dead ls6, replacing with either a 370 or 408 iron block
06-30-2012, 08:01 PM
#1
dead ls6, replacing with either a 370 or 408 iron block Hello again friends. As you may recall if you read some of my previous posts, I destroyed my LS6, I SPUN A ROD BEARING! I couldn't believe it.
I talked to Kyle Thompson of Thompson Motorsports in Nevada, TX, and I gotta tell you straight up, one of the best, most personable guys I've EVER talked to. I told him straight up, there's a good chance I'm not going to buy anything from you, but I'm still going to ask you a few questions just to feel out what I should do. We talked about my intentions for a little bit, and he suggested the 370ci iron short block he sells, and I felt like that was the best bet for me, so I ordered it from him. With oil pump, head gaskets, forged pistons, clevite rod bearings, durabond cam bearings and lifters it came to just over 2500ish shipped (and fully assembled)... well, I had a shocking realization today when I was cleaning things up in the shop... it's gonna cost me a **** load less to just get a 408 now, than it would for me to do it later on down the line. I wanted to get a few opinions from those that are very smart (aka most of you).
1. I have a brand new LS7 clutch that I used on my LS6, it did not slip whatsoever, but while it's apart, I'm swapping it with brand new so I don't have to do anything with it for a long, long time. Will this handle the added power? If I could get 20k out of the clutch, I'd be OK with that, as by then I'll have all this stuff paid off and will be ready to pay for a new clutch.
2. I currently own TSP Stage 2.5 LS6 heads, TSP Magic Stick 3 Cam, and I would not like to purchase anything else that's not required, meaning the heads and cam are going to stay. Would these heads and cam be a suitable (although I KNOW it's not going to be the best match, but I'd like for it to be a pretty decent, or good match)?
3. I feel like 1,500 isn't an unreasonable increase in cost from the 2,500 to get the 408, what do you guys think? Is that what I would expect to pay? TSP has a 408 Iron block for around 3,800 on their website, and I feel like Kyle could beat that price...
4. Will my LS6 intake and injectors get me by for the time being?
If you answer this with great information full of knowledge, there's a good chance I will love you forever.
I talked to Kyle Thompson of Thompson Motorsports in Nevada, TX, and I gotta tell you straight up, one of the best, most personable guys I've EVER talked to. I told him straight up, there's a good chance I'm not going to buy anything from you, but I'm still going to ask you a few questions just to feel out what I should do. We talked about my intentions for a little bit, and he suggested the 370ci iron short block he sells, and I felt like that was the best bet for me, so I ordered it from him. With oil pump, head gaskets, forged pistons, clevite rod bearings, durabond cam bearings and lifters it came to just over 2500ish shipped (and fully assembled)... well, I had a shocking realization today when I was cleaning things up in the shop... it's gonna cost me a **** load less to just get a 408 now, than it would for me to do it later on down the line. I wanted to get a few opinions from those that are very smart (aka most of you).
1. I have a brand new LS7 clutch that I used on my LS6, it did not slip whatsoever, but while it's apart, I'm swapping it with brand new so I don't have to do anything with it for a long, long time. Will this handle the added power? If I could get 20k out of the clutch, I'd be OK with that, as by then I'll have all this stuff paid off and will be ready to pay for a new clutch.
2. I currently own TSP Stage 2.5 LS6 heads, TSP Magic Stick 3 Cam, and I would not like to purchase anything else that's not required, meaning the heads and cam are going to stay. Would these heads and cam be a suitable (although I KNOW it's not going to be the best match, but I'd like for it to be a pretty decent, or good match)?
3. I feel like 1,500 isn't an unreasonable increase in cost from the 2,500 to get the 408, what do you guys think? Is that what I would expect to pay? TSP has a 408 Iron block for around 3,800 on their website, and I feel like Kyle could beat that price...
4. Will my LS6 intake and injectors get me by for the time being?
If you answer this with great information full of knowledge, there's a good chance I will love you forever.
06-30-2012, 08:34 PM
#2
Staging Lane
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Hutto / Round Rock, TX
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am currently considering and researching a similar build so I am curious as to what the responses will be.
I don't have first hand knowledge but from my research I would say:
1. If you are just going to drive the car on the street and not beat the hell out of it on the drag strip the LS7 clutch should work just fine.
2. The cam and heads should be at least pretty decent if not a good match. Other cams and heads might make more power but the combination you have will work no problem.
3. There is no replacement for displacement and it's better to do it now than to try and do it later with selling a used engine and taking a hit on your investment.
4. I'm told you would have no issues with the LS6 intake (though other intakes might add a few hp but would definitely not be a requirement). As far as the injectors I think it depends on if they are maxed out on your current set up or if you have room left to tune them for more output.
Again I could be wrong but I've done a lot of research and I've built engines etc. before so I understand how it all works.
I don't have first hand knowledge but from my research I would say:
1. If you are just going to drive the car on the street and not beat the hell out of it on the drag strip the LS7 clutch should work just fine.
2. The cam and heads should be at least pretty decent if not a good match. Other cams and heads might make more power but the combination you have will work no problem.
3. There is no replacement for displacement and it's better to do it now than to try and do it later with selling a used engine and taking a hit on your investment.
4. I'm told you would have no issues with the LS6 intake (though other intakes might add a few hp but would definitely not be a requirement). As far as the injectors I think it depends on if they are maxed out on your current set up or if you have room left to tune them for more output.
Again I could be wrong but I've done a lot of research and I've built engines etc. before so I understand how it all works.
07-01-2012, 09:56 AM
#6
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (13)
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Parkton, Md.
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A few weeks ago I found myself in the same boat as you, I lost #7 piston and I had to make a decision on what do to. I decided it was time to upgrade and I am having a 408 built at RPM. You may want to think about upgrading as much as possible while the engine is out, you can find some good deals on quality used heads and you can sell most of your old parts to help out with the cost.
It really sucks to spend the money, but in the long run it will save you time and money, plus you will have a very strong car.
It really sucks to spend the money, but in the long run it will save you time and money, plus you will have a very strong car.
Last edited by Giddswat; 07-01-2012 at 10:28 AM.
Trending Topics
07-03-2012, 12:18 PM
#8
RADEoN, I am glad we could help you to find the motor to fit your needs. We are getting everything together now. I am sure you will have a great time with this monster. Keep us updated on the progress once it is installed.
Thank you,
Kyle
Thompson Motorsports
972-853-0518
Thank you,
Kyle
Thompson Motorsports
972-853-0518
07-03-2012, 01:02 PM
#9
From personal experience I can tell you the 508 is a great motor (I love mine) you cam snd top end will swap right over and work, but I can tell you that you will want a bigger cam shortly down the road since the extra cubes really eat up the duration of a bigger cam...
07-04-2012, 03:23 PM
#13
RADEoN, I am glad we could help you to find the motor to fit your needs. We are getting everything together now. I am sure you will have a great time with this monster. Keep us updated on the progress once it is installed.
Thank you,
Kyle
Thompson Motorsports
972-853-0518
Thank you,
Kyle
Thompson Motorsports
972-853-0518
if any of you guys need a motor, that number in the bottom of his post needs to be the first and last one you call.
07-25-2012, 12:32 PM
#16
07-25-2012, 01:08 PM
#17
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: LJC
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i was in same situation. so i have built a high compression a 370 cid just because i reused old parts out of my 347cid spent 3k on it. i have stock unported ls3 heads and intake mani with a stock ls2 tb ported making 515 whp but its on 110 lol , as far as nitrous its all about ring gap and tune also octane if needed. you could blow up on a 100 shot if your tuner is retarded imo
