Upgrade to LS3 or build LS1?
Upgrade to LS3 or build LS1? Not sure if this is the best place to put this question. Sorry in advance if not.
I've just started driving my 73 240Z with a LS1 swap. I used a 98 Trans am donor Engine, Trans, wiring and computer. Before I put it in a replaced the cam, valve springs with Z06 parts and did a LS6 intake. The car is somewhat quick. Weight is around 2400#. Using the car on the street and driving schools. So the issue is do I start collecting parts to upgrade the LS1 OR Jump up to the next generation stuff? I always need a project.
Are most people happy with there LS1 or LS2's after they do heads and cams... Or wish they just spent that money on a LS3 build.
I've just started driving my 73 240Z with a LS1 swap. I used a 98 Trans am donor Engine, Trans, wiring and computer. Before I put it in a replaced the cam, valve springs with Z06 parts and did a LS6 intake. The car is somewhat quick. Weight is around 2400#. Using the car on the street and driving schools. So the issue is do I start collecting parts to upgrade the LS1 OR Jump up to the next generation stuff? I always need a project.
Are most people happy with there LS1 or LS2's after they do heads and cams... Or wish they just spent that money on a LS3 build.
Staging Lane
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Mobile, AL
How much are you willing to spend. You already have the LS1 in the car. Seems to me modding it would be a good option.
What are your end goals? If you are wanting a 500whp NA build then go with the LS3.
What are your end goals? If you are wanting a 500whp NA build then go with the LS3.
I don't have a power number in mind. I just know I'm already looking for the next project for the car. And ready for some more power. And I got thinking if I'm going to buy heads why not do it for a bigger motor.
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Brett Foote
While my objective was a little different than yours, I wound up with a 416 LS3. Now, that's only the case because my LS1 has a bunch of miles in it and I planned to replace that motor with a low mileage short block. By the time I figured the cost of buying another LS1, then doing H/C/I to it, it didn't make sense for me not to go with the LS3 as my foundation. However, if I was confident that my LS1 still had lots of life left, I would have used it. Like everyone else is saying, your end goal will be the deciding factor. But if I were you, wanted 450ish reliable hp, and the LS1 you have now is in tip-top shape, I'd stay with what you have. All that power in a 2400 lbs car HAS to be a handful as it sits.
The LS1 in the car now is in good shape. I was told it had around 80K miles on it. I replaced the rod bolts, timing chain and oil pump with the other items listed above before I put it in the car. Still had the honing marks on the cylinders. It doesn't smoke or burn oil. Not really sure how much power it is putting down.
Maybe I should find a good set of heads that would work nice on both the LS1 and a Ls2 bottom. That way I can use them with the bigger motor down the road. If I need more power.
Maybe I should find a good set of heads that would work nice on both the LS1 and a Ls2 bottom. That way I can use them with the bigger motor down the road. If I need more power.
Yeah, with all that preventative stuff you did prior to install it should be ready for whatever you've got in mind. For the same money as it would take to swap in an LS3, you could toss a pretty nice top end on what you've got and make more power. Either way it's going to be pretty wicked.
Depends how fast you wanna go.
My mild H/C/I FRC trapped mid 120's on street tires. Yours is much lighter...will go 130+.
I just had a 226/230 114 cam,AI 799 heads and a fast 90. Going to an LS3 gives you the advantage of having more head options due to the bigger bore, but in the end a maxed out ls3 is going to make only 40-50 more hp over a maxed out ls1. If your short block is in good running order, I say stick with that.
My mild H/C/I FRC trapped mid 120's on street tires. Yours is much lighter...will go 130+.
I just had a 226/230 114 cam,AI 799 heads and a fast 90. Going to an LS3 gives you the advantage of having more head options due to the bigger bore, but in the end a maxed out ls3 is going to make only 40-50 more hp over a maxed out ls1. If your short block is in good running order, I say stick with that.
I'd like to keep the build under 5K. Really just thinking about collecting parts for now. I don't have much money in aftermarket parts on the LS1. If I'm going to buy stuff should I buy for what I have or make the step up.
