LS2 all the way! 
402ci LS2 or STS Turbo setup?
402ci LS2 or STS Turbo setup? So what would you do? What would be best for all overall power output and longitivity? Which is probably cheaper? My car is a street warrior as well. I was thinking at the following opitions
a) A nice 402ci LS2 block with AFR heads, big sized cam, the works.
or
b) Keep the engine stock CI's, forge it for turbo and throw on a STS turbo kit and run it at around 5-8psi. Maybe even put on a FMIC if the money agrees with me.
I figured I could make around 450-480rwhp with the LS2 setup. Not too sure how much HP I'd make with the turbo kit. So what would YOU do?
edit: May not be right forum but, what should you do/replace on a engine to prepare it for FI?
a) A nice 402ci LS2 block with AFR heads, big sized cam, the works.
or
b) Keep the engine stock CI's, forge it for turbo and throw on a STS turbo kit and run it at around 5-8psi. Maybe even put on a FMIC if the money agrees with me.
I figured I could make around 450-480rwhp with the LS2 setup. Not too sure how much HP I'd make with the turbo kit. So what would YOU do?
edit: May not be right forum but, what should you do/replace on a engine to prepare it for FI?
Last edited by freakynipples69; Oct 22, 2005 at 04:54 PM.
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Well if you build a LS2 with all the goodies, cam and heads etc vs a forged bottom end with a turbo. I would say you can get more out of the turbo. Plus you have a great everyday driver until you hit the gas and the boost builds up. Ive had them both...and I like the boost. Now decide what turbo setup to use. Front mount or rear?
I thought an STS kit would be easiest and most affortable to get. But i was searching a bit and found out about GMR Speed Single Turbo Kit kit. It's actually the same price as an STS kit and seems to include everything. I'd perfer a front mount turbo anyways.
Originally Posted by freakynipples69
I thought an STS kit would be easiest and most affortable to get. But i was searching a bit and found out about GMR Speed Single Turbo Kit kit. It's actually the same price as an STS kit and seems to include everything. I'd perfer a front mount turbo anyways.
hey man, i was just at GMR last monday and i saw their turbo kit. ill just say AWESOME! thats a great deal they got going on too. id definately check it out. i prefer the front mount over the sts too. GMR made 406rwhp that kit and the car is a automatic and the trans was slipping alot too so theres alot more in the kit.
Trending Topics
I just did both. 402 low compression (built) and a t70 w/fmic. almost done breaking it in. I use to have just the sts kit and loved it. made 500rwhp& 493torq on 8psi on the stock motor. the only things I changed was the fuel pump and valuve springs..
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Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Erie, PA
I'd go for the LS2. In fact, that's what I did exactly. I got 502rwhp with a very mild street cam, great idle, no surging or lope, that will pass a sniffer emissions test. The biggest cam will get you 553rwhp in the same package.
To get 553rwhp from the STS, you will be shortening the life of you stock motor for sure. On the contrary, my motor is now rock solid, forged everything held together by ARP. I am very happy with my choice.
To get 553rwhp from the STS, you will be shortening the life of you stock motor for sure. On the contrary, my motor is now rock solid, forged everything held together by ARP. I am very happy with my choice.
I was looking at the same choice this time last year. By the time you get done making the engine capable of handling the boost, you might as well buy one of the 402 shortblocks from one of the sponsors for not much more money.
I got mine built by SDPC, and although I will likely drive it NA initially, it is built to handle up to 15 pounds of boost, so when the power bug strikes again I'll be ready.
I got mine built by SDPC, and although I will likely drive it NA initially, it is built to handle up to 15 pounds of boost, so when the power bug strikes again I'll be ready.
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Grove City, Ohio
I'm waiting on pricing from several vendors right now on a low cr 402. I intend to use my Vortech T-trim on it.
I agree with what 89FormulaLS2 said about cost. I thought about doing a 383 stroker with my stock LS6 block, but I can do a LS2 402 short block for about the same money.
I agree with what 89FormulaLS2 said about cost. I thought about doing a 383 stroker with my stock LS6 block, but I can do a LS2 402 short block for about the same money.
Just keep in mind that while the STS "doesn't require you to get into the engine at all," it IS going to shorten the life of a stock engine significantly. (As will any power adder). You are also limiting yourself to a low boost setup, as well. Sooner or later, I suspect most WILL get into the engine; either to allow for additional boost, or just to rebuild their spent motor. 
Don't get me wrong - I am a fan of the STS turbo system, and I STILL plan to install one in the near future. But a little insurance from building the motor never hurts.
Don't get me wrong - I am a fan of the STS turbo system, and I STILL plan to install one in the near future. But a little insurance from building the motor never hurts.
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Grove City, Ohio
Originally Posted by TexasWS6
GO ASTROS! - I survived the 14 inning massacre and all I got was this lousy sig
Or how about a trip to the mound as Oswald is getting his teeth kicked in in the 5th?? Break up the Sox's momentum...
I coach my ten year old's little league team and even and I could've managed that game better than he did!!
Oh yeah, go with the 402 (...Again he says...)
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Here and there
Originally Posted by freakynipples69
So what would you do? What would be best for all overall power output and longitivity? Which is probably cheaper? My car is a street warrior as well. I was thinking at the following opitions
a) A nice 402ci LS2 block with AFR heads, big sized cam, the works.
or
b) Keep the engine stock CI's, forge it for turbo and throw on a STS turbo kit and run it at around 5-8psi. Maybe even put on a FMIC if the money agrees with me.
I figured I could make around 450-480rwhp with the LS2 setup. Not too sure how much HP I'd make with the turbo kit. So what would YOU do?
edit: May not be right forum but, what should you do/replace on a engine to prepare it for FI?
a) A nice 402ci LS2 block with AFR heads, big sized cam, the works.
or
b) Keep the engine stock CI's, forge it for turbo and throw on a STS turbo kit and run it at around 5-8psi. Maybe even put on a FMIC if the money agrees with me.
I figured I could make around 450-480rwhp with the LS2 setup. Not too sure how much HP I'd make with the turbo kit. So what would YOU do?
edit: May not be right forum but, what should you do/replace on a engine to prepare it for FI?
