Do I build another motor or go to heads/cam setup?
03-07-2006, 06:58 PM
#1
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do I build another motor or go to heads/cam setup? ok, I don't have the slightest clue on which way to go. I've done some searching, but not finding any good answers or reasons.
I have a 98 ls1 formula with a little about 62k on it. It runs good for what it is. I want more power but I have no room right now for a bottle.
So, I was thinking of just going with a good set of heads with a good cam but thought about just going motor. I know a 408 should give me a little more power but how much more. I see h/c setups putting down over 450rwhp and going to a 408 should give me closer to 500rwhp. How much would either do, I'm thinking that the h/c combo installed and tuned would run around $4/5k and a motor would be closer to $6/7k installed. Is it worth the trouble or should I just go for the motor.
I have a 98 ls1 formula with a little about 62k on it. It runs good for what it is. I want more power but I have no room right now for a bottle.
So, I was thinking of just going with a good set of heads with a good cam but thought about just going motor. I know a 408 should give me a little more power but how much more. I see h/c setups putting down over 450rwhp and going to a 408 should give me closer to 500rwhp. How much would either do, I'm thinking that the h/c combo installed and tuned would run around $4/5k and a motor would be closer to $6/7k installed. Is it worth the trouble or should I just go for the motor.
03-07-2006, 07:58 PM
#2
are you asking in the sense that you would put your stock heads and cam on the 408? if so, you'd be wasting your money, IMO. for the 408 to work WELL, you'll need heads and cam to go with it. a 408 with stock heads and cam will make more torque, but not much more horsepower. however, a well thought out head/cam install will make more torque AND horsepower.
03-07-2006, 11:28 PM
#4
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Fort Worth, Tx
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm planning on doing H/C and sometime between now and the next 40k miles slowly build up an engine, so when I hit ~100k miles or so I can swap it out.
That just works better for me because it allows me to spread my cost out, and I won't have to worry too much if my engine goes out on me in the future.
If you have the cash, heck... go for a nice mildly built 408 or something and sling rubber. You can always upgrade it over time anyway.
That just works better for me because it allows me to spread my cost out, and I won't have to worry too much if my engine goes out on me in the future.
If you have the cash, heck... go for a nice mildly built 408 or something and sling rubber. You can always upgrade it over time anyway.
03-08-2006, 02:05 AM
#5
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
408 will be a new engine (more reliable), but more expensive. The H/C package will be cheaper, but plan on needing something major @ or around 100K anyway. If it were me, I would piece together a 408 slowly, and abuse your current engine. It'll take it until you're ready to have your 408 dropped in. 
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
Trending Topics
03-08-2006, 08:56 AM
#8
I would be worried about doing a H/C on a higher mileage car. You could be setting yourself up for problems on the bottom end by raising compression with a new H/C settup. The 408 will give you greater power under the curve making the car more streetable. Don't forget you will probably need to upgrade fuel pump at least if not injectors. I think building a 408 on the side would be the better idea, that way you can look for good second hand pieces without having a time crunch.
03-08-2006, 09:02 AM
#9
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Orange Juice
I would be worried about doing a H/C on a higher mileage car. You could be setting yourself up for problems on the bottom end by raising compression with a new H/C settup. The 408 will give you greater power under the curve making the car more streetable. Don't forget you will probably need to upgrade fuel pump at least if not injectors. I think building a 408 on the side would be the better idea, that way you can look for good second hand pieces without having a time crunch.
