ZFSix

iTrader: (14)

Pros and Cons of each? Going in my 02 Camaro SS M6.

From my limited research, it looks like the LS3 heads are flowing very well, but my understanding is you have to use the GM intake. Well, I have a FAST 90/90 that was used for a month before my motor went south and I don't really want to sell it.

If I do the LS2 I'll be opting for some TFS 235s most likely.

My goal is ~520-530rwhp and 500rwtq with a good power curve. I don't really care about peak HP I just want torque and a smooth curve.

Also might be adding nitrous in the future.

Should I build a 402 LS2 or go for the LS3?

Beaflag VonRathburg

iTrader: (176)

Use the L92 / LS3 block with some cathedral port heads. The larger bore is always an advantage.

Stang's Bane

iTrader: (22)

Only con on going with the bigger motor is money. It will make more power, so you have to decide it the extra power is worth the extra $$$$$$

ZFSix

iTrader: (14)

From what I've seen it's like $200 more. I could definately justify spending an extra $200 when we're talking about thousands to build a motor.

Will the Trick Flows bolt up to the L92/LS3 block?

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

Bigger is always better but it's more than 200 more, for my 416 anyway.
My LS2 403 is $4725 and my LS3 416 $5275,,using Callies and Wiseco of course

Stang's Bane

iTrader: (22)

yes. Assuming bore size is adequate, any ls head will bolt to any ls block.

ZFSix

iTrader: (14)

I've looked at TSP and Weber Racing, they are within a few hundred dollars difference on the two motors.

Going with Wiseco pistons, either Callies or K1 Tech crank and rods, ARP bolts.

Is the 14-16ci worth ~$500?

ZFSix

iTrader: (14)

Cool, thanks

Stang's Bane

iTrader: (22)

From what you have said about your goals so far, I would say yes.

VINCE

iTrader: (1)

12 to 16ci is only worth like 12 to 16rwhp...

Stang's Bane

iTrader: (22)

Given the same cam, heads and Intake, I would say it is not worth that. I would say the the peak hp would only inch up slightly but at a slightly lower rpm. The torque would improve nicely though. JMHO

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

Well the difference in mine is $550 between the two.
Bigger is always better, so IMO yes the 4.070 bore with the 4" stroke is worth $550 over the 4.005 bore and 4" stroke. If its a breaking point the 403 is a great way to go but if you want more power then a bigger engine is a bigger engine and will have potential for more power.
I can produce a version for $250 less using a Scat crank and Eagle rods as well, I like to use Callies where I can and the customers budget permits it.

ZFSix

iTrader: (14)

I'm going to stay away from Eagle. Callies is my preference with Wiseco pistons.

If I decide to put nitrous on it later I want to make sure the 418 can handle it. I don't want to be on the edge either, building a new motor isn't something I want to do more than once out of necessity.

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

Well we dont like to overbore to 4.080 that why ours is a 416 not a 418.
4.070 bore with a 4" stroke and some Hell Fire rings and your good to spray as much as you want. We use only Wiseco pistons so your n2o ready for as much as you dare spray.

Fast GTO

I went with ETP heads and a FAST 90, but I am also an auto.

500 rwtq is going to be difficult to get...

With that said the advantage of the 416 is clearly in the torque department. There are some 402's out there making close to the same HP but lacking the torque.


I have not been able to run the N20 yet, ran into some frustrating issues with the install that is being worked out now.

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

Another option is
https://ls1tech.com/forums/lsx-parts-sale/944492-hke-ls3-l92-shortblock-greg-good-ls3-l92-heads-ls3-l92-rocker-arms-w-hs-mod.html

The works been already done. Short block Built by HKE.

Caveman

iTrader: (2)

I would say go for the bigger motor, a larger bore is better for a nitrous motor and it unshrouds the valves for NA. Your already spending lots of money so whats an extra $200 or $500.

Pwebbz28

iTrader: (31)

Look at some of the cam only LS3 dynos. Bigger bore=more power.

ZFSix

iTrader: (14)

Ok now if I decide to go with the LS3 based motor...

Keep my FAST and get cathedral port heads?
Get ported L92 heads and ported L92 intake?

Either way it would come out to about the same amount of money. TFS heads will run about $2500 and then I'd get my FAST ported.

Or ported L92 heads for $1300 and ported L92 intake, sell the FAST.

?

Stang's Bane

iTrader: (22)

When you sell the fast you will be less expensive in the end.

Honestly, It is 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. For what you want to do, either combo will get you there.