I'm getting a RCSB and want to swap a better engine in. I have a mild 427 I built a few years ago using an LS3 block, but I have seen some 502 cu in builds here and there. Does anyone have any experience building or owning a 502cu in LS engine? What block was used, who made the crank, what cylinder head works well with it? Just looking for some general combination recommendations. I like to assemble my own engines, but that doesn't make me a builder. I don't want to just toss a bunch of parts together without some input. I know I need a 4.6in stroke, but I'm not having much luck finding one. Only thing I have easily found is a Lunati part that isnt in stock anywhere. Are people just custom ordering the cranks?

 

They did a 495 cubic inch engine test about 10 years ago with a bunch of different heads (Richard Hollander). Brodix and Mast did well. The 4.5 inch crank may be easier to get and your are getting into a lot of stroke there. Block would be RHS, Concept or Dart. Be aware of the sleeve length with that large a stroke you want at least a 6.3 inch sleeve length which also happens to be the same sleeve length as a BBC. The engine made like 800 hp and like 720 tq. They used a tarantula style manifold. Callies make all the rotating stuff you need and the pistons I would go with Diamond or Weisco. With the right rod length some of the off the shelf pistons might work but today they can drill the wrist pin hole anywhere. You also want to keep the wrist pin center in the 1.10 inch or more range or the wrist pin hole starts getting into the oil ring. I would keep stroke at 4.5 inch or less for simplicity and longevity.

 

Richard Hollander? Or HOLDENER??

 

Holdener. I think it was in Hot Rod or Car Craft Magazine.

 

Northern Performance (Kenny D) has a 502 in his RCSB truck unless this is one of the ones you've recently seen.



I would run a Dart or LSX tall deck and stay away from RHS (he does comment about that).

 

that truck is nasty!

 

As much as I like huge motors, I think keeping the stroke mild and putting the $$$ in the bore and heads is better spent. How much power did you want to make?

 

Alum 5.3, forged internals, TFS220 as cast heads, turbo, e85 should make all you really need. Plus it will actually get decent fuel economy when not in boost and on the highway. Or just run stock heads and save some $.

 

Just LSX tall deck 502 build sheet. You'll see everything you will need for the build. This is where a nice set of 305cc heads could really shine. Staying NA and making a ton of streetable/reliable power and this is where I'd opt for the aluminum tall deck blocks.

 

Kenny tuned my Camaro. His truck is my inspiration. I don't have the cash to have him build me an engine so I need to do it myself.

 

I hadnt really considered the power. Im more trying to build something I'll be excited to drive around. I have had a 427 in a few cars and trucks now. Seen a few people around with them. I think I'm set on a 502 I just need to know what parts to source.

 

Bigger isn't necessarily better when building an LS. Feeding a 502 is going to require some thought, as in the heads need to support the cubes, the intake needs to support the cubes, cam, etc. If you miss on any of the 3...it'll make the same power as a 427 and just cost a bunch more. If anything, I would grab a 454 LSX short block and put a killer topend on that and go. Way more simple and power will be about the same.

 

A 502 with a set of canted valve heads would be an awesome combo!

 

IIRC, Mast Motorsports manufacturers canted valve LS heads. For a price, of course.....

 

I also agree with Dave on this. Unless you spend BIG $$$$ on a 500 cube motor, like a tall deck block, great heads and intake, etc., you're probably not going to see its potential. Even the LSX 454 with the 9.240" deck height could benefit from the taller 9.720"-9.750" tall deck block. I'm sure the 500 cube motor would have more low end torque than the 454. But most of us aren't building LS motors for low end torque. My opinion......

 

 

They have made these for many years in the form of big block Chevys. They still make tons of torque and can get decent mileage when equipped with EFI and an OD transmission.
They're heavy, though!