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Old Oct 14, 2016 | 07:05 PM
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Hey guys.

wondering if I'm wasting time here have my 2002 LS1 out of a vette I'm wondering what a stock bottom end is good for and what anyone suggests. I'm planning out my LSA swap too it and I was going to refresh the bottom end with all new parts NOW the real question is would I be spending as much money making it capable to hold 600 horse as it would be to possibly go LS3?

I plan to run a 219/237 cam and do roller rockers BUT should I be looking into LS6 heads ? What does everyone suggest, this is for a drift car not a straight line car so I need to be able to withstand high RPMS for a fair period of time. I have my adapter brackets etc etc for the charger and I'm basically caught up for anything else ALSO thinking about running A meth setup to keep everything cool. I just want some power advice. Is 600 out of range ? What's everyone's ideas !
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 06:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Alecjames0x31


Hey guys.

wondering if I'm wasting time here have my 2002 LS1 out of a vette I'm wondering what a stock bottom end is good for and what anyone suggests. I'm planning out my LSA swap too it and I was going to refresh the bottom end with all new parts NOW the real question is would I be spending as much money making it capable to hold 600 horse as it would be to possibly go LS3?

I plan to run a 219/237 cam and do roller rockers BUT should I be looking into LS6 heads ? What does everyone suggest, this is for a drift car not a straight line car so I need to be able to withstand high RPMS for a fair period of time. I have my adapter brackets etc etc for the charger and I'm basically caught up for anything else ALSO thinking about running A meth setup to keep everything cool. I just want some power advice. Is 600 out of range ? What's everyone's ideas !
Are you wanting an actual LS1?

If you want an LSA blower, get a 6.0. Find one with floating pin rods/pistons, 04 and up. Put on LS3 heads, bolt on LSA blower. Those rods and pistons will take more than that blower or the LS9 blower will ever be able to make.
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by JoeNova
Are you wanting an actual LS1?

If you want an LSA blower, get a 6.0. Find one with floating pin rods/pistons, 04 and up. Put on LS3 heads, bolt on LSA blower. Those rods and pistons will take more than that blower or the LS9 blower will ever be able to make.
☝☝ I would do this
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by JoeNova
Are you wanting an actual LS1?

If you want an LSA blower, get a 6.0. Find one with floating pin rods/pistons, 04 and up. Put on LS3 heads, bolt on LSA blower. Those rods and pistons will take more than that blower or the LS9 blower will ever be able to make.


The only reason I'm wanting aluminum block is the weight and yes I have the LS1 already but if the 6L is going to be the easier option they are everywhere here so it's not hard to find I just want to make sure I'm going in the right direction. I was also processing LS3 but the prices shot up on those a ridiculous amount. So would you suggest selling the LS1 and going 6L and LQ4 for the lower compression for LQ9? For the high output
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 07:51 PM
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The LSA blower won't bolt to LS1 heads. You'll need adapters.

The 6.0 can use rectangle port heads like the LS3 heads, which flow 320 CFM and the LSA blower bolts straight to them.

Not to mention, the 6.0 has a stronger block and if you get it with floating pin rods, is damn near indestructible.
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 01:30 AM
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A naturally aspirated LS1 is more than enough for that little thing + drifting. Cam it and tune it and you'll be effortlessly spinning 3rd-4th. If you still think you'll need more power than that, get some heads for it too.

I originally put my stock-ish non-tuned LS1 in my ex-2800lb-ish car with a T56 and 235's on the rear and it was all over the place in 3rd. I just had LT headers, 20% underdrive harmonic balancer, no P/S, no A/C, pod filter, lightened flywheel / aftermarket clutch, 4.11's then 3.73's.. and it was epic.
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by ChevFTW
A naturally aspirated LS1 is more than enough for that little thing + drifting. Cam it and tune it and you'll be effortlessly spinning 3rd-4th. If you still think you'll need more power than that, get some heads for it too.

I originally put my stock-ish non-tuned LS1 in my ex-2800lb-ish car with a T56 and 235's on the rear and it was all over the place in 3rd. I just had LT headers, 20% underdrive harmonic balancer, no P/S, no A/C, pod filter, lightened flywheel / aftermarket clutch, 4.11's then 3.73's.. and it was epic.
Unfortunately with spinning you aren't winning haha, same goes in drifting you need grip to lose grip ill be running a 285ish and for competition season ill need around 700 to keep up which is why I'm trying to find the best route.
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 01:54 PM
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Hey Joe thanks for the info, now it would be an LQ4 and not an LQ9 that I would want correct? if I came across a cheap LS3 would that also be a good plan? I will for sure be on the lookout now for a 6L and posting my LS1 for sale here in Ontario hopefully a buyer comes easily enough.

With a 6L should I upgrade anything in the bottom end is there any weak points while its out of the car on a bench? I was thinking a small cam and while being in there refreshing it with rings and bearings.
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