Third Gear

iTrader: (3)

Hey guys, I'm thinking about saving up some more money and doing a mild 408 versus a procharger. For a little bit more money I'll get a new, bullet proof engine instead of waiting for the stock one to die. I'm just wondering how many of you guys are passing smog, and what size cams you are using. My goal 500 rwhp or very close to it (I really want the magic 500 number though), good street manners, and passes smog as far as emissions go, I'm thinking I'll probably lose 30-40 HP if I don't do LTs.

pewter 01 SS

iTrader: (5)

I'm building a 408ci bt I dont care about emissions theres always around that but I guess you can do it.

Third Gear

iTrader: (3)

Yeah I don't really "care" about emissions... but I don't want smogging it to be a pain since I don't have a hook up. I don't want a crazy idle like it's running on 7 cylinders or something. Near stock or a slight lope is my preference. Good luck on yours.

xp3nd4bl3

A 500rwhp naturally aspirated 408 that passes emissions (sniffer and visual) will be VERY difficult to build up.

Can you build up a decent 408 for the same price as the ATI? Block, stroker rotating assembly, nice heads, cam, intake, etc, etc, seems like the cost difference would be significant.

Third Gear

iTrader: (3)

Well, just going by retail (not that I'd ever pay close to that though). D-1SC Race kit is roughly $5000. SDCE spring tensioner kit. $700. So just call it $6000 by the time you it's all said and done.

Iron shortblocks can be had for around $3800 when sponsors are doing a special. Cam $400, Heads $2000. I don't really want to count things like pushrods, lifters, oil pump, headers, etc. because they're things that should be done with a S/C anyways. So for a grand or so more, I'll get a brand new engine that will last a long time. The supercharger will eventually kill the stock bottom.

It's not that huge of a price gap. I don't think 500 rwhp is too out of line. there are some of guys making around 530 or more with lumpy cams. So I'll just have a smaller cam, and a more restrictive intake (for a little bit).

Hell, even 475 would be fine with me. I'm not out to be the fastest LS1

12secSS

iTrader: (30)

I agree with Micah, you'll be hard pressed to pass smog with a 408 and 500rwhp. If you are willing to settle for at least 475rwhp, then the ATI would be a better choice. A mildly boosted stock 346 with bolt-ons can easily hit those numbers (475rwhp).

strokedls1

iTrader: (1)

I agree with george and micah. I could get a blower setup much cheaper than what it cost to do my engine. I got something like 13k into my motor. It makes 500rwhp but is not smogable as is. To be smogable would mean small cam, and without good heads and long tube + exhaust will be 430 rwhp. You can get rod, pistons, rings, bearing, gaskets and minor machine work for like 1800. Your price on the blower is way too much. Talk to rob at strictly for an ati price. They just made 810 rwhp on one of their customers cars.

Third Gear

iTrader: (3)

Hmm... I've been doing a lot thinking lately and number crunching. As cool as a 408 would be, it's not that practical... (lol a Camaro in general is not practical). I think I have 2 options.

1: Go N/A route with AFR, CheaTR Cam and other bolt ons and go chase the 400 RWHP mark. Probably looking at slightly over $3000 with gaskets and other odds and ends. I'll pass emissions no problem. The cam they'll never know about, stock exhaust, and AFR heads have an E.O. number. 400 rwhp isn't a lot online... everyone has a 10 second car , but I think 474 HP will be plenty for me.

2: Go FI and go with the ATI 5psi tuner kit and make close to 400 rwhp. Again, this will pass emission no problem. But way easier to install than heads and cam, and will leave room to grow... If I want some more power later on I'll just add a 7psi pulley (and possibly a SDCE setup) and make 440. Downside is it will probably cost around $4000 give or take on who I buy it from. Plus a fuel pump will need to be done, and I really don't have the time to drop the rear and everything, so installation on a fuel pump as well.

I'm leaning towards option 2 because it's sooo much easier to install, and leaves more room to grow. Option 1 I'm limited at around 400 rwhp. So I'll just have to think about what I want to do a little bit longer.

Any other comments you guys have would be appreciated.

xp3nd4bl3

Geez, why didn't I think of that?

Terry@Combination

Navy give us a call and maybe we can help guide you on your quest to meet your needs.

Third Gear

iTrader: (3)

Sure Terry, I'll give you guys a call soon. Should I ask for you? I think I'll be happy with somewhere around 400 rwhp.

LOL Micah, you guys made me rethink the whole stroker idea, which is a good thing, I really appreciate the input. As cool as they are, it's hard to make it work here in CA. So it's between heads/cam and 5psi ATI kit. Thanks