JVetthead

Not including the C5R block (cost) or an iron block (wieght).
I see most builders using resleeved LS2 blocks but TSP offers the LS7 block. This build will be for a somewhat mild road race C5.
Pros and cons for either?

ALLBOTTLE

iTrader: (13)

All depends on your budget.

In my opinion here they are listed by overall strength and Technology.

LS7
Dry Sleeved LS1/LS2
MID Sleeved 97-98 LS1
C5R
Warhawk LSX
Dart Billet

If you are looking for a NA build the ls7 will work very well.

JVetthead

Well budget is NOT unlimited.. I guess my concern is a resleeved LS1-LS2 compared to the LS7 block. How reliable are the resleeved blocks?
I do have a '98 block laying around and didnt even think of using it. But I will consider it.

325trooper

iTrader: (2)

Send it to RED and have MID sleeves installed. Totally reliable.

ALLBOTTLE

iTrader: (13)

Re sleeved blocks have a longer sleeve more material than the ls7.
97-98 blocks are best for MID Sleeves since they have a larger lip for the sleeve to sit on.

technology has come a long way in the past few years only person i would trust to re-sleeve a block would be RED (Race Engine Dev) a Sponsor on here.

MID sleeves are going to cost a lot more than dry sleeves and you will have to run Evans coolant but are much stronger.

JVetthead

That would sure simplify things to stay with LS1 block, I will ck into this..
Would better main caps be a good idea? Dont think I will need to turn more than 7000..

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

could also look into a l92 block,
they come witha 4.065 bore, with a 4.125 stroke crank,
displacement would be around 428ci.

ALLBOTTLE

iTrader: (13)

I would not recommend a 4.125 crank in any production block, The sleeve are just not long enough and the oil consumption problem would be horrible.

Stang's Bane

iTrader: (22)

If you are even familiar with the word budget, do not attempt to build a 427, unless you say "unlimited budget" LOL, at least that is how it feels sometimes.........

choppin-suey

iTrader: (6)

I would also say the l92 block, there are some sick engine builders down in texas that aint skeerd to put a 4.125 crank in that thing and make it a decent build for the buck, there are a few running around and I havent read anything bad about oil comsumption.

gnx7

iTrader: (28)

Shirl runs a 43xci L92 block (bored over something like .040") and then put in a 4.1" stroke crank. Spins it to 7K and recently set some track records with his C5 dedicated road race car. He is in AZ I believe.

Beast96Z

iTrader: (21)

You get alot more options when you go with the sleeved block. You need to look at the cost aspect of things though. You already have a 98 block, but the sleeves and the process are gunna cost you more than the dry LS2 block. If your not going over 7k rpm's, the added cost of the MID procedure, and the coolant system, may not be worth it. My first choice would ba a dry sleeved LS2 block using LS7 sleeves. You can get a max bore of 4.190" out of this set-up. Also, since the sleeves are actually longer, you can run more stroke and not have to worry about crappy ring stacks and oil problems. You don't get that feature on production LS7, or L92 blocks. You can get alot more than 427 cubes out of the sleeved block and it won't cost you much more at all. If you decide to stick with a production block, you can run a 4.125" stroke with no problems. It just depends on the piston ordered as to wether or not it will burn oil. This is were the good builders come in.

JVetthead

Thanks all for your help.Here is the run down...
Ls2 Dry sleeve job; $1,550 + block etc..
Ls1 MID sleeve; $2575 allready have spare block, both per RED..
Katech 427 short block re-sleeved Ls2; $6950
TSP 427 Ls7 based short block; $6065
The resleeves are 4.125"- 4.160" or 4.175"- 4.200", same price for either bore..
So.. The LOW BUDGET cost to Build, not including ETC. will be around $10-12,000...
Probably worth while to just go with a built S/B rather than piece my own together.

Chicago Crew UnderBoss

iTrader: (1)

Call LME or ERIK Koening, both will build you a killer 427 for a very fair price most likely utilizing an LS7 Block!

Beast96Z

iTrader: (21)

As mentioned, get ahold of Erik. He's great when it comes to putting builds like this together. You 2 can speak about what cubic inch range and what block would be best. He also uses RED for his sleeved blocks. Buying the motor complete usaully ends up as a better deal because the builder is more apt to give you a deal on parts so he can get the money for labor. Builders make more money on labor than they ever will selling parts, so it only makes sense for them to give you a better deal on parts in order for them to build your motor.

THE_SUPRA

im subscribing to this thread...

JVetthead

Please excuse my ignorance, I am a newb on THIS forum..
Who, where is Eric?

ALLBOTTLE

iTrader: (13)

Erik Koenig... Owner of HK Enterprises.
He's a sponsor on here.

MPHmotorsports

iTrader: (18)

Damn this was a really nice thread to read.
Some very good posts and excellent posts.
I would also not perfer a 4.125 crank even though I have a customer with one in his car for over 4 years now with no problems. He is a 4.125 stock 3.905 bore 395 cubic inch I believe.
Main reason is what is the benifit? So you can say you have 10 extra cubes?
A L92 block as some are saying is 416 cubic inches with a 4" stroke, doing a 4.125 instead will gain you 12 cubic inches but what else?
Maybe a little more torque??? I doubt it will make any additional HP.
Top end is more important. If you on a budget and have the budget to either do a 7000 dollar shortblock, with 3000 on the top vs 5000 short and 5000 up top I would do the 5000 in the short and 5000 on the top.
Maybe something like a 416 L92 with a 4"bore ETP LS7 head, good lifters and good rockers. Now if your budget allows for both a 7,000 dollar short and a 5,000 dollar top then do both.

JVetthead

Thanks, but could not find link on sidebar..Got link?
LME, another local builder I did not know about, but found link. Been about 4 yrs since I've built an engine, man alot has been going on since then...
I need big tq. for road race car and alot of romance value (for me,semi oldfart) in a 427 so will probably stick with the 4.125/4.00 setup.