johnny89345

iTrader: (1)

I called tsp explaining i want a real bad *** daily driver. One of my biggest concerns being reliability and life expectancy of the motor. They suggested their forged 408 lq9 with prc 237 heads and a ms4 cam. My question is what are your thoughts on this setup and choice in camshaft. He seemed like a really honest guy and suggested I just stick with the basic package as everything else is pretty much overkill and a waste of money in my case. This is possibly one of the only times ive seen a company try to save me money. I'm not looking for a race car just dont want to regret not going big and doing it right the first time

Chaos07

The MS4 is going to be pretty tame in the 408 since the cubes are bigger but you will still have plenty of power there. Im pretty much going to use the same setup on my 408 for my dream build just the cam choice has me thinking on what to get.

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Yea I've never owned an ms4, but I would think you would want a cam that maximizes those big block cubes' bottom end grunt. Maybe the ms4 does that in a bigger engine, but I don't think it would give a pancake torque curve that would be great!

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I'd go with the aluminum based version of that motor.

johnny89345

iTrader: (1)

The iron lq9 is cheaper and a direct bolt in pretty much. The aluminum ls1 can only go as big as 383 and any other style block will be too much cash and time to swap. Plus the iron is soo much stronger and only like 60 lbs heavier. Pros really outweigh the cons. Also I found this exact setup in a gto putting out 500 rwhp on YouTube so it seems pretty nasty just cant get an idling sound clip

Sales1@Texas-speed

johnny89345 if you have some other questions or would like to discuss any other options give me a call, Ill be happy to help you.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

I have never seen anything what so ever to be concerned about an aluminum block on any street NA build. This isn't a POS Ford 302 we are talking about...

I think the consensus is that it's closer to 80lbs heavier and it's on the nose of the car.

But you are correct the iron is cheaper and that might still be enough to be the deciding factor.

Sommer86

iTrader: (46)

That build is almost the same build I'm doing on my own. I'm doing an iron 402 with a custom grind Tony Mamo cam thats a hair bigger than an MS4. you're going to fine with that build. And it'll be a great daily driver too.

keith102371

iTrader: (20)

bare block weights
LS1/LS6: 106lbs

LS2: 107lbs

LS3:/L92: 106lbs

LQ4 6.0: 209lbs!

396 BBC: 193lbs

And SWEET car Sommer

Sommer86

iTrader: (46)

Thanks man!! But I've seen a similar list but the LQ block was only about 61lbs. heavier than the LS1, like the OP posted.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

MS4 has LSK lobes. Not the best for set it and forget it technology. See if they can grind you a custom LSL/LXL lobe with similar specs, like a 239/244 LSL/LXL 114+3. It'll make the same power but be easier on springs and make less valvetrain noise.

speedtigger

iTrader: (16)

Another guy on here weighed some blocks he had in his shop himself and came up with a 120 pound difference between aluminum and cast iron blocks.

Canada

iTrader: (2)

Talk to Aaron, he goes above and beyond to get you set up straight. We had some hiccups with mine and wasn't even their fault on some and he made it right. I wouldn't talk to anyone else but him there. Stand up guy and b/c of him I've got a great motor sitting on an engine stand waiting to go in my GTO.

Sommer86

iTrader: (46)

Nice cam choice. My custom spec'd one is a 239/242 on a 114+1

Giddswat

iTrader: (13)

I would think if it`s a street car, the extra weight of the iron block is not that important. I just had a lq 408 installed in my car and it made almost no difference in how the car drove, except for the fun factor of the extra HP & TQ.

Mazzenger

iTrader: (5)

I think the iron 408 and PRC 237cc heads are a good choice. I am not sure on the MS4.
I might be inclined to have a custom one made to suit your needs.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

105+ pounds different and that's a fact. Aluminum version (LS2) goes to 4++ c.i. and is a direct bolt in too Johnny-whatever above

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

No difference in dropping and ls2 vs lq based motor in an fbody.

Both can make 4xx c.i. motors.

Iron blocks are roughly 105-115#s heavier. Decide how much 10rwhp is worth to you and if the price difference is less than that, go aluminum.. If the price difference is more, go iron.

I personally would go a completely different route with a 408 build.

What was the shortblock price?

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

It was explained to me like this.......roughly 100 pounds of dead weight as an example. When you are serious enough about performance that you are looking into built motors you'll understand that there comes a point where losing weight is cheaper then gaining hp for going fast and OVERALL vehicle performance. If you're gonna drop the engine in and forget about it, then go iron. For overall vehicle performance seriously consider aluminum. Lets say you add the iron block, then decide later down the road you want the car quicker and realize your car is a little bloated around the waistline. Lets take some weight off.....lightweight carpet, delete airbags, reduce interior, delete AC, add tubular k member, tubular bumper supports etc etc. What amount of A. money or B. civility of your car have you given up to get that 100 pounds back? When you start buying stuff like $500 k members that save 25 pounds or $500 bumper supports that save 40 pounds, that 100 pounds you added now starts to get more relevant.

speedtigger

iTrader: (16)

Well, in this case we know exactly what the gain and cost is. The gain is about a tenth and one MPH and the cost is an additional $500 to $800 depending on where you buy the block.