Bigmike4098

Hello im mike im new to the ls1 world. I have a 1980 nissan 280zx that i plan to swap a ls1 into. Iv done a bit of research on it. But what are some of the bad points of the ls1? Im looking to get around 400 horses and i want a monster cam in it to beat the ground. Now im not sure if 400 will be biult enough for the sound im looking for.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

400hp would be as simple as a stock LS1 engine with LT headers, tuning, and some other common bolt-ons (intake, TB, pulley, and/or some combo of these, etc.)

A "monster" cam may deliver unsatisfying results without proper supporting components. I'm not a fan of those huge cams for street cars myself, I prefer a mid-range or smallish cam with a top shelf set of heads, supporting bolt-ons and a displacement increase (if you intend to rebuild.) That makes for a killer street combo with excellent manners and plenty of power without having to rev to the moon. For a race application I would approach the build differently though.

Deeohgie69

iTrader: (3)

Like RPM WS6 said, you won't need much to get an ls1 400 at the crank, bolt-ons will do that. You don't need a huge aftermarket cam to sound mean and aggressive either. I would do like he said, do bolt-ons, get a nice mid sized cam, and some heads with at least a ls6 intake. That will put you over 400+rwhp easily, probably around 420whp and run really well.

You'll be a lot happier with a mid sized cam than you will with a huge cam especially if you have a stick vs an auto transmission.

Bigmike4098

I do plan to rebuild it when i get it. And wile im in there upgreading some stuff. Like a forged crank, h beam rods, and i was thinking some dome top. Id like 12:1 compression. With some ported ls6 heads and intake. A set of short headers. Roller lifters and roller rockers. Pretty much a street drag car is what im looking at.

Deeohgie69

iTrader: (3)

Your stock crank can handle a lot of power. There's tons of people in the 600-800rwhp range on the stock crank and some that's over 1000rwhp running 8-9sec quarter miles (possibly faster). I wouldn't hesitate for a second to run a stock one at 800rwhp, but if you have the money and are putting new rods/pistons in already then it won't hurt anything.

Bigmike4098

What can the stock rods handle. And how much power can the main caps hold. With it being aluminium. Id like save as much as i can. But i plan to put the best bearings money can buy. And free up as much tension as i can i plan to balance and blueprints it. I want to try to build a reliable engine.