Hello Everyone,

I'm sure there's been plenty of discussion on this, as I've browsed the threads a lot. Just figured I'd start a fresh thread for new advice on this.

I have a 2002 Sunset Orange Camaro SS LS1 with T56 6SPD, Pacesetter headers, SLP Loudmouth exhaust, and Detroit Speed Coil overs are on the way!

I love this car. However, I got left on the freeway by a Coyote Mustang, UNACCEPTABLE!

I know my car is 20 years old but that just don't sit well with me.

I bought this car because I love F-Body's but originally bought it to enjoy it and sell it for a profit. However, I made the mistake of loving this too much. Sunset Orange Camaro isn't too common in the SF Bay Area.

Anyways, this mustang upset me.

First I thought I better Cam this and build my LS1.

Then I fell deep into the rabbit hole. Why build my LS1 when I can LS3 it? Then I came across a complete LS7 at $5k. So LS7 IT WAS!!! Seller backed out and left me crying.

I don't want to drop all 15k on a motor so I started to look at buying blocks, build kits, piecing them together.

I'm currently stuck between LSX454 and LS7.

I know they both have pros and cons.

LSX is about 105 pounds heavier but allows for better handling of power.
LS7 is lighter and still makes great power and the valve issues can be fixed before install.

I just want a very solid and RELIABLE sleeper of a street car that won't tolerate pony's at all.

I don't have any HP or TQ numbers of a goal. I just want to do it right and of course save money as much as possible.

If anyone has any tips/advice, etc., please chime in.

Cars aren't my specialty, so I'm trying to learn by asking everything and anything.

Again, I'm not looking to build a track or drag car, just a sleeper of a street car thats reliable and solid. I figure if I do this right, I won't have to buy another car for a long time.

 

Of those two choices it would depend on what you plan on doing with the engine.
If you think you will end up using boost definitely go the LSX block.
If you only ever plan to go to NA stick with the LS7 and have the weight savings.
LS7 blocks start flexing once you exceed 750hp or so due to the thin cylinder walls.
You have the choice of using a good head on a big bore and depending on what you are looking for there is something to suit.
I'm more focused on the street so have a look at my build thread and see what you think.

 

Thank you. As of now, I don't plan to boost it. But sometime later on I might want to. So I'm guessing its better to keep that option open just in case.

Will the weight difference be that bad of an effect?

I found a fully complete LSX454 at about 14k with 50,000 mile warranty and LS7 at about 11k

 

The lsx engine is the same weight as a boosted ls engine. I have the lsx in my daily, i track it, i dont really notice much difference in handling tho i did go up 1 kg front springs.
low 240s intake duration , like 244/258 with ported heads and decent intake will get you over 600rwhp, will have a decent lope tho

 

If your end game includes boost, I wouldn't use any of the thin wall GM offerings...whether iron or aluminum. Better ways to skin that cat.

 

Nice, I was just looking at one of your threads, good to hear from you!

I figured the weight difference wouldn't be that bad of a problem.

I guess as of now I'm looking at what makes the most sense money wise.

Sadly I live in California so I have to make sure it doesn't sound too beastly or else bored cops will harass me

 

Honestly I don't think I will boost it any time soon. As of now, I'd like a great N/A motor.

But knowing me, later on, I'll probably want to boost it. So I figured I'd keep that option open.

 

unless your doing some serious track work the weight is a none issue. You will need to upgrade cooling , both water and oil, using the lsx block.
I use varex mufflers, if i get pulled over ill shut the muffler and its quiet as a mouse.
Ive never had an ls7 motor but ive read lots and lots about the problems with the titanium rods and head issues so ive never considered using a ls7. I think a stroked ls9 block would be better

 

Not much as of yet. I'd like to get on a track just for fun but my main goal is to have an amazing daily driver. We spend so much time in our cars that a boring driver just isn't good enough. Life is too short!

That's a good point about the ls7. My local shop (literally a few doors down from my motorcycle shop) told me all about that too.

I'd also like to know how much of my LS1 accessories I can use.

I'll have to upgrade fuel and cooling for sure but as for drop in id like to keep price down as much as possible.

 

cam the new ls7 crate motor that's wet sump for under 12000.....pull the heads, fix the valves, unless gm already did that on the new ones, put bigger springs, cam it, timing chain. under 15000 u got 525 wheel

 

How Ironic. Same car, had a stroked Ls7. I will be doing it all over again since a rod went through the block.

 

under 12k WHERE? show me haha

 

Thats GREAT! PM me some info please I'm sure you've got all type of advice for me, anything helps. We will have to get together for a side by side shoot when I'm done

 

If it we're me and I wanted to build an NA motor then I'd do the LSX 454 and have your transmission built to handle the power and torque. I have an LSX 427 with a big cam and built to handle NOS but have yet to run it on a bottle. My car has all the factory accessories, stock water pump, radiator and I do not have overheating issues. That may be different story with a 454 but you really don't want to be sitting at an idle in traffic on a hot summer day for any extended period of time anyways.

 

I don't mind upgrading cooling if I have to. I'd rather have it proper and not risk over heating. I'd like to be able to drive in any condition without issue.

How do you like your 427? I found a complete one for 7k but the big debate between the 454 is hard.

Only other LSX454 I've found has been 14k.

 

If you are thinking of boost from definitely go the LSX block.
If you decide later you want boost and you have the LS7 block you will regret it.
Two other options I didn't mention is either use an ls7 block and resleeve it if you are wanting the lower weight.
There is also an option to use a Dart SHP block too.
Have you decided what heads you want to use yet?

 

I decided to go with the 427 because I plan on using power adders.

 

I've been looking into DART. I haven't decided which heads to go with at all.

The LSX454 I found is complete at 14k but he also has LS3 427 which he says will give me 650 RWHP. So I'm even more undecided.

LSX454 sounds like it will leave the possibilities open in the future. Again, I don't plan to boost as of now, but in the future maybe,.

 

Got it, I don't think I'll be adding a bottle.

Maybe boost years down the road, if even at all.

I think I'll be more than happy with the power the LSX454 can give me. But at 7k for an LS7, compared to 14k for the 454, now I'm undecided even more haha

 

I would not go an LS3 427 due to the longer stroke causing the piston to come out of the bore at BDC.
Not recommended.
I don't recommend Dart heads either. Their blocks are A1 though. Probably the best on the market.
Have a read around on the forums and see what you may think suit.
Head selection depends on what you want the car to do.
If you haven't read my thread, there is good information in there from Tony Mamo about how each head differs and drives.
It's application specific.
If you could give us a more detailed description of what you want the vehicle to do/ drive and if part throttle response is important, RPM limit etc.
Then members on here could give you some more detailed feedback and suggest some options.
I have a couple of suggestions but I would like some more information first.