Is the aluminum 6.2l motor worth the extra cost, to start out with? Around my area the 6.2's are going for about 3500 without the harness, or any extra's, just what is bolted to the motor. a 6.0 can be had complete for about 1500, harness, computer, and everything.
I am new to the ls series motors, but I am convinced it is the way to go. my 67camaro now has a 450-500ish hp 454, but is a little tempermental, and driveability is not the greatest.
I am definately open to opinions, I am looking for equal or better power than my 454 has, better drivability, and of course I want to do this on as small a budget as possible. a carb conversion is a possibility
Thanks for any advice.
Barrett

 

Find a high mile 6.0L and bore is out and you have a very inexpensive 6.2l

 

I would get the 6.2. Stock for Stock it weighs less, has the newer L92 heads, a better top end for that matter, the connecting rods are stronger, rod bolts are stronger, the piston rings seal better and control oil consumption better.

For the price it is a great deal I think if you are just going to leave it stock and much more power. And with just a cam you can make upwards of 460 rwhp with better drive ability than the 454 I'm sure. If you've got the money for the 6.2 go for it. eventually down the road if you can port and polish the stock heads, go with a bigger cam, and single plan carb intake and you could have over 530 rwhp. Heck if the 6.2L is complete you could sell the intake; fuel rails; injectors; and throttle body and have plenty of money to buy carb setup.

 

Spend the xtra couple of bucks for the 6.2. The little extra is worth it.

 

I probably wont leave it stock, but it will be for at least 1 season.
Can a N/A 6.2l with stock bottom end, a cam/mild porting, full length headers, victor carb intake REALLY make 500 RWHP???? my 10.4:1 454, with ported big valve heads and solid cam is only showing 360ish RWHP ( 12.02@116mph....poor 60ft) 3500lbs.
If the 6.2 LS with its stock l92 heads is really that good, its a DONE DEAL!!!

 

https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...ce-racing.html

There's proof. Those heads have been milled a little but that's it absolutely no porting. Plus with the carb intake you will get better numbers because it won't be as much of a restriction as the stock LS3 intake.

 

Find a 2007-up LY6 6.0 out of a 2500 HD, they have the LS3 style heads but are much cheaper.

 

OK, you sold me. 6.2 it is. Thanks

 

This would be a good option too.

If the 6.0 or 6.2 is a LY6 or L92 then it will have AFM or VVT. Converting them to non AFM (Active Fuel Management) or VVT (Variable Valve Timing) will add a little to the cost: Different front cover (VVT), cam gear (VVT), top cover (AMF), lifters (AFM), and the VVT engine have a high flow oil pump that flows to much for a regular engine. None of those things cost to much to change, so don't let that steer you away.

 

Glad I could help! I went with a LS3 and I don't regret it. I am making more power with my cammed LS3 than I did with my head and cammed LS1.

 

Around here I can get a low mileage LY6 for around $1500-2000 so that would leave over a grand to mod with.

 

If the 1 $3500 aluminum 6.2L is gone before I get the cash, I'll look for an LY6 6.0. I like your train of thought about having the extra cash to buy a cam/intake ignition. the extra .2L is only 12 cubes anyway

 

I was thinking the same thing. With that price I could get a 102MM FAST intake, cam, and 9x TB and be around 500RWHP.
102MM intake 900
9x TB 350
Cam 350
Ly6 1500
Total 3100
Even if you threw another 400.00 in there 3500.00 for 500RWHP????

 

you're forgetting a lot of details... Headers, tune, pushrods, springs, oil pump, injectors, fuel pump... You gotta have all the supporting mods when you go for big hp, you can't just get intake, and cam and call it a day.

 

Go with VVT, first off, and don't let anyone on here try to convince you otherwise - it is well worth it and there are plenty of cam choices out there (Comp, Mast etc) if you decide you need a cam. Trust me on this one, I would know.... seeing as how I have a VVT-enabled LY6 in my 1994 Firebird Formula and find it to be worlds better performance-wise than my previous F13 cammed LS1 Camaro SS

As far as the 6.0 iron or 6.2 aluminum decision, that's all up to your budget. A 10,000 mile 6.0 iron block LY6 engine will run you about $1500-2000 whereas a 10,000 mile 6.2L aluminum block L92 will run at LEAST $2,500-3000.

IMO the expense difference didn't justify the rewards; HOWEVER, if my budget had been $1,000 bigger then I'd be more than happy to get the 6.2L

One other thing to note... the LY6 runs 9.5:1 compression whereas the L92, I think, runs 10.5:1 compression (though don't quote me on that - but I know the L92 IS higher compression). The LY6 is pre-built for boost applications ... you could easily run 11 psi through the LY6 and be up around 600 flywheel hp pretty easily.... maybe more.

So within your budget, which is worth more? 65-75lbs of weight off of the front end, OR, an extra $1,000-2000 to put toward a cam/supercharger/turbocharger/beer?

 

I could have written your first post. I am in exactly the same situation (different car - 80 Olds Cutlass) trying to make the same decision.
My engine is a 427 BBC making about 440hp hooked up to a Th400 with 3.70 gears. Same type of issues that you have.
I am really leaning towards the 6.2 with a T56 right now but availability of the 6.2 may become a factor.
We will have to keep in touch once these projects get going...