I'm sure it's been debated plenty of times but the search button isn't working for me right now. So here goes...

My LS1 in my car decided it was time to retire so I'm considering my options now. Keep in mind I'm trying to keep this as budget friendly as possible.

My goal for the car is to be a weekend fun car that will occasionally see some track use. I really like a wide power band rather than something I have to spin to 3500 for it to wake up. I plan on using a tick torquemax stage 3 cam along with some PRC stage 1 243s and LS6 intake(yeah yeah I know it should be a FAST). With 1 7/8" headers into ORY. Transmission is a T56 with an LS7 clutch. I also have nitrous in the car but I do not expect to go any more than a 150 shot and that's a Big maybe, I'll probably keep it at 100. Car also has 12 bolt rear and 4.11 gears.

So what do you guys think? Refresh the LQ4 or keep it ls1 and call it a day? Will the 6.0 really make that much more power? I'm sure I'm forgetting other details but that's the majority of it...

 

I have mods very similar to yours, and when my LS1 blew up, I went with a forged LQ9 from TMS. It was the best option for me at the time. Is your LS1 block damaged in any way?

 

Doesn't seem to be. One piston has a small piece of the skirt missing but it didn't scratch the cylinder wall when it happened. Also lost oil pressure but I can't find from where unless it was a bad sensor or cam bearing.

 

It really just depends on your time and budget. For me it was easier to just sell my LS1 block, and get a new one that was balanced and blueprinted with a warranty

 

Well honestly I have a friend offering me a 60k mile shortblock for 550... it'll definitely be more to rebuild the 6.0 but if it'll make more power and have a nicer torque curve it might be worth it in the long run. The 6.0 I have would need to be cleaned,checked, and new bearings/rings installed

 

Which engine do you prefer? Driveablility, powerband?

 

Well here's the thing you need to know. If you use the same top end on the 5.7 and 6.0, and have all else the same, you will make about the same peak power, but have a little more torque down low with the 6.0. I do like the stronger torque from the LQ9, but since the HCI is the same it's really not much different

 

That's kinda what I'm thinking... plus it weighs 100 lbs more. So it kinda evens out

 

Exactly. If it's just a weekend cruiser/summer toy kind of thing you'll never feel that extra 100 lbs, but a pure track car then sure maybe a little bit

 

Well shoot.. decisions decisions....

 

I know the feeling lol. What mods are on the car now?

 

Other than what is listed above it had hand ported and milled 243s with a BTR Stage 3 cam in a rebuilt LS1.

 

Gotcha. I don't know your budget, but if it were me id sell the LS1 block, and get a forged 6.0 from TMS or TSP. This will come fully balanced and with a warranty. Now you will have a bulletproof motor that can take anything you throw at it down the road. That's just my opinion. Btw, what 12 bolt do you have? Any issues? I need to upgrade from my puny 10 bolt, an am seriously considering a 12 bolt from DTS. They are local to me, so that's a real bonus

 

I really don't even know where or who it's from. Came with the car when I bought it.

 

I see. I'm really just more curious if it's help up fine with no issues

 

Yeah so far so good. It's been a whiner since I got it but slicks and 4-5k clutch dumps and it's still ok

 

See that's I hear all the time. That they whine after a few hard launches. And it seems to be centered around the M6 guys making some power with hard launches. Just one of those things where if I'm spending 2-3k I want it to last a good long time lol. Know what I mean?

 

Definitely, it's actually one of the main reasons I bought the car. I know I wouldn't spend any money on a rear and this one had it so even better.

 

I would check with WS6 STORE and see if the still offer their stock 24x reluctor LS3 short block for ~$2800. This will get you 376 CID at the same weight as the LS1 block. Thompson probably offer something similar too. Lingenfelter as well. Selling the other party could help off set the cost.

 

That's not a bad price for the LS3. I was just on their site and didn't see it. If there's not much power difference between using a 6.0(stock bore/stroke) and a 5.7 then I might as well stick to the 5.7 instead of rebuilding the 6.0 i got. I can get a 60k shortblock for 550.