I am looking for some advice on an LS stroker engine build. My primary question is in regard to which block and/or pistons I need to achieve my objectives. I have seen a couple of articles in the car mags discussing concerns with inadequate cylinder length to accommodate 4” or 4.1” stroke and still be daily driver durable and/or have good oil control. I have also seen some articles on piston designs that hint at solving this problem, but don’t seem to come right out and actually state that. I need more guidance from some experienced builders/users of these engines.

My objectives for the engine are as follows…

* To allow me to obtain engine build experience with the LS series engine (no crate engines).
* To be SCCA Solo 2 Street Modified class compatible (this means a production engine block is a must)
* To improve weight distribution of my car (‘96 Camaro) - this means an aluminum engine block.
* To utilize forced induction (inter cooled centrifugal).
* To be 400 ci or more displacement would be preferred (would be willing to trade it off if it helped make forced induction work better).
* The engine will be a daily driver (about 8k miles/year).
* I would like to get 5 years of hard usage between freshenings.
* The car will be autocrossed and drag raced at least once a month w/ a couple track days per season (street raced whenever possible).

With this in mind, can I build a 402 w/ an LS2 block or 414 w/ an LS3 block or do I really need to start w/ an LS7 block for the longer cylinder length? If the LS7 is really needed, can it accommodate a 4.1” stroke or should I just stay at 4” w/ that block? Are there piston designs that compensate for the short cylinder length and long stroke appropriately?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

We go as much as a 4.250 stroke. The LS2 is less than the LS3 which is less than the LS7 block. You can build a 457 from the LS7 block if you want. All comes down to budget and hp goals. The piston and designing it is all part of the build. If your going to build this yourself and have built engines before then you should already know how to spec the piston. If your a newbie at engine building and are looking to get your feet wet stick with an inexpensive project. Many many SBC builders don't build them properly this first few times. Don't waste money on premium parts your going to trash during a learning curve.

If this is your first build I'd stick to a 383.. cheapest of all to build with a 4" stroke.