What motor to build for street action
09-14-2017, 03:26 PM
#1
What motor to build for street action Hey guys. I thought I had things all figured out, but I find myself at a crossroad...
My original plan was to do my stock 4.8 swap in my 86 Camaro until I build my 6.0 shortblock then swap everything over with worked heads,cam,intake,etc...
Well, I came across a deal on a complete 5.3 engine. So now I have a 4.8 & 5.3 engine. No problem there.
Now Im wondering should I dissemble one of the blocks (4.8/5.3)and bore it out to a ls1 with a 4" stroke making it a 383 since I already have a block for it. Shall I continue with buying a 6.0 basic shortblock, or get a 6.0 and turn it into a 408?
My ultimate goal was I wanted something that I could outrun the new cars (camaro,mustangs,challengers,vette,etc...)
Something I could daily drive if I wanted to, I guess about 550 flywheel hp. I am not intetested in flycutting pistons though...
The guy that I bought the 5.3 from is a mechanic, and actually began helping me rebuild my 4l60e for free.. I know I will need to upgrade to a 4l80e,rear end,etc... eventually... So no problem there...
What you guys think?
My original plan was to do my stock 4.8 swap in my 86 Camaro until I build my 6.0 shortblock then swap everything over with worked heads,cam,intake,etc...
Well, I came across a deal on a complete 5.3 engine. So now I have a 4.8 & 5.3 engine. No problem there.
Now Im wondering should I dissemble one of the blocks (4.8/5.3)and bore it out to a ls1 with a 4" stroke making it a 383 since I already have a block for it. Shall I continue with buying a 6.0 basic shortblock, or get a 6.0 and turn it into a 408?
My ultimate goal was I wanted something that I could outrun the new cars (camaro,mustangs,challengers,vette,etc...)
Something I could daily drive if I wanted to, I guess about 550 flywheel hp. I am not intetested in flycutting pistons though...
The guy that I bought the 5.3 from is a mechanic, and actually began helping me rebuild my 4l60e for free.. I know I will need to upgrade to a 4l80e,rear end,etc... eventually... So no problem there...
What you guys think?
Last edited by 86CAMARO400HP; 09-14-2017 at 03:30 PM. Reason: Adding
09-14-2017, 03:53 PM
#2
TECH Senior Member
If you are looking for 550 flywheel, go with a 6.0 if you are going naturally aspirated (no substitute for cubes...), or go ahead and turbo the 5.3 without other mods unless it needs going thru.
09-14-2017, 04:09 PM
#3
Neither engines will be daily driveable when pushing 550 crank. With ls6 heads, high lift middle duration cam, headers and such, you will be looking at 420ish naturally aspirated. Nothing to scoff at. Especially with good tires, gear and converter. That's if you want a "stock like" driving car. Otherwise you can make big numbers with a turbo and a little 50 shot of sauce on top. You can get a turbo setup done for around 8k+ and thats with the fueling system all all the little things needed to make it work correctly . It will make 550 tire when crusing roasting tires or 800 when your serious. If this is just a little project car, I think you will be happy with a mild NA build making 370-380 tire with a fat torque curve. Still get over 20mpg too.
09-14-2017, 04:13 PM
#4
One advantage you have with the 86 Camaro is weight.
A built 6.0 will make you competitive with those cars you mentioned in stock form. Some will still be faster. Vettes, Hellcats, ZL1, etc.
If you want to be competitive with the higher end cars, go turbo--it's only getting easier and more affordable these days, especially in common platforms like the Camaro. If the 6.0 is in good shape, run it with a turbo cam and springs and a 78mm turbo and you'll have plenty of power. You can skip the expensive heads, intake manifolds, and shiny hardware. The stock LS blocks can take a lot of power, and they're cheap enough to either repair or replace should something go wrong.
A built 6.0 will make you competitive with those cars you mentioned in stock form. Some will still be faster. Vettes, Hellcats, ZL1, etc.
If you want to be competitive with the higher end cars, go turbo--it's only getting easier and more affordable these days, especially in common platforms like the Camaro. If the 6.0 is in good shape, run it with a turbo cam and springs and a 78mm turbo and you'll have plenty of power. You can skip the expensive heads, intake manifolds, and shiny hardware. The stock LS blocks can take a lot of power, and they're cheap enough to either repair or replace should something go wrong.
09-14-2017, 05:02 PM
#6
5.3 stock made 353 http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ls-cam-test-comparison/
These motors can easily be driven daily with a lot higher power output than that. Many people have proved it.
So you're goal isn't crazy or hard to obtain.
In my opinion the best bottom end option (bang for buck) is a 6.0 bored to 4.065 with some $300 OEM stock replacement LS3 pistons, they are plenty strong enough, people crank out way over you power goal on stock LS3 bottom ends. Not sure which rods you need for those pistons though, surely a stock rod from one of the motors will work fine. Then you have a low cost 6.2 and with some decent stock heads and a decent stock intake and a cam you'll easily be near that 500+ (550 ish?) flywheel and dependable. Just don't go crazy on the cam size, go with something big enough that will also be easy on the springs, no crazy cam profile needed.
But if you have the money slap some good heads and intake on it and make plenty more.
Or slap either motor you have into it and assemble your own turbo kit and *** rape the newer cars you're interested in beating.
Last edited by 00pooterSS; 09-14-2017 at 05:10 PM.
09-14-2017, 06:28 PM
#7
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In general, I'd say buy as many cubes as your short block budget allows. For example, if you've set aside $3500 for the short block, then check everywhere and see what you can get for $3500. Also see what you can get with slight budget stretch.
Example -- TSP 370 LQ9 short block is 3700. For $500 more you can get a 408. Then, just do your top end to suit.
A 408 with LS3 heads and a moderate cam would be great for a street machine. As would a cam only 6.2 as pooter described
Example -- TSP 370 LQ9 short block is 3700. For $500 more you can get a 408. Then, just do your top end to suit.
A 408 with LS3 heads and a moderate cam would be great for a street machine. As would a cam only 6.2 as pooter described
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09-15-2017, 01:52 PM
#8
A stock bottom 6.0 will be perfectly fine for 450HP at the crank--no need to bore, swap pistons, etc. A nice set of heads, mild cam, intake and exhaust on a 6.0 will get you to your goal. Most people here discuss power levels at the wheel as they would be measured on a dyno.
09-15-2017, 02:49 PM
#9
A stock bottom 6.0 will be perfectly fine for 450HP at the crank--no need to bore, swap pistons, etc. A nice set of heads, mild cam, intake and exhaust on a 6.0 will get you to your goal. Most people here discuss power levels at the wheel as they would be measured on a dyno.
09-15-2017, 05:26 PM
#11
The 383 LS1 will do most what you describe wanting to do with good heads, decent cam. ZL1's, Hellcat etc will be too much for the 383 LS1 without a power adder.
My 91 RS basically has a 383 LS1 that's set up with a small cam and drives like stock. 465 hp @ wheels - and this is with parts that were obsolete over ten years ago. I can daily drive if I want and get 24-27 mpg on 1300 mile trips. I'm happy with NA. However, there are a lot of my friends that think my RS needs at least a magna charger. They feel like if your not putting at 700+ hp down at wheels your wasting your time and money.
The best hp for the $ will be using your complete 5.3 and adding a turbo.
My 91 RS basically has a 383 LS1 that's set up with a small cam and drives like stock. 465 hp @ wheels - and this is with parts that were obsolete over ten years ago. I can daily drive if I want and get 24-27 mpg on 1300 mile trips. I'm happy with NA. However, there are a lot of my friends that think my RS needs at least a magna charger. They feel like if your not putting at 700+ hp down at wheels your wasting your time and money.
The best hp for the $ will be using your complete 5.3 and adding a turbo.
09-16-2017, 06:18 AM
#12
The 383 LS1 will do most what you describe wanting to do with good heads, decent cam. ZL1's, Hellcat etc will be too much for the 383 LS1 without a power adder.
My 91 RS basically has a 383 LS1 that's set up with a small cam and drives like stock. 465 hp @ wheels - and this is with parts that were obsolete over ten years ago. I can daily drive if I want and get 24-27 mpg on 1300 mile trips. I'm happy with NA. However, there are a lot of my friends that think my RS needs at least a magna charger. They feel like if your not putting at 700+ hp down at wheels your wasting your time and money.
The best hp for the $ will be using your complete 5.3 and adding a turbo.
My 91 RS basically has a 383 LS1 that's set up with a small cam and drives like stock. 465 hp @ wheels - and this is with parts that were obsolete over ten years ago. I can daily drive if I want and get 24-27 mpg on 1300 mile trips. I'm happy with NA. However, there are a lot of my friends that think my RS needs at least a magna charger. They feel like if your not putting at 700+ hp down at wheels your wasting your time and money.
The best hp for the $ will be using your complete 5.3 and adding a turbo.
Sweet. I was looking into doing a 383 since I already had the block.. I would have to dissemble and bring to machine shop . Guy wanted like $570 to clean,bore,paint, and install bearings I provided. Boring would be with torque plate also. Then I would have to pay all that money for the 4" crank... It adds up I guess.. But, 465hp @ wheels should be like 540 hp @ flywheel I think. Sweet..
I can do the 5.3 with turbo , but I heard turbo charging gets expensive...
I've been wanting to do a 6.0, but they want an arm and leg for them.. Trying to locate at least a decent block. I believe this is the way I would go. More bang for buck I guess...
09-18-2017, 05:22 PM
#13
Sweet. I was looking into doing a 383 since I already had the block.. I would have to dissemble and bring to machine shop . Guy wanted like $570 to clean,bore,paint, and install bearings I provided. Boring would be with torque plate also. Then I would have to pay all that money for the 4" crank... It adds up I guess.. But, 465hp @ wheels should be like 540 hp @ flywheel I think. Sweet..
I can do the 5.3 with turbo , but I heard turbo charging gets expensive...
I've been wanting to do a 6.0, but they want an arm and leg for them.. Trying to locate at least a decent block. I believe this is the way I would go. More bang for buck I guess...
I can do the 5.3 with turbo , but I heard turbo charging gets expensive...
I've been wanting to do a 6.0, but they want an arm and leg for them.. Trying to locate at least a decent block. I believe this is the way I would go. More bang for buck I guess...
09-20-2017, 09:08 AM
#14
The 383 LS1 will do most what you describe wanting to do with good heads, decent cam. ZL1's, Hellcat etc will be too much for the 383 LS1 without a power adder.
My 91 RS basically has a 383 LS1 that's set up with a small cam and drives like stock. 465 hp @ wheels - and this is with parts that were obsolete over ten years ago. I can daily drive if I want and get 24-27 mpg on 1300 mile trips. I'm happy with NA. However, there are a lot of my friends that think my RS needs at least a magna charger. They feel like if your not putting at 700+ hp down at wheels your wasting your time and money.
The best hp for the $ will be using your complete 5.3 and adding a turbo.
My 91 RS basically has a 383 LS1 that's set up with a small cam and drives like stock. 465 hp @ wheels - and this is with parts that were obsolete over ten years ago. I can daily drive if I want and get 24-27 mpg on 1300 mile trips. I'm happy with NA. However, there are a lot of my friends that think my RS needs at least a magna charger. They feel like if your not putting at 700+ hp down at wheels your wasting your time and money.
The best hp for the $ will be using your complete 5.3 and adding a turbo.
