LS7 cam in a LS1
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 334
From: Wilmington, De
Man, when I brought up sticking the exact same 4" crank in a 4.8/5.3 block, to make it 359ci of displacement, everyone came out of the woodwork to tell me why stroking a motor is pointless without airflow. People were quoting engine builders, I think someone even posted a link to an article, saying how increasing stroke is the absolute worst value (hp/dollar) for increasing power.
And the heads I brought up to use on the undersquare 359 outflow stock 243's, even on the small bore.
But suddenly there's support for stroking an ls1 using stock 243 heads... umm? Whatever.
And the heads I brought up to use on the undersquare 359 outflow stock 243's, even on the small bore.
But suddenly there's support for stroking an ls1 using stock 243 heads... umm? Whatever.
Doesn't it suck that one would have to choose between a stroker or heads.
If I had to choose between the two due to budgetary constraints, I would pick the stroker. Simply because it is easier to add heads to a stroker later than to add a stroker to heads.
Also, a stroker with a bigger cam will definitely squeeze more power out of your existing heads while you save up for the good stuff.
If I had to choose between the two due to budgetary constraints, I would pick the stroker. Simply because it is easier to add heads to a stroker later than to add a stroker to heads. Also, a stroker with a bigger cam will definitely squeeze more power out of your existing heads while you save up for the good stuff.^For once I agree with you ...it's ridiculous to suggest (by a mod no less) in a thread by someone who states is on a "very tight budget build" should be seriously considering a stroker kit on stock heads when theres much more gains to be had per dollar on a heads (and cam obviously). Yes, adding cubes alone adds some trap speed...but ported heads allowing superior airflow add a LOT more trap speed and are cheaper/easier/faster to install.
...it's ridiculous to suggest (by a mod no less) in a thread by someone who states is on a "very tight budget build" should be seriously considering a stroker kit on stock heads when theres much more gains to be had per dollar on a heads (and cam obviously). Yes, adding cubes alone adds some trap speed...but ported heads allowing superior airflow add a LOT more trap speed and are cheaper/easier/faster to install.How come nobody has tried this 383 stock 243 headed combo and there's no real world results if it's such a good idea? 
Could it be possible that ported heads are less expensive and more effective at making HP than spending thousands a forged stroker bottom end? 
Also I'm referring to LS1 gen IIIs....not sure how LS2's got dragged into this.
I agree the 383 will have more TQ and feel faster...but the better breathing 346 will eventually outflow (outrun) it!
Could it be possible that ported heads are less expensive and more effective at making HP than spending thousands a forged stroker bottom end? Also I'm referring to LS1 gen IIIs....not sure how LS2's got dragged into this. I agree the 383 will have more TQ and feel faster...but the better breathing 346 will eventually outflow (outrun) it!
So, to summarize what's going on, and clear up any confusion that may have been caused by the stroker debate...
You are staying stock displacement with a rebuilt shortblock, having advanced induction port your 243's, and installing the ls7 cam, with a fast 92, and 1.75" headers, correct?
You are staying stock displacement with a rebuilt shortblock, having advanced induction port your 243's, and installing the ls7 cam, with a fast 92, and 1.75" headers, correct?
It will be a good running car, either way though. I guess the plus of the LS7 is smooth drivability.
I agree with this. The heads are a good foundation for a build, but in a heads and cam package I would wager in general, you pick up more from the cam than the heads
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
ok guys i have a question, im at the point were i am ordering parts. i got pac 1218 valvesprings to support the cam, my question what size pushrods should i run, i heard stock is 7.400, others said 7.375. which is it?
