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395ci LS Build
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Teching In
Joined: Dec 2018
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From: Texas
395ci LS Build Hi everybody I am new here so thanks for having me. I am here because I am starting a new project and i am wanting to build a 395ci iron block. I got this from the TSP website so it seems like a no brainier with all the sizes listed for you. Has anyone built this engine before? 3.903" bore, 4.125" stroke, 6.125" rods? Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome.
If the choice is spending ~$4,400 to $4,600 on a TSP 395 with a 3.903 bore or $4,700 to $5,000 on a TSP 408 with a 4.030 bore, I'm going to save the extra $300 to $800 dollars and go with the 4 inch+ bore every time. Bigger tends to breath better in most cases, easier to fit bigger valves etc, more cubes given same stroke crank etc.
Last edited by 99 Black Bird T/A; May 14, 2019 at 03:22 PM.
If the choice is spending ~$4,400 to $4,600 on a TSP 395 with a 3.903 bore or $4,700 to $5,000 on a TSP 408 with a 4.030 bore, I'm going to save the extra $300 to $800 dollars and go with the 4 inch+ bore every time. Bigger tends to breath better in most cases, easier to fit bigger valves etc, more cubes given same stroke crank etc.
Monkey, you will likely be better off going with a supercharger or turbo, after the dust settles.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2018
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From: Texas
Scott your right about the turbo or supercharger being the easier choice. And i thought about going that way. Leave the bottom end stock, new heads, intake and fuel system with a ProCharger. Probably about the same cost in the end.
All good advice above, plus I'd rather run a 4" crank over a 4.125 in a GM block. 408 sounds better in all directions.
And on the blower being a similar cost, it should be, but you'll have a lot more power and if you pop the bottom end you can grab another used bottom end cheap and slap it in. I've always loved beating on stock bottom ends for that reason.
And on the blower being a similar cost, it should be, but you'll have a lot more power and if you pop the bottom end you can grab another used bottom end cheap and slap it in. I've always loved beating on stock bottom ends for that reason.
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I had a 5.7 based 395ci (3.915 x 4.100) with a 6.100 rod. It made 500/500 w/243's and lasted 20k miles but if I could do that combo over again I'd just do a 4" bore motor......which I later did with a 408 & cathedrals and made 565rwhp. I've got a few old build posts in the dyno or Gen III or IV section, just search my name
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Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I had a 5.7 based 395ci (3.915 x 4.100) with a 6.100 rod. It made 500/500 w/243's and lasted 20k miles but if I could do that combo over again I'd just do a 4" bore motor......which I later did with a 408 & cathedrals and made 565rwhp. I've got a few old build posts in the dyno or Gen III or IV section, just search my name