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

650hp Driveable motor build

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 12:17 AM
  #1  
sowaidi's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 353
Likes: 2
From: Qatar
Default 650hp Driveable motor build

I would like your guys' suggestions for a motor build. I am in the process of buying a built motor for my RCSB 04 truck and I would like to get over 510rwhp and still be street friendly. Would a LS7 427 with high flow heads (PRC247cc or ported LS7 heads) and a medium cam be enough or would I have to step bigger for the LSX454? And If I do step to the iron LSX454 then I'd probably want more power like 530rwhp.
I am keeping my truck as a sleeper and driving it almost daily but I do not want to have issues with the 4.125 stroke so I was more interested in a 427. Its really hot where I live now and I use the AC whenever I'm driving.
The truck has a T56 and 4.10s so I would think that would help with drivetrain loss

All input is appreciated.
Thank You
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 12:41 AM
  #2  
LS6427's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default

My builder did an iron 422ci for a friend that made 535RWHP with ported LS6 heads and ported LS6 intake.. 510 RWHP is sooooo old news.

Yes, you can easily make 650 FWHP and have it be very street friendly. Look at my 427ci, made almost 500 RWHP back in 2002.

Build a budget engine using an LQ9, 4.1" stroke x 4.030" bore = 418ci. Or, 4" stroke x 4.030" bore = 408ci. Ported L92 heads and a L76 intake with a cam in the 230's. It will make 525 RWHP or around there. My builder builds them all the time.......stock crank, forged rods and pistons. Cheap.

If you want to go 427ci you might want to think about a resleeved aluminum block, but thats more cash. With the iron 418ci you can also hit it all day long with a 150-200 shot......then you'll be making ~725 RWHP.

.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 01:44 AM
  #3  
sowaidi's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 353
Likes: 2
From: Qatar
Default

You know its a truck so the drivetrain loss is more than your car. So you mean I would easily be able to even make over 530 daily driven rwhp on my truxk with the 427 with 247cc heads and a mild cam and I wouldn't actually have to step up to the iron block?

Thanks
Appreciate all comments and replies
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 05:42 AM
  #4  
WKMCD's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 2
From: Northern VA
Default

My car runs an extremely mild 427. 4.125 bore x 4.00 stroke. Darton Sleeved LS2 block. I drive it in DC's rush hour traffic and take it on long trips. It's a great little grocery getter. It's got plenty of grunt. I can cruise down to 600RPM and pull away cleanly if I'm too lazy to shift.

Bottom line is the 403 - top line is the 427.



Build thread:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...b-c-d-e-f.html




Last edited by WKMCD; Jul 6, 2012 at 05:48 AM.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 10:35 AM
  #5  
LS6427's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by sowaidi
You know its a truck so the drivetrain loss is more than your car. So you mean I would easily be able to even make over 530 daily driven rwhp on my truxk with the 427 with 247cc heads and a mild cam and I wouldn't actually have to step up to the iron block?

Thanks
Appreciate all comments and replies
No, you do not need an iron block. But if you just want a 408ci - 418ci you can get one for $400.00

But if you want to go 427ci or larger than you really need to get a resleeved aluminum block and then the price jumps to something like $2400 for a complete, ready to assemble, block. The sleeves allow longer strokes and larger bores and still have plenty of strength after machining is done.
The LQ9 iron blocks were put into other types of vehicles like vans and trucks, there's a bunch around in junk yards and ebay. There was one on there yesterday for $400.00

The iron block would get a light hone to 4.030 bore and then you put a 4" forged crank = 408ci Or a 4.1" stroke crank = 418ci

Forged rotating assemblies (crank, rods, pistons) are $1,795
Machining = approximately $300

Total with rings and gaskets and assembly = approximately $3,000 for the complete forged short block. 700-800 RWHP capable.

.......IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOUR BUDGET.......so how much cash do you have to spend?

And YES....with the 408 -416 you can make a good 525-530 RWHP with a rather nice smooth cam. And of course if you go aluminum resleeved block you can go up to 650 RWHP with the proper budget.

.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 11:00 AM
  #6  
sowaidi's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 353
Likes: 2
From: Qatar
Default

Originally Posted by LS6427
No, you do not need an iron block. But if you just want a 408ci - 418ci you can get one for $400.00

But if you want to go 427ci or larger than you really need to get a resleeved aluminum block and then the price jumps to something like $2400 for a complete, ready to assemble, block. The sleeves allow longer strokes and larger bores and still have plenty of strength after machining is done.
The LQ9 iron blocks were put into other types of vehicles like vans and trucks, there's a bunch around in junk yards and ebay. There was one on there yesterday for $400.00

The iron block would get a light hone to 4.030 bore and then you put a 4" forged crank = 408ci Or a 4.1" stroke crank = 418ci

Forged rotating assemblies (crank, rods, pistons) are $1,795
Machining = approximately $300

Total with rings and gaskets and assembly = approximately $3,000 for the complete forged short block. 700-800 RWHP capable.

.......IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOUR BUDGET.......so how much cash do you have to spend?

And YES....with the 408 -416 you can make a good 525-530 RWHP with a rather nice smooth cam. And of course if you go aluminum resleeved block you can go up to 650 RWHP with the proper budget.

.
First of all, All input is very appreciated and I do not want to make a decision then regret it, this is why I am open to you guys' comments and suggestions.
I'd prefer to get a complete built motor. My budget is $11K for a complete long block. No power adders or nitrous. Keeping a low profile as much as I can with a medium to medium high cam. Would actually prefer a motor built with a 4.00 stroke.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 01:29 PM
  #7  
jmilz28's Avatar
TECH Addict
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 125
From: Houston, TX
Default

If you are truly going to drive it daily, get the mildest, lowest lift cam to get you there. If you really put miles on it, you don't want to be changing springs every year. With your budget, I'd find a pull out LS7, have Advanced Induction work the factory heads and match up a 102/102 combo and you'll be right there in your power goal range even with the factory cam. Make sure you get 1 7/8" or 2" primaries on the headers. This will give you your power and OEM valvetrain life. You could always put in a MILD cam and not give up much. The only other way I would consider is any 416+ short block (iron or Al), call Tony Mamo and have him work you up a heads/cam/intake combo. This may push you out of your budget. The truth is, when you step on the gas, you will want more cam. When you're changing springs a year or two later or other parts breakage, you'll wish you'd gone smaller. Gotta be realistic about your usage and tolerance and go from there. Given your goals, I'd limit my choices to AI, Mamo, or PatG and let whomever you choose handle the entire valvetrain and top end.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 01:43 PM
  #8  
LS6427's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by sowaidi
First of all, All input is very appreciated and I do not want to make a decision then regret it, this is why I am open to you guys' comments and suggestions.
I'd prefer to get a complete built motor. My budget is $11K for a complete long block. No power adders or nitrous. Keeping a low profile as much as I can with a medium to medium high cam. Would actually prefer a motor built with a 4.00 stroke.
11K will be enough to EASILY build yourself a 427ci long block. It will idle very nicely and you'll go way over your 510 RWHP goal. Probably closer to 600 RWHP.

Look at my 427ci below. I put 173,000 miles on it....it failed one month ago. Never once had a repair on the bottom end. I had the heads fully rebuilt after 5 years for $600.00. Then drove it another 5+ years till a rod broke last month. Built right, take care of it properly, you'll have the engine running strong for 10+ years...easy.

Do a resleeved LS2 block about $2400, basic forged rotating assembly for $2,100 (TSP part#25-TSP427LS7RA would do fine for N/A only application), ported L92 heads and ported L76 intake $2,000. Gaskets, oil pump, cam, lifters, pushrods, etc......

You'll come in under that 11K for sure. You should have a good 550-575 RWHP through an M6. And a motor you could spray with nitrous if you want to, maybe a 150 shot.

.
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 Jul 6, 2012 | 02:12 PM
  #9  
ss454327's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 619
Likes: 1
From: Scott, AR
Default

This is what I would do...

TSP 421 iron short block-$3850 (shipped to your door)
TSP custom 243/246 LSL/LXL cam-$389
TSP chrome moly pushrods-$129
TEA TFS 235-$2450
FAST 102/102-$1800 (intake/TB/rails/injectors)

I'd bet you could get a package deal for all this plus any gaskets misc parts needed from TSP. You could probably get them to build this in a long block ready to drop in for less than your budget...
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 02:32 PM
  #10  
sowaidi's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 353
Likes: 2
From: Qatar
Default

Originally Posted by LS6427
11K will be enough to EASILY build yourself a 427ci long block. It will idle very nicely and you'll go way over your 510 RWHP goal. Probably closer to 600 RWHP.

Look at my 427ci below. I put 173,000 miles on it....it failed one month ago. Never once had a repair on the bottom end. I had the heads fully rebuilt after 5 years for $600.00. Then drove it another 5+ years till a rod broke last month. Built right, take care of it properly, you'll have the engine running strong for 10+ years...easy.

Do a resleeved LS2 block about $2400, basic forged rotating assembly for $2,100 (TSP part#25-TSP427LS7RA would do fine for N/A only application), ported L92 heads and ported L76 intake $2,000. Gaskets, oil pump, cam, lifters, pushrods, etc......

You'll come in under that 11K for sure. You should have a good 550-575 RWHP through an M6. And a motor you could spray with nitrous if you want to, maybe a 150 shot.
.
A lot of guys on the forums state its very hard to get 550rwhp with a 427 and still be a mild driver but instead it would be a street beast which I would love but could NOT have at my area because of strict cops and stupid emissions whom would fail you for having a very loud vehicle. That's why I plan to use a muffler and a resonator with a cutout.

Originally Posted by ss454327
This is what I would do...

TSP 421 iron short block-$3850 (shipped to your door)
TSP custom 243/246 LSL/LXL cam-$389
TSP chrome moly pushrods-$129
TEA TFS 235-$2450
FAST 102/102-$1800 (intake/TB/rails/injectors)

I'd bet you could get a package deal for all this plus any gaskets misc parts needed from TSP. You could probably get them to build this in a long block ready to drop in for less than your budget...
This motor is the first I though about but I am worried about a 4.00+ stroke and wouldn't mind paying extra for reliability.

Would I get to my power goals with the TSP427+PRC LS7 heads+230's/240's cam+full exhaust+102/102+right size injectors?
I am assuming 23% drivetrain loss on the truck due to a past dyno I did on an old setup with the T56 so I am basically shooting for exactly 663fwhp to equate to 510rwhp on the truck with the M6.

Last edited by sowaidi; Jul 6, 2012 at 02:43 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 03:46 PM
  #11  
02sslayer's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: longview, wa
Default

Originally Posted by sowaidi
I would like your guys' suggestions for a motor build. I am in the process of buying a built motor for my RCSB 04 truck and I would like to get over 510rwhp and still be street friendly. Would a LS7 427 with high flow heads (PRC247cc or ported LS7 heads) and a medium cam be enough or would I have to step bigger for the LSX454? And If I do step to the iron LSX454 then I'd probably want more power like 530rwhp.
I am keeping my truck as a sleeper and driving it almost daily but I do not want to have issues with the 4.125 stroke so I was more interested in a 427. Its really hot where I live now and I use the AC whenever I'm driving.
The truck has a T56 and 4.10s so I would think that would help with drivetrain loss

All input is appreciated.
Thank You
i am in a simular boat as you for an engine build. you can get an LSX440 with a 4.00 stroke, or you can get an ERL block that will support the 4.125 stroke which is what i think im gonna go with. but if your only wanting 530rwhp then the 427 will be plenty of CI
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 11:53 PM
  #12  
sowaidi's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 353
Likes: 2
From: Qatar
Default

Originally Posted by 02sslayer
i am in a simular boat as you for an engine build. you can get an LSX440 with a 4.00 stroke, or you can get an ERL block that will support the 4.125 stroke which is what i think im gonna go with. but if your only wanting 530rwhp then the 427 will be plenty of CI
TSP builds their LSX blocks with 4.125 stroke and 4.125 bores. Since they're closed today, Do you think they would build the them with a 4.185 bore if I choose the custom piston set and a 4.00 stroke?

Thanks a lot
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2012 | 12:44 AM
  #13  
02sslayer's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: longview, wa
Default

Originally Posted by sowaidi
TSP builds their LSX blocks with 4.125 stroke and 4.125 bores. Since they're closed today, Do you think they would build the them with a 4.185 bore if I choose the custom piston set and a 4.00 stroke?

Thanks a lot
ya they should, i dont think that would be a problem. the LSX440 uses 4.185x4.00
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2012 | 07:40 AM
  #14  
sowaidi's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 353
Likes: 2
From: Qatar
Default

Which heads would work better with the setup? 247cc, LS7 265cc or LS7 285cc?
and which cam below would work better with the truck setup?
235/239 .621/.624 114 LSA+2
239/247 .624/.624 114 LSA+3
235/243 .621/.624 114 LSA+3
243/251 .624/.624 114 LSA+3

All input is appreciated.
Thanks
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2012 | 03:19 PM
  #15  
intenseblue's Avatar
TECH Regular
15 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 442
Likes: 1
Default

I'd do the first set of heads and the third cam
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2012 | 11:40 PM
  #16  
sowaidi's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 353
Likes: 2
From: Qatar
Default

Originally Posted by intenseblue
I'd do the first set of heads and the third cam
Thanks for your suggestion. I am not well educated in the concept. Why did you choose the 247cc and why not the LS7 heads with their better flow?

Thanks again everyone for your help.
It is very much appreciated

Last edited by sowaidi; Jul 7, 2012 at 11:56 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2012 | 12:02 AM
  #17  
LS6427's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by sowaidi
A lot of guys on the forums state its very hard to get 550rwhp with a 427 and still be a mild driver
Not hard to have a decent idling engine at 550 RWHP with 427ci. Even easier going with a 4.125 x 4.125 = 441ci

My 427ci idled almost like stock idle. Zero lope. If I upgraded my cheesy LS1 heads and intake to ported LS7 heads and ported LS7 intake and TB to match.....small cam upgrade.....it would get close to 600 RWHP. I would go from 300cfm flowing heads to 400cfm flowing heads. Many builders have told me you can get 1 - 1.5 HP per cfm increase in head flow with a matching cam upgrade. Thats a 100 HP increase.

Build the biggest cubic inch engine you can that your budget will allow.......the extra cubes will make more power and allow for a better idle.


.
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2012 | 05:56 AM
  #18  
sowaidi's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 353
Likes: 2
From: Qatar
Default

Originally Posted by LS6427
Not hard to have a decent idling engine at 550 RWHP with 427ci. Even easier going with a 4.125 x 4.125 = 441ci

My 427ci idled almost like stock idle. Zero lope. If I upgraded my cheesy LS1 heads and intake to ported LS7 heads and ported LS7 intake and TB to match.....small cam upgrade.....it would get close to 600 RWHP. I would go from 300cfm flowing heads to 400cfm flowing heads. Many builders have told me you can get 1 - 1.5 HP per cfm increase in head flow with a matching cam upgrade. Thats a 100 HP increase.

Build the biggest cubic inch engine you can that your budget will allow.......the extra cubes will make more power and allow for a better idle.


.
Thanks everyone for your help in this post and discussion. So what would you do if you were in my shoes? What would you think is the most powerful build for a STREET-FRIENDLY 427?
I am willing to spend extra so I won't regeret anything laterwise. I would love more than 510rwhp even if I break the bank but of course would love low and midrange power.

All input greatfully appreciated...
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2012 | 07:28 AM
  #19  
02sslayer's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: longview, wa
Default

Originally Posted by sowaidi
Thanks everyone for your help in this post and discussion. So what would you do if you were in my shoes? What would you think is the most powerful build for a STREET-FRIENDLY 427?
I am willing to spend extra so I won't regeret anything laterwise. I would love more than 510rwhp even if I break the bank but of course would love low and midrange power.

All input greatfully appreciated...
along with big CI you need a topend that is equally as good and one that is well put together. dont try to peice together a head and cam package your self, have a professional do it for you like tony mamo at AFR. dont buy shelf cam or snything like that, infact i dont think there are alot of shelf cams for big CI
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2012 | 07:30 AM
  #20  
02sslayer's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: longview, wa
Default

also if you want 510 at the wheels a 427 would get you there and then some.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:02 AM.

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