Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Advice for LS1 Build

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 1, 2016 | 10:18 PM
  #1  
elcapetan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Default Advice for LS1 Build

I'm looking for some advice on where to go with my LS1 build.

To start off with it is a swap car, (1996 BMW M3) so SC/turbo is not out of the question, but would be difficult considering the space available as well as the amount of custom parts I would need. So I am leaning towards going all motor. The car has a t56 trans with a 4.27 LSD rear end.

Recently the car made 376 rwhp/370 tq with the following mods.

Intake
Long tube headers
dual 3 in exhaust to single 3 in
unknown spec cam
HP tuners mail in tune


Since then I have installed a FAST 102mm intake manifold and 102 mm TB.
I've thought about just doing just heads and cam to shoot for 500 hp. I have also thought about just doing an all out build going to 383 ci.

I want it to be streetable but be able to take it to the drag strip and circuit tracks.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2016 | 04:27 AM
  #2  
BlackedOut LS1's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 304
Likes: 9
From: New Orleans
Default

Man i'm no expert but I don't know if 500 rwhp (i'm assuming) is attainable and be streetable for a 350 ci LS1. I made 430 RWHP with my setup in an auto, that might be more like 445-450 in a manual. You'll need a big *** cam, and at least 243's worked by AI, or TEA.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2016 | 07:21 AM
  #3  
Darth_V8r's Avatar
Moderator
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 10,450
Likes: 1,873
From: My own internal universe
Default

Originally Posted by BlackedOut LS1
Man i'm no expert but I don't know if 500 rwhp (i'm assuming) is attainable and be streetable for a 350 ci LS1. I made 430 RWHP with my setup in an auto, that might be more like 445-450 in a manual. You'll need a big *** cam, and at least 243's worked by AI, or TEA.
It's achievable and can be done street able. But it takes a different approach than porting out 243 heads to 232cc and going with a 242/246 cam and all supporting mods.

You need the best after market heads you can get, short travel hydraulic or low lash solid lifters, a hellified intake, 1-7/8" headers, X-pipe and dual exhaust, and anything you can do to take load off the motor, such as light clutch, under drive pulley, electric water pump. And you have to pay attention to every single detail.

It's far more expensive, and very worth it. Check out 5-liter-eaters thread. By the time the tuning is done and a proper dyno, he will be close to 450 RWHP on a stalled auto with a 227 cam with only 2 degrees overlap, 1-3/4 headers, and still some room to take load off the motor.

Imagine where he would be with a manual, light clutch, 1-7/8 headers, electric water pump, electric steering pump....
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2016 | 07:47 AM
  #4  
BlackedOut LS1's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 304
Likes: 9
From: New Orleans
Default

Well there you have it, you've already got the intake and the manual trans, just give Tony a shout and make it happen. Just be prepared to shell out some serious cash.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2016 | 07:49 AM
  #5  
kinglt-1's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (26)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,898
Likes: 255
From: Ft. Wayne, IN
Default

5litre setup made 42x with the converter locked. I agree 440-450whp is not out of the relm with the little things addressed but locked converter numbers are equal to M6 numbers...but I do not put much stock in dyno numbers anyway. They are like the Gtech I use on the street, good for measuring performance gains and tuning, but the overall number is not accurate for comparing on the internet. I have seen 480whp LS1's trap 119, and 440whp LS1's trap over 120. Too many variables to worry about some arbitrary peak number.

That being said, I do think a mamo top end is going to net the most power out of a LS1 while retaining great Street manners. The guy knows his stuff.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:33 PM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE