HKE, LME, or ERL for shortblock build ?
#1
HKE, LME, or ERL for shortblock build ?
I'm planning a motor for next year, hoping I can go with an ls2 402 build but I may end up going with a forged 347 since I can get my hands on a cheap, clean ls1 block. Its gonna be an NA setup for sure, I know bigger cubes would be better for thatn but I also like the fact of staying with a 347 , building a nasty setup and being the underdog plus save some money left over.....anyways, for that type of build , who do u guys recommend , they're all bout the same price....
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LME built my forged 347 and its been a GREAT motor with no issues. I've put it through lots of nitrous and now lots of boost.
HKE is, arguably, one of the best, but be prepared to wait.
I've also heard great things about ERL, too.
HKE is, arguably, one of the best, but be prepared to wait.
I've also heard great things about ERL, too.
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I'd also like to add that I have worked with Tony Mamo and he is one hell of a guy with tons of knowledge.
Basically what I'm saying is, all the ones you stated in the OP are wise choices. LOL
Basically what I'm saying is, all the ones you stated in the OP are wise choices. LOL
#7
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Don't forget the TSP Short-blocks. Compare what we do to a short-block next to any other company that does LS short-blocks, and I think you'll be completely impressed.
Here's what makes a TSP short-block different from other engines on the market.
We use a complete CNC machine to digitize & machine the blocks. This way, we can closely inspect a block & put it on factory blueprint specs. A typical machine shop can only setup & machine a block. They have no way of properly digitizing a block & inspecting the data. In other words, most machine shops machine what's there, & if it's incorrect from GM it stays incorrect. It's not the machine shops fault, necessarily. They just don't have the ability to check the block & put it on proper blueprint specs. Now you're probably thinking how far off can a GM block really be? I can tell you it will really surprise you to see what we have to do to correct some of these LS blocks. Obviously, the engines will run with the block machined incorrectly, but if it's possible to correct these issues why not do so? Most shops aren't willing to spend in the $500,000 range to build a state-of-the-art machine shop specifically for LS engines. We ONLY machine LS-based engines! It's what we love to do, and as a result we felt our best option was to invest the money to make the best possible product available.
With a TSP short-block you get the following:
CNC Digitize blocks every time
CNC blueprinting
CNC Stroker Clearancing (same clearance every time rather than some $5 a hour guy hacking too much out of a sleeve)
CNC cylinder chamfers (rather than having 8 different chamfers changing every cylinders compression)
Every block is precision-honed with a brand new Sunnen hone using two torque plates & various covers installed & torqued on the block (to replicate the blocks operating environment as closely as we can)
Precision balanced using the industry-leader CWT balancer with properly trained technicians that treat every rotating assembly like a race engine. You would be surprised how much power you can lose when a rotating assembly is not balanced perfectly!
These are just a few of the advantages. I could go into a LOT more detail if so desired.
Here's a video of the cnc machine digitizing a block so we can study where the machining inconsistencies are so we can correct them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIa0StHVYQs
Here's what makes a TSP short-block different from other engines on the market.
We use a complete CNC machine to digitize & machine the blocks. This way, we can closely inspect a block & put it on factory blueprint specs. A typical machine shop can only setup & machine a block. They have no way of properly digitizing a block & inspecting the data. In other words, most machine shops machine what's there, & if it's incorrect from GM it stays incorrect. It's not the machine shops fault, necessarily. They just don't have the ability to check the block & put it on proper blueprint specs. Now you're probably thinking how far off can a GM block really be? I can tell you it will really surprise you to see what we have to do to correct some of these LS blocks. Obviously, the engines will run with the block machined incorrectly, but if it's possible to correct these issues why not do so? Most shops aren't willing to spend in the $500,000 range to build a state-of-the-art machine shop specifically for LS engines. We ONLY machine LS-based engines! It's what we love to do, and as a result we felt our best option was to invest the money to make the best possible product available.
With a TSP short-block you get the following:
CNC Digitize blocks every time
CNC blueprinting
CNC Stroker Clearancing (same clearance every time rather than some $5 a hour guy hacking too much out of a sleeve)
CNC cylinder chamfers (rather than having 8 different chamfers changing every cylinders compression)
Every block is precision-honed with a brand new Sunnen hone using two torque plates & various covers installed & torqued on the block (to replicate the blocks operating environment as closely as we can)
Precision balanced using the industry-leader CWT balancer with properly trained technicians that treat every rotating assembly like a race engine. You would be surprised how much power you can lose when a rotating assembly is not balanced perfectly!
These are just a few of the advantages. I could go into a LOT more detail if so desired.
Here's a video of the cnc machine digitizing a block so we can study where the machining inconsistencies are so we can correct them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIa0StHVYQs
__________________
Jason
Co-Owner, Texas Speed & Performance, Ltd.
2005 Twin Turbo C6
404cid Stroker, 67mm Twins
994rwhp/902lb ft @ 22 psi (mustang dyno) www.Texas-Speed.com
Jason
Co-Owner, Texas Speed & Performance, Ltd.
2005 Twin Turbo C6
404cid Stroker, 67mm Twins
994rwhp/902lb ft @ 22 psi (mustang dyno) www.Texas-Speed.com
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you can't go wrong with any of them, usually people pick whoever is closer. I hope ERL chimes in, I have been sending them e-mails about a shortblock.
Good luck with your build
Good luck with your build
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i personally have dealt with HKE and TSP. you will wait for erik at HKE, but talk to him one time and you will understand why he has the reputation he does. all the dudes at TSP are stand-up. those are the onlu folks from your list i have dealt with. good luck.
#20
Guys , i really appreciate it, ive narrowed it to starting with an ls2 or ls3 and goin with a 413-418 stroker motor....ive actually been calling and talking to most of the shops listed and from talking to them and from what ive been reading, should be good to go with either