Who has experience adding some displacement vs putting that money towards really good aftermarket heads?

For Example:
Assuming you already have the LS1.

Stroking and LS1 to 383 ci and getting some ported trick flow heads.
vs.
Stroking a 6.0 to 408 and using some unported LS3 Heads

I'm guessing the 408 would still likely make more power in this this scenario but would also be the pricier route.

 

as far as i know aftermarket cranks rods and pistons all cost about the same between different strokes and bores, so i would expect the 383 and 408 to be similar cost

 

True. I forgot to say "Assuming you already have the LS1". Thanks for pointing out.

 

I would say it depends on what the application. Displacement if looking for torque, and heads if looking for peak hp numbers.

 

If you already have the LS1, sell it and get the best bang for the buck.

 

Go as big as your credit card limit

 

I'd go with the 408 and LS3 heads.

More pubes and a stock LS3 head flows what? 315ish cfm?

 

I'll take more cubes less pubes, lol.

 

Yes. Those heads and a decent cam would make for a sweet street combo

 

Sounds like that build could get a bit hairy

 

You might take a long hard look at it....

 

I think the cathedral 383 LS1 will end up costing around $1,500 to $3,000 more due to aftermarket heads & aftermarket intake than an LS3 headed 408 with LS3 intake.

Stroker kit costs the same for either engine ~ $2,200 or so. Build labor and most other parts about the same say $2,500 to $3,500 for labor and machine work plus cam, lifters etc. However the aftermarket heads & intake will drive up the cost of the smaller cathedral LS1 383 more vs the LS3 headed 408.




.

 

If you’re having to sacrifice one for the other due to budget restraints, I really think you should take custom heads completely out of the equation. Sure, maybe you’ll get an extra 10hp up top, and sure, maybe you can keep it in 6th gear when you’re driving 35mph through town - but is it really worth $3k that you don’t actually have? Especially when you’re gonna have to sacrifice cubes to afford it? Because those extra cubes will have no problem also giving you those things.

The LS is not a SBC. The LS actually has a lot of very competent head choices right from the factory. In fact, they’re ALL competent compared to the terrible choices the SBC was offered. Forget the TrickFlows, get the cubes.

 

<————

 

^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^^^.
If you go to a 6.0 block, get some heads off any Gen IV 6.0/6.2. They are identical to LS3 heads, the best stock heads GM has ever put out by far
The Gen IV rectangular port truck manifold is equal to the LS3 unit in performance, and the LS3 unit is regarded as an excellent intake.
After all this all you need is a good cam.

 

Best bang for buck
is 6.0 with rec head and cam ,compression, intake.,exhaust
Rec heads may seem big.. but there just different .
small seat.

 

You guys are thinking the same as me on the displacement bump likely being a better choice. Also, stroked 6.0 short blocks are getting really reasonable.

 

https://www.high-performance-engines...ory-s/2163.htm

 

What are your goals ?

 

Another way to look at it is do the 408 now, and if you want more later, do more later when you have more money to throw at it.

The horsepower ceiling is always higher with more cubes.

Besides the 408 LS3 combo is probably cheaper anyway.

If you already have an LS1 sell it to put toward the 408, people pay silly prices for LS1's, or used to at least.