Generation IV Internal Engine 2005-2014 LS2 | LS3 | LS7 | L92 | LS9

Help me choose a shortblock???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 11, 2012 | 12:21 AM
  #1  
geoffreymexico's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Kunduz, Afghanistan/Monteagle, Tennessee
Default Help me choose a shortblock???

I am currently in Afghanistan, so I have plenty of time to try and make an informed decision on which route to go with my build and I would like to know what your guys opinions are as far as forged shortblocks go. I am going to be buying either a E46 M3 or a G35 or some other reliable form of reliable daily driver when I get home, so the T/A will become strictly a toy.

The current setup is stock cubed motor with AFR 205s, FAST 90/90, and a mild cam. I liked the idea of keeping my block and going the 383 route and having my AFRs and FAST ported and polished, so I checked around with some of the more highly recommended companies and the shortblock would cost roughly 4-5k depending on the place.

But considering the fact that the prices of brand new shortblocks from TSP are even cheaper than that, I figured why not go with the extra displacement? So now I have way more options ranging from aluminum or iron blocks, and from 402ci to 429ci all within a relatively similar price range with the options that I am looking at.

There is a wealth of knowledge out there, so give me some suggestions and any personal experiences with your setups or anything else you guys think will be helpful.
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2012 | 05:56 PM
  #2  
Silver408z's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, TX
Default

It all comes down to budget. Nothing wrong with a 383 and reusing your block. I personally go with bigger heads. Heads are where you really make your power. Go with with as big cubes as you can afford. 408's seem to be best buget and power capability.
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2012 | 06:01 PM
  #3  
JC70SS's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Default

408. I few sponsors told me that LS3/LS7 strokers have not been the most durable and persuaded me to go iron 408.
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2012 | 06:16 PM
  #4  
NemeSS's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (127)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,889
Likes: 9
From: Houston,TX
Default

if there is no issues or problems with your running ls1 engine. sell the short block and use that cash to help pay for the new engine. i prefer the 6.0 iron block based builds. im a firm believer that the stock crank, and block are very capable of some serious power n/a. those heads you have now will def work on any motor you choose.
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2012 | 07:52 PM
  #5  
geoffreymexico's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Kunduz, Afghanistan/Monteagle, Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by Silver408z
It all comes down to budget. Nothing wrong with a 383 and reusing your block. I personally go with bigger heads. Heads are where you really make your power. Go with with as big cubes as you can afford. 408's seem to be best buget and power capability.

I would be willing to to spend the 4-5 thousand for the 383, but why not go with more displacement if you can get more displacement with the same quality forged internals brand new for roughly the same price ranging from 402 to 429ci from TSP. With more displacement I will be going with a new topend. I am thinking of getting with Tony Mamo and having him work over a new set of size appropriate AFR and FAST for whatever shortblock I end up getting.

What Im debating over is aluminum vs iron block, and what stroke. Im getting mixed reviews on going over a 4.00" stroke. I hear that there is too much travel and causes excess wear and tear, but then again I am hearing that most of those issuse are being worked out for this reason or that.

Originally Posted by JC70SS
408. I few sponsors told me that LS3/LS7 strokers have not been the most durable and persuaded me to go iron 408.
I take it thats the route you are planning? If so, who are you planning on using for the build. I'm not deadset on TSP, I have just heard great things about them, but I'm open to all opinions

Originally Posted by NemeSS
if there is no issues or problems with your running ls1 engine. sell the short block and use that cash to help pay for the new engine. i prefer the 6.0 iron block based builds. im a firm believer that the stock crank, and block are very capable of some serious power n/a. those heads you have now will def work on any motor you choose.
The rings are shot on my current setup, but I will be parting it out to offset the cost of the new build.
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2012 | 10:20 PM
  #6  
JC70SS's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Default

I had TSP. I will receive the longblock this Monday. My only complaint was when I sent my money over a month ago they said about 2 weeks to get it. I did go iron 408 with LS3 topend.
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2012 | 11:53 PM
  #7  
geoffreymexico's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Kunduz, Afghanistan/Monteagle, Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by JC70SS
I had TSP. I will receive the longblock this Monday. My only complaint was when I sent my money over a month ago they said about 2 weeks to get it. I did go iron 408 with LS3 topend.
I just realized your car was SOM. Now I definitely can't copy you and go with a 408 lol

What is your setup if you don't mind my asking? And what are your goals as far as power levels or times go if you plan on taking it to the strip?
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2012 | 08:48 AM
  #8  
Notalent's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: DFW/LBC
Default

Iron 408's are the way to go IMO. Depending on what you spend, it may not be worth it to use your block. To machine your block alone your looking at a good $600-900 depending on where you are at. On top of that you have about $2600+ into a forged rotating assembly and the labor to assemble...

Here is a good option without breaking the bank:

http://high-performance-engines.com/...duct_Code=SP26
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 12, 2012 | 10:03 AM
  #9  
litle88's Avatar
12 Second Club
15 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 4
From: Burbank, Illinois
Default

Originally Posted by JC70SS
408. I few sponsors told me that LS3/LS7 strokers have not been the most durable and persuaded me to go iron 408.
What sponsors said that?

I might understand an Ls7 and FI applications. But an Ls3 or stroker 416/418/427/429's have been know to make good power and reliable given it has all supporting mods and of course an excellent tune.

Sorry but I'm gonna call BS on that one.

To the OP I would go with an ls3 stock cubes or a stroker 416 etc. combined with Ls3 heads and you'll be within your budget for a bad azz combo.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2012 | 10:08 AM
  #10  
litle88's Avatar
12 Second Club
15 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 4
From: Burbank, Illinois
Default

Scroll through these and support a sponsor here instead.

http://sdparts.com/category/crate-en...-blocks?page=1
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2012 | 10:12 AM
  #11  
JC70SS's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Default

Originally Posted by geoffreymexico
I just realized your car was SOM. Now I definitely can't copy you and go with a 408 lol

What is your setup if you don't mind my asking? And what are your goals as far as power levels or times go if you plan on taking it to the strip?
My setup will be 408 LQ9 about 12:1 compression. CNC LS3 head, 238/244 cam on 112, LS3 intake. I will be using longtube 1 3/4 inch headers for now. I hope to get around 480rwhp. I don't go to the track.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2012 | 10:46 AM
  #12  
geoffreymexico's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Kunduz, Afghanistan/Monteagle, Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by Notalent
Iron 408's are the way to go IMO. Depending on what you spend, it may not be worth it to use your block. To machine your block alone your looking at a good $600-900 depending on where you are at. On top of that you have about $2600+ into a forged rotating assembly and the labor to assemble...

Here is a good option without breaking the bank:

http://high-performance-engines.com/...duct_Code=SP26

Yeah I agree. The plan is to go with a new shortblock because I will be spending as much on doing a 383 as I would going with more displacement.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2012 | 10:57 AM
  #13  
geoffreymexico's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Kunduz, Afghanistan/Monteagle, Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by litle88
What sponsors said that?

I might understand an Ls7 and FI applications. But an Ls3 or stroker 416/418/427/429's have been know to make good power and reliable given it has all supporting mods and of course an excellent tune.

Sorry but I'm gonna call BS on that one.

To the OP I would go with an ls3 stock cubes or a stroker 416 etc. combined with Ls3 heads and you'll be within your budget for a bad azz combo.
I believe what he was referring to are the blocks that use a 4.125" stroke. I have been reading that they have reliability issues due to the piston traveling so far down into the bottom of the cylinder.

And I'm pretty sure I have my topend planned out Im just trying to check with people and their experiences with any of these motors
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2012 | 11:06 AM
  #14  
geoffreymexico's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Kunduz, Afghanistan/Monteagle, Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by JC70SS
My setup will be 408 LQ9 about 12:1 compression. CNC LS3 head, 238/244 cam on 112, LS3 intake. I will be using longtube 1 3/4 inch headers for now. I hope to get around 480rwhp. I don't go to the track.
Well good luck with your build man. Make sure and post up your results for the rest of us.

What rotating assembly did you go with? Any plans of spraying later on down the road?
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2012 | 12:09 PM
  #15  
JC70SS's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Default

callies compstar with wiseco pistons.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2012 | 12:55 PM
  #16  
geoffreymexico's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Kunduz, Afghanistan/Monteagle, Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by JC70SS
callies compstar with wiseco pistons.
Those are the internals I will most likely be going with. The shops I talked to said they should be good for the power levels I'm looking for.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2012 | 12:14 AM
  #17  
litle88's Avatar
12 Second Club
15 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 4
From: Burbank, Illinois
Default

Originally Posted by geoffreymexico
I believe what he was referring to are the blocks that use a 4.125" stroke. I have been reading that they have reliability issues due to the piston traveling so far down into the bottom of the cylinder.

And I'm pretty sure I have my topend planned out Im just trying to check with people and their experiences with any of these motors
That's bad info, the piston manufacturers have revised them and are no longer an issue. Granted that long of stroke is not for the Fi or nazz crowd so why not an Ls3/L98 with a 4.0 inch stroke for 416? And you can have a nice dependable mill? Eagle sells a set so does Scoggin and TSP. I'd look into that for weight purposes. Also AES has a 427 6.0 iron stroker that is badass too just call Fraser and he'll give you the real scoop. Don't listen to some of these cats here most just repeat crap that's been posted by others and have not really experienced anything like this before. Just my .2

You see my question hasn't been answered.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2012 | 08:47 AM
  #18  
geoffreymexico's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Kunduz, Afghanistan/Monteagle, Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by litle88
That's bad info, the piston manufacturers have revised them and are no longer an issue. Granted that long of stroke is not for the Fi or nazz crowd so why not an Ls3/L98 with a 4.0 inch stroke for 416? And you can have a nice dependable mill? Eagle sells a set so does Scoggin and TSP. I'd look into that for weight purposes. Also AES has a 427 6.0 iron stroker that is badass too just call Fraser and he'll give you the real scoop. Don't listen to some of these cats here most just repeat crap that's been posted by others and have not really experienced anything like this before. Just my .2

You see my question hasn't been answered.
Thanks for the insight man. This will be a NA build with no intentions of spraying, but I am not opposed to it down the road.

Thanks for the tip on AES I have been looking up some of their stuff, and I am very impressed so far. I really like the 427 iron stroker they make. I emailed him so hopefully I will have a little more info here soon.

Do you know of anyone that has gone that route or any build threads I could look through for more info???
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2012 | 04:55 PM
  #19  
litle88's Avatar
12 Second Club
15 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 4
From: Burbank, Illinois
Default

Habla con Fraser el te dice the numbers his customers have put down with that combo. Nice thing about that is you can go Ls3 topend.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2012 | 05:41 PM
  #20  
geoffreymexico's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Kunduz, Afghanistan/Monteagle, Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by litle88
Habla con Fraser el te dice the numbers his customers have put down with that combo. Nice thing about that is you can go Ls3 topend.
Alright Ill do that, and the gameplan as of now is AFRs and FAST 102 probably
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:55 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE