^^^this post nailed it.....only thing I would add would be to start with an 2004 or 2005 4.8 or 5.3 with gen 4 connecting rods, be sure to buy a quality torque converter (ptc or circle d), and spec out a T6 turbo from VS Racing.....something like a S480.
Ls motor question
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^^^this post nailed it.....only thing I would add would be to start with an 2004 or 2005 4.8 or 5.3 with gen 4 connecting rods, be sure to buy a quality torque converter (ptc or circle d), and spec out a T6 turbo from VS Racing.....something like a S480.
I am starting a parts round up for my next ls build and i wanted 500rwhp but i am having second thoughts. I am really looking hard at the 525hp ls3. Its under rated and i drove a 4000lb truck with that 525 and its pretty damn stout with great street manners. 5.3 turbo is the cheapest route but i really dont want to do a turbo at this time. I think I will be happy with the 525 in my 3300 pound g body. I guess is all in how many G's you want to spend.
82LSDADDY - FYI - you'll never have enough. You think 525 crank is good? It will always leave you wanting more. Once you put on a turbo or blower (if you ever do) you will never go back. It's an addiction. The ability to turn up another 50, 100, 150, 250 with a change of a spring or turning a knob is hard not to do.
The best part of boost is that it allows big HP to be streetable regardless of supercharged, blown or turbo'd. You don't need to sacrifice mileage, reliability and 'drive-ability'. Of course this is my opinion - take for what it's worth
The best part of boost is that it allows big HP to be streetable regardless of supercharged, blown or turbo'd. You don't need to sacrifice mileage, reliability and 'drive-ability'. Of course this is my opinion - take for what it's worth
Jim, I have to agree...it's never enough power!!! My old 355 when carbed put out 430 crank hp, I got used to it and wanted more. Then did the EFI upgrade and bumped the hp up a little which was cool. Honestly, if that motor didn't die I would've been ok with the power.82LSDADDY - FYI - you'll never have enough. You think 525 crank is good? It will always leave you wanting more. Once you put on a turbo or blower (if you ever do) you will never go back. It's an addiction. The ability to turn up another 50, 100, 150, 250 with a change of a spring or turning a knob is hard not to do.
The best part of boost is that it allows big HP to be streetable regardless of supercharged, blown or turbo'd. You don't need to sacrifice mileage, reliability and 'drive-ability'. Of course this is my opinion - take for what it's worth
Annnnnd that's why I'm building the 5.3 now that will have twins when done! I'm shooting for 500+hp on a conservative tune with 8-10lbs of boost to start. Once I get adjusted to the turbo's I will begin turning it up, and might begin building a bigger cubed, stronger LS! The addiction is real lol!
To the OP, do your research. I research damn near every part before a purchase to make sure the combo will be right! This hobby we have cost too much $$$ to guess at stuff, be unhappy, and have to buy more to fix what could have been prevented.
Scott
I like the more cost effective idea. I would like to put a more aggressive cam in for sound, and fuel economy does not matter to me at all. I built my motor now 3 years ago and have put about 400 miles on it. I’m thinking I may go supercharged for ease of install, price and less fabrication. Concerning an ls motor do they do a lot better with a turbo or super charger or about the same?
Actually, No, Your best bet is to stay away from an LS2 or LS3.
Turbocharging is a great option. For your HP level you could use the factory cam and have a nice idle and fuel economy....that is until you hit the go pedal
I nice used 5.3 or 6.0 truck motor (steel block LM7 or LY6) would be a good choice for a turbo application. Find one that is 2004 or newer if possible. Early versions are fine but have weaker bottom ends. One of of the biggest challenges with turbo is fabricating the hot side plumbing. If AC is important to you that could also be an issue to package. There are truck kits available but I am waiting for Holley to offer a hot side kit for G bodies (Todd are you listening?)
you Definitely just sold me on forced induction. Out of supercharger or turbo which the more cost effective/easier route to go?82LSDADDY - FYI - you'll never have enough. You think 525 crank is good? It will always leave you wanting more. Once you put on a turbo or blower (if you ever do) you will never go back. It's an addiction. The ability to turn up another 50, 100, 150, 250 with a change of a spring or turning a knob is hard not to do.
The best part of boost is that it allows big HP to be streetable regardless of supercharged, blown or turbo'd. You don't need to sacrifice mileage, reliability and 'drive-ability'. Of course this is my opinion - take for what it's worth
I definitely try to do my research, especially when it comes to building a new motor. Just looking for some more info and a good place to start so I can begin researching on a specific motor And start gathering parts over winter. I don’t like to do things twice, I’m 26 i already did that the first time I restored this car!
Something to be careful about with the aluminum block LS motors is that they usually can only be rebored .010, plus the aluminum blocks flex and distort more under load than iron blocks. Its why trucks got iron blocks.
500 hp is a lot of stress on the g body structure and you will need frame and body reinforcing at 400 hp or above. Make sure your body mounts are good and no rust damage.
500 hp is a lot of stress on the g body structure and you will need frame and body reinforcing at 400 hp or above. Make sure your body mounts are good and no rust damage.
I think a supercharger is the most expensive and closest to not being a daily driver, finding a used factory blower is the easiest but keep in mind there are plenty of parts required more than just the blower that are specific to the blower. The cheapest with the most potential bang for the buck is the turbo, but it is by far the most demanding in terms of fabrication - but it's not too demanding.
The turbo recipe is posted in a thousand places on the internet. If you look at VS Racing's page you'll find something along the lines of a 'Denmah kit' which includes a turbo, injectors and related goodies that are setup for any of the truck engines 4.8, 5.3 or 6.0 for an easy 600-750whp.
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