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

Should I do a 408 or 454?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 26, 2020 | 08:33 PM
  #1  
EmeraldFlame's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
Default Should I do a 408 or 454?

I have a bare 6.0 block I know its not a vette but I've always wanted to hop up a truck and i hate diesel always loved how gas engines sound its an 02 1500hd 4x4 I want it to get up and go I plan on staying naturally aspirated what would be the cost difference between doing a 454 lsx and a 408? Like 2k?
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2020 | 10:37 AM
  #2  
Bspeck82's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 442
Default

Originally Posted by EmeraldFlame
I have a bare 6.0 block I know its not a vette but I've always wanted to hop up a truck and i hate diesel always loved how gas engines sound its an 02 1500hd 4x4 I want it to get up and go I plan on staying naturally aspirated what would be the cost difference between doing a 454 lsx and a 408? Like 2k?
I would call texas speed, you can send it to texas speed and they can verify the integrity of the block, add sleeves, machine and hone and get it all ready for you. It will cost an extra few grand at a minimum to add all that bore. To get to a 408 all that is required is a hone to 4.030 and a 4" stroke. I would see if doing all this extra work is cost effective vs purchasing an aftermarket block.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2020 | 05:04 PM
  #3  
EmeraldFlame's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
Default

It's an iron block I already have tore down I just need it checked to make sure its good for sure
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2020 | 10:32 PM
  #4  
Ls7colorado's Avatar
TECH Addict
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 610
From: Henderson, TN
Default

whats your budget?
Why do you wanna stay N/A?

I would just and add an LSA blower to the 6.0 thats already in the truck if it was me
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 01:44 AM
  #5  
EmeraldFlame's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
Default

Originally Posted by Ls7colorado
whats your budget?
Why do you wanna stay N/A?

I would just and add an LSA blower to the 6.0 thats already in the truck if it was me
Just my bias I suppose the 6.0 in it is going to be used for something else actually i mean even a 408 with some afr 245s would be pretty stout wouldn't it?
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 07:06 AM
  #6  
99 Black Bird T/A's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,637
Likes: 1,499
Default

Originally Posted by EmeraldFlame
I have a bare 6.0 block I know its not a vette but I've always wanted to hop up a truck and i hate diesel always loved how gas engines sound its an 02 1500hd 4x4 I want it to get up and go I plan on staying naturally aspirated what would be the cost difference between doing a 454 lsx and a 408? Like 2k?
Depends on the vendor.

I've seen aluminum 402/408 LS2 short blocks for for $4,500 if you have a good LS2 block. Otherwise add cost if a block.

I've seen aluminum sleeved 454's for $7,500 which included a Gen IV block.

So between $2,000 to $3,000 difference depending.

While I'm a NA fan fir the coat the LSA Supercharger on the current 6.0 would be hard to beat hp per dollar. Given the weight of the typical full size truck, I'd want forced induction.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 08:14 AM
  #7  
Bspeck82's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 442
Default

Originally Posted by EmeraldFlame
Just my bias I suppose the 6.0 in it is going to be used for something else actually i mean even a 408 with some afr 245s would be pretty stout wouldn't it?
a well built 408 will scare you or your passengers if you haven't had anything like that before. Torque is amazing. I would not put a 245 on it though, for a truck.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 09:06 AM
  #8  
68Formula's Avatar
TECH Resident
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 936
Likes: 472
Default

Originally Posted by Bspeck82
a well built 408 will scare you or your passengers if you haven't had anything like that before. Torque is amazing. I would not put a 245 on it though, for a truck.
I'd probably do 230 for the 408, 245 for the 454 in a truck.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 09:12 AM
  #9  
Bspeck82's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 442
Default

Originally Posted by 68Formula
I'd probably do 230 for the 408, 245 for the 454 in a truck.
I'd put TFS 225 ls2 heads on it for a truck 408, or ported ls6 would work well as well. For a 454 I'd put a tfs 235 on it. For a truck I wouldnt concern myself with power above 5500rpm.

Last edited by Bspeck82; Sep 28, 2020 at 09:42 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 09:33 AM
  #10  
68Formula's Avatar
TECH Resident
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 936
Likes: 472
Default

Originally Posted by Bspeck82
I'd put TFS 225 ls2 heads on it for a truck 408, or ported ls6 would work well as well. For a 454 I'd put a tfs 235 on it. For a truck I wouldnt concern myself with power under 5500rpm.
I think you meant over 5500rpm?

But yea, really depends on how far up the power band he would even be pushing it. I've been working with a friend on a non-LS based build of a 408. He stressed low-end torque, not expecting to exceed 5500rpm and 87 octane. We're using AFR 195cc heads. Should peak around 525ft-lbs at ~4k and over 475hp flywheel with the chosen valvetrain components (custom spec-cam). The torque curve will be amazingly flat from 3000rpm to 5500rpm (should make as much as 450ft-lbs @ only 2500rpm) and it will still pull to 6k (hp will be virtually flat from 5500-6k).

Last edited by 68Formula; Sep 28, 2020 at 01:02 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 09:42 AM
  #11  
Bspeck82's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 442
Default

Originally Posted by 68Formula
I think you meant under 5500rpm?

But yea, really depends on how far up the power band he would even be pushing it. I've been working with a friend on a non-LS based build of a 408. He stressed low-end torque, not expecting to exceed 5500rpm and 87 octane. We're using AFR 195cc heads. Should peak around 525ft-lbs at ~4k and over 475hp flywheel with the chosen valvetrain components (custom spec-cam). The torque curve will be amazingly flat from 3000rpm to 5500rpm (should make as much as 450ft-lbs @ only 2500rpm) and it will still pull to 6k (hp will be virtually flat from 5500-6k).
I think we both meant above 5500rpm
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 11:32 AM
  #12  
68Formula's Avatar
TECH Resident
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 936
Likes: 472
Default

Originally Posted by Bspeck82
I think we both meant above 5500rpm
lol, yes we both did. Must be a Monday.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 03:58 PM
  #13  
EmeraldFlame's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
Default

Would some afr 230 ls and like a 219/228 cam be pretty good for a truck that big? If i go the 408 route
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 04:38 PM
  #14  
Bspeck82's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 442
Default

Originally Posted by EmeraldFlame
Would some afr 230 ls and like a 219/228 cam be pretty good for a truck that big? If i go the 408 route
So for AFR, if it was me I would get the AFR 215 heads and have them spec a cam for you, which would likely be smaller than what you suggested.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 05:32 PM
  #15  
Ls7colorado's Avatar
TECH Addict
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 610
From: Henderson, TN
Default

Again, whats the budget?
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 05:49 PM
  #16  
EmeraldFlame's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
Default

Originally Posted by Ls7colorado
Again, whats the budget?
7500 longblock not counting intake headers or other upgrades my trans is already upgraded and has a tru cool 20k and my transfer case is updated
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 09:14 PM
  #17  
Stampede4ever's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 28
Default

Not to hi-jack this thread, but what is a good crank to buy, and what would be be the price?

Thanks.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 10:18 PM
  #18  
EmeraldFlame's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
Default

Originally Posted by Stampede4ever
Not to hi-jack this thread, but what is a good crank to buy, and what would be be the price?

Thanks.
I plan on using this https://www.tickperformance.com/hot-...s-big-savings/
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2020 | 01:33 AM
  #19  
Bspeck82's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 442
Default

For 7500 you should be able to build you a stout 408. You will be in it a couple grand for the rotating assembly, another thousand for machine shop labor, then heads and cam, valvetrain. It all adds up quickly.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2020 | 02:21 AM
  #20  
EmeraldFlame's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
Default

If I wanted to spend a little more I can get a 441 short block what would the cost difference be if I wanted to alter my budget a little compared to machining an lq9 block for a 408
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:07 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE