gula187

I have questions for my upcoming project. I have I 88 Monte carlo ss and I'm looking to build a engine with at least 600rwhp but I don't know if I want to go the ls route or go bbc. The car will be a daily driver for the most part but I may take it to the track maybe twice a month..I'm looking for all suggestions and opinions please

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

600 rwhp on motor alone or with forced induction?

xdanny510x

To make it to 600rwhp n/a .. ur gonna need a good bottom end.. high compression.. big cam.. nasty cylinder heads.... and deep pockets lol.. unless u want f/i i dont see it happening..also what c.i. displacement is a factor too.

gnx7

iTrader: (28)

If you want under 10mpg build a BBC... If you want to save 250lbs+ off the front end build a big cube LSx and have the potential to get 20mpg+.

KCS

iTrader: (20)

What's your budget?

It would be easier and probably cheaper with a BBC just because of the larger displacements. Street manners would be better too.

The LS could do it; but you're pretty much at the limit for what street driven LS can do.

JoeNova

A stock 05-07 Gen 3 4.8/5.3 Will make 600whp with a single turbo, and be 90% cheaper than trying to do it N/A

gula187

N/a is what I'm shooting for since my welding skills are limited. I really like the turbo 6.0 though but as of now my budget is $6k

64post

iTrader: (5)

6K budget? 600rwhp? You'll need a big shot of nitrous to stay near that budget, that might be the only way that ever happens.

JoeNova

My last turbo 5.3 build cost me a total of $3200. That included the cost of the engine, complete with wiring, accessories, and ECU, and all turbo components. It doesn't have to be expensive.

gula187

The turbo ls route is the route that I really want to take but the main two regions wbu I'm scared of it is because I been seeing quite a few people blowing engines and second i have never used a tig welder and haven't used a mig welder since high school

JoeNova

Most people blow turbo engines because they get greedy on the tune. More timing doesn't always mean more power on these engines, but they crank it up anyway and blow the ring lands. There are hundreds of us that have thousands of miles and several years on our turbo LS engines.

Non-Sponsor Soliciting Policy

Mavn

iTrader: (3)

6K Will get you a a LSX Block and some pistons/rods... Its a good start

gula187

I may have to rethink my plans on the amount of power I want. I didn't realize that power can be so expensive. But the only reason why I wanted that much power..so I can compete with some of the cars at the track. They usually have a lot of camaro ss, zl1 camaro and corvettes, hellcats, and mustang gt's

Briou

iTrader: (1)

600rwhp N/A does get expensive...I'm about 10k in on my long block (erl aluminum 454 short block and Frankenstein racing LS7 style heads) an I made 750fwhp...so that will be roughly 600rwhp

MyLS1Hauls

iTrader: (2)

Personally, I'd go with a turbo setup...The increase in torque is so much fun. But you either have to have deep pockets to pay someone for setup, or have the know how to do it yourself.

gula187

What's the hardest part of installing a turbo setup..And is there a reason no one is using their fuel rail covers with turbo setups? I actually like the look of the fuel rail covers

MyLS1Hauls

iTrader: (2)

Fuel rail covers just hold heat in. They also don't fit very well with the FAST and MSD intakes.

imma_stocker

iTrader: (19)

Honestly doubt you'll be able to have a reliable 600whp setup for 6 grand total budget unless you can do a LOT yourself and already have parts. What transmission do you plan to run? What rear end and gear? What space do you have to work with and around? EFI or carb? Stock PCM or aftermarket controllers?

Remember to account for suspension, fuel, chassis bracing, roll bar or cage, driveshaft, brakes, TIRES, safety gear with harness, etc.

D1 Procharged 6.0 will make that power. I would use stock crank, forged slugs and rods, gap the rings for boost, turbo cam, 317 heads with better valvetrain, ported throttle body, whatever intake, and 1-7/8 long tube headers to single 4" or dual 3" exhaust. This route doesn't involve much fabrication. Iron block will be cheaper and take more boost later, could probably get away with boring an iron 5.3 to 5.7 specs.

Nitrous will be the next option. Same engine, similar parts but setup for higher compression and nitrous, L92 heads, and a progressive controller to keep it together. Keep in mind a nitrous kit is cheap, a SAFE nitrous kit gets expensive.

MikeWS6

My LS3 is close to 600rwhp with just the A&A T Trim kit. Pretty sure once I get headers it will it hit the 600 mark. Also drives like stock and gets good gas millage. Could just save up and go that route.

70LS1Nova

I made 545 rwhp with my 408 but it was almost twice your 6k budget and that's just the engine. Are you budgeting for LS tranny too? Oh, by the way, I sold my big block and went LS. No regrets. Like you, mostly street driven, take it to the track a couple times a year.