Best bang for your buck LongBlock !
Best bang for your buck LongBlock ! Hey guys I have had my mind set on a lq4 370ci build but I have been looking around and am starting to wonder if there are better options. For starters This engine will be replacing the 355 in my 70 Camaro. So I have a few options for you guys to critique. This is going to be a mainly street car that I want to be very reliable but also make good power !
Option 1: Make a 383 out of current 355
Option 2: Same as option one but run a vortech supercharger. (blow Thru)
Option 3 : Lq4 370ci build
Option 4: LSX 376 (This has really sparked my interest, a lsx long block for 5400 bucks)
Option 5: What is your guys suggestion my budget is about 8000 for everything.
Option 1: Make a 383 out of current 355
Option 2: Same as option one but run a vortech supercharger. (blow Thru)
Option 3 : Lq4 370ci build
Option 4: LSX 376 (This has really sparked my interest, a lsx long block for 5400 bucks)
Option 5: What is your guys suggestion my budget is about 8000 for everything.
Came in here a few hrs. ago & left thinking too much to consider. Then, thought about it & ...
Could build a strong LS2 6.0L that makes 600 BHP for 5K or less including the long tube headers you'll need, intake, TB, PCM; etc.. With the right home head porting, the right cam & all the other little power saver mods., could be done. IMO, why spend 8K when you could build a similar power plant for under 5K?
However, if you're committed to the 376, then I suppose there's more power to be had + the added expense of block work & more expensive pistons or the $5400 long block + long tube headers, intake; etc.
Personally, I'd eliminate options 1 & 2. Unless, gas mileage is of importance. In that case option 2 through LS1 cubes might be attractive.
Could build a strong LS2 6.0L that makes 600 BHP for 5K or less including the long tube headers you'll need, intake, TB, PCM; etc.. With the right home head porting, the right cam & all the other little power saver mods., could be done. IMO, why spend 8K when you could build a similar power plant for under 5K?
However, if you're committed to the 376, then I suppose there's more power to be had + the added expense of block work & more expensive pistons or the $5400 long block + long tube headers, intake; etc.
Personally, I'd eliminate options 1 & 2. Unless, gas mileage is of importance. In that case option 2 through LS1 cubes might be attractive.
Yea the car is set up for a gen one but I will be swapping a engine in soon.
The reason I am saying 8k is because If you figure say $5000 for the long block that gives you $3000 to spend not that much considering you need. Intake, Oil pan, injectors, ecu, wiring harness, headers, etc. You would be at or above $8000.
Gas mileage is not important if i get 10mpgs I will be happy. I mean each engine you pay for what you get but in different areas.
The reason I am saying 8k is because If you figure say $5000 for the long block that gives you $3000 to spend not that much considering you need. Intake, Oil pan, injectors, ecu, wiring harness, headers, etc. You would be at or above $8000.
Gas mileage is not important if i get 10mpgs I will be happy. I mean each engine you pay for what you get but in different areas.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
I'd buy a complete 6.0 pullout. There is your wiring and PCM too. Price would likely be $1k-1500. I'd do something simple like a set of TSPs CNC'd LS6 heads for $1500, or pull the 317s off the 6.0 and send them to A.I for 1k. Pick a nice cam to match your goals with valve springs and pushrods should be about $750. There is your long block for less then $5k and it should make great power.......
Pullout engine 1500
A.I. CNC........1000
Cam stuff.......750
----------------------
.....................3250
Unless you were wanting a brand new engine?
Pullout engine 1500
A.I. CNC........1000
Cam stuff.......750
----------------------
.....................3250
Unless you were wanting a brand new engine?
ssred : Yeah that's what I have been thinking that was my 370 lq4 plan but even with what you said I would replace the intake and front drive accessorys plus machine work. That would get me to the 450whp level I'm looking for. I want the peace of mind while the engine is spinning 6500rpms that everything inside is built.
450whp out of a stock ls type engine is plenty reliable. The inside will hold up fine at that power level, I'd do what ssred suggested and get a pullout 6.0 then add some decent heads, whether you go aftermarket or just ported stockers then select a good cam and intake. that will either meet or exceed your power expectations. In addition to what was suggested for peace of mind i would throw in a set of rod bolts whether you go arps and get the rods resized or just swap in katechs, that will ensure that you can spin to 6800 all day long with no problems.
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ssred : Yeah that's what I have been thinking that was my 370 lq4 plan but even with what you said I would replace the intake and front drive accessorys plus machine work. That would get me to the 450whp level I'm looking for. I want the peace of mind while the engine is spinning 6500rpms that everything inside is built.
Could build a strong LS2 6.0L that makes 600 BHP for 5K or less including the long tube headers you'll need, intake, TB, PCM; etc.. With the right home head porting, the right cam & all the other little power saver mods., could be done. IMO, why spend 8K when you could build a similar power plant for under 5K?
Must have been talking to myself...
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,467
Likes: 193
From: Harford Co. Maryland
I'm pretty much in the same boat as you are....but I have a 406ci SBC (old school motor) and it has performed great over the years...but times and wants have changed 
I have my name on a LQ4 motor (needs a rebuild...but could be just a hone and bearings ?)
After seeing what these LS motors can do and how easy it is first hand.... GO LS
I have my name on a LQ4 motor (needs a rebuild...but could be just a hone and bearings ?)
After seeing what these LS motors can do and how easy it is first hand.... GO LS
Thanks man and yea I agree you cant compare a old engine to a new fuel injected one just not the same. The only thing is people are starting to catch on and used ls engines are getting hard to find for a good price.
You could also do a turbo 5.3.
Friend of mine who actually swayed me to put my 5.3 in after the ls blew has a early 80s Malibu wagon with a turbo 5.3 pushing around 500+.
Just a suggestion. Would be the best use of the money.
Friend of mine who actually swayed me to put my 5.3 in after the ls blew has a early 80s Malibu wagon with a turbo 5.3 pushing around 500+.
Just a suggestion. Would be the best use of the money.
I'll second for the pullout 6.0. You'll have enough money left over to do a decent bottom end re-build including a nice forged rotating assembly with forged slugs. Plus, it's an aluminum block so there's a decent weight savings which would greatly benefit a long nosed second gen F-Body. And the folks at AI know what they're doing.
Yea I know of TSP I would love to buy one of their 408 longblocks but it would be over my budget of $8000. With intake and fuel injection etc.
http://www.texas-speed.com/p-655-tsp...ong-block.aspx
http://www.texas-speed.com/p-655-tsp...ong-block.aspx
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
Iron block is gonna be tons cheaper then an aluminum block because they are much more abundant. I do not think you need a rebuild for a H/C NA motor if the donor engine is healthy. I'd say maybe do rod bolts and roll. With your goals, you won't be stressing a stock bottom end much at all IMO. Rebuilding it right off the bat is pissing money away.
i second the rod bolt suggestion. a 6 liter should have no problem finding 450whp under 7k rpm. it's all in the parts combo and tune. whatever is done, source a good tuner. otherwise, your money would be better served as bedding in a horsebarn.