if i was to build a new motor and could not get greedy and keep upgraging a 408 iron with some ported 243's or a 418 with some ported 821's would be my choice. if for sure going fi just get an ls6 intake for 408,ls3 intake for 418, and save 1k for the fi build. build them both around 10:0 - 10:5 scr and go ahead and install your turbo or supercharger cam and either should have no problem making 450 rw . just my $.02
if you aren't in a bad hurry you can probably shop around and find some good deals on some used parts to save $ and just build it as you get enough funds.

 

I would opt for the LS3 heads and intake for the 408 too.

 

LS1 408 $1,000 in machine work total.. it's not as much to re sleeve a ls1 as you think, and any machine shop that knows what they are doing can do this job.. I love when how people throw all these big names around like they are the only place to have a job like this done, or you will end up with some crap engine that will blow up in 500 miles

 

You have to figure in the cost of the sleeves. Plus install, boring etc can easily run you $2500 to resleeve an LS1 block. That would make absolutely no sense imo when you can just pick up an iron block for much cheaper. Unless you're set on sticking with the LS1 block, I see no purpose.

 

$1,000 was the total for all of the block work, new sleeves, cam bearings, and clearance for the stroker kit

 

What sleeves? Have you got it running yet?

The Darton 5.80" sleeves are almost $1000 by themselves.

 

Not sure how much it is to sleeve a LS1... but what I am sure of its 1950 to sleeve a aluminum 5.3 block by R.E.D...... that's you sending them a block.

 

yeah its been running for about 3 months at this point, and just over 1500 street miles so far.. I have no concerns with it at all

 

Same machine shop that did the machine work on my block build a 427 ls1 for a friend of mine and it has roughly 35k on it now also, he spent a little more money than I did there because he had them assemble his engine. .

 

where at? Sign me up

 

Do you know what kind of sleeves they're using?

 

Unfortunately I do not, I can ask them the next time I go in there

 

Give us a call when you have time to chat. I think thats the best way to get you a combo to meet your needs. I personally really like 408 strokers, but it really depends on what your goals and uses are.

What I can tell you is we will build whatever you want, or if your in a hurry we have 10+ short blocks in stock!!!

Jason
Texas Speed