So last year around this time I built my motor starting with a forged rods/pistons LS3 block from TSP. I used my stock ls1 top end and a budget valve train to include...

Custom cam from cam motion
Ls7 lifters from BTR
11/32 0.120 wall pushrods from Summit
Ws6store max effort rockers

I’ve been over 800 rwhp and probably closer to 900 rwhp by the end of the year with a D1x procharger. I shift at 6950 rpm.

Have the motor out to change a leaking oil pan gasket and go over things. Plan is to push for over 1000 rwhp next year with no changes except bigger injectors and more boost.

Everything in the valve train checks out perfectly fine. I’m very happy with all the parts I’ve used. Already reached my intended goal when I picked these parts, but I’m not a bracket racer so let’s push it further and see what happens.

 

And they say LS7 lifters are trash What springs? Whats the cam specs?

 

Just a .660 lift spring kit from BTR and the cam is aggressive for a procharged 377 its 232/248 with over .620 lift on the intake side. Super simple setup, but effective. That's why I like prochargers easy power for simpletons like me LOL. I used a preload of .080 to .085 they were all consistent within that range.

 

Nice. I just the same 660 springs from BTR. Seems to work well.

 

I dont have much to add other than I love that youre using the stock 241s and LS6 intake.

 

A lot of thought went into this combination and I had a limited budget. I already had the procharger on my stock ls1 and wanted to make a lot more power reliably. With my budget it came down to a forged short block or a good top end, but not both in one winter. I decided to go with the forged short block and reuse the top end I already had. This also allowed me to sell a good running ls1 short block. This would also leave the option for the following winter (which is now) to upgrade the top end. Well everything is working so well I decided to leave the heads on it and reuse the top end again while continuing to add more boost. I'm not really concerned if it takes 20+ psi to reach 1000 rwhp since I'm on ethanol and have not yet experienced any high IAT issues. I've seen people make 1000 rwhp on 8 psi with top of the line stuff on a 427 which is cool, but if I can make 1000 rwhp with 241's, an ls6 intake, and a stock throttle body that's cool to even if it takes 20+ psi.

This is kind of the opposite of what is common as most seem to put better heads, intake, and throttle body on a stock bottom end and push it to the limits. If I hurt the motor it's less pain when the heads are throw aways rather than some really nice $3500+ heads.

 

You running ARP studs?

 

Yes and ls9 head gaskets.

 

Nice!

 

Its encouraging to hear that your having such good results with the combo. Im gonna be at place in the next few months where I can start putting something together for one of my cars. As of now its a bone stock 02 SS. I was thinking of using the stock block and crank, with forged pistons and rods. Stock top end as well and see what I can do with a D1SC. But now I dont know if I want to hassle with disassembly, machine work, reassembly. I may do what you did and just get a short block. I may even see how far I can push it with the stock cam lol.

 

The decision on whether to stay with a stock bottom end, rebuild it with forged pistons/rods, or buy a short block is a tough one I battled with as well. Obviously you know what I decided and being able to sell a good running ls1 short block and put that money towards the new short block factored in.

I would recommend going with a custom cam though for sure. I think my cam really helps with my combo especially with the restrictive top end and it's still not done at 6950 rpm where I shift it.