1 intake till a Ls6 intake shows up or something better--intakes are easy to swap
--Ported TB
-Kooks 1 3/4 headers or 1 7/8 w/ 3in exhaust, dynomax mufflers and turns downs
- For the Trans I have a 4L60E, planning to put a transgo shift kit and 3200-3600 TC in it. I was leaning towards a 4K TC but the cam is kinda small in today's standards.
I didnt wanted to dump too much $ into the 4L as I feel its pretty weak, but this one has 60K on it and fluid looks clean so with a good cooler I think it will last for awhile
I know it will still need supporting mods--oil pump, new pushrod ETC. Im just wanting see if the major components compliment each other

My intent isnt to ask how horsepower will I havebut to get your guys opinions on the torque converter/rear gears and cam/head combo...it all has to compliment each other or it doesnt work

Last edited by N20neenee; Oct 10, 2011 at 11:06 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2011 | 07:59 PM
  #2  
N20neenee's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

Guys
I didnt get any responses
Was I too vague or optimistic.
Is the XR275HR cam and the 3600 Converter and milled 853 heads a bad combo or something?
Any feedback would be great
thanks
Sean
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2011 | 08:57 PM
  #3  
A.R. Shale Targa's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 15
From: Fredonia,WI
Default

Check to see what valvespring pressures that cam calls for. It's more than
"good to xxx lift" when matching springs. I know that cam is small, however
the PSI Maxlife is the beehive to have for up to .630 lift, 6800 rpms, and lots
of miles (dependable). Sold by Advanced Inductions they have like 130 seat
and 370 lbs open pressure.
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2011 | 09:06 PM
  #4  
N20neenee's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

Thanks for the feedback
Is a cam this small even worth installing? I mean the engine is already out and if I have to upgrade over the LS6 springs, then maybe I should at something alittle more aggressive. I still want to stay within the 3600-4K torque converter range
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2011 | 09:48 PM
  #5  
SOMbitch's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,881
Likes: 3
Default

Well that cam is a considerable step up from the stocker but considered pretty mild nowadays by most. I would go at least low 23x/23x especially since that fox is light. And yeah you'll need springs anyways. The PAC 1518 is a nitrided beehive spring and hard to beat if you stay in a "medium" cam. Get duals if you go big. A low 23x is pretty tame with a good tune. I drove a 230/234 111 for two years before the stroke went in. And get AT LEAST a 3600 stall. They work great even in a bone stock car. Lastly look around for a used FAST 90 or 92 if you can swing it and you will not regret it especially if you mod more later on. Do the 1 7/8" as I now wish I had. Better now and room to grow later.

Looks like you are off to a good start. Oh... more gear like a 3.90 would be nice but that car will be quick anyway. See where you are at first and you can always regear later...
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2011 | 06:46 PM
  #6  
N20neenee's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

I just picked up a set of 243s. Thinking about cleaning up the ports and milling them. Am I leaving allot HP on the table by not going with a 23X .600 lift cam over my current 275HR?
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2011 | 08:17 PM
  #7  
A.R. Shale Targa's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 15
From: Fredonia,WI
Default

I'd send those castings to AI if you can afford it (either CNC or fancy V/J)
this will pick you up some good power. The cam you have would be happy
w/3.55 and 3200 combo whereas a 230/234 and 3.90/3600 would also give
you more giddy-up.
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2011 | 10:44 PM
  #8  
N20neenee's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

The 3.55s are notional...I can adjust the rear gears to what ever bests compliments the combo. Leaning towards an aggressive combo, but not an all out engine like what a MS3/Ms4 would give. I dont mind the idea of a 4K stall converter, so the cam would need to work with that. Iam thinking that much stall might be out of the range of the 275HR cam. Just tossing ideas as the engine is on the stand and I need to make a decision and re-cam it or leave it with the 275HR and drop it in the car
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 08:43 PM
  #9  
A.R. Shale Targa's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 15
From: Fredonia,WI
Default

Texas Speed has a 233/239 stick that can put it down or call Geoff @ EPS
to get a custom in this range.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:36 PM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE