Engine Build Challenge: Spec a an LS9 equivalent for <$15k

[Vettezuki]

Here's a challenge, probably not too hard, but on the margin.

Including computer and dry sump setup, spec an LS9 equivalent LS based motor. 650BHP on pump gas, dead reliable day in day out with street manors, ready to drop, intake to pan for <= $15k all in.

Parts can be from any vendor.

[Shaolin Crane]

NA or boosted?

[Vettezuki]

Assumed boost like LS9. Mild manors under normal street driving.

[blackax]

It looks like most ls3's can take about 650 hp with mostly stock stuff, I think 650 is very mild when it comes to this and can be done easily for under 10K I think most people can do it for about 7 -8K. (starting from nothing)

[Shaolin Crane]

Assuming you use a used engine, i think he meant all new parts. Which would include the motor.

[Vettezuki]

I don't mean just somehow manage to make 650BHP. I mean make everyday, zero bullshit "hey look at the power I'm making for a week", I mean OEM level turn the key and go for years. I also don't mean make 650 BHP with a giant obnoxious cam etc. What the OEMs are doing now in these power ranges, reliably, and with mild street manors .. and passing smog is mighty impressive. Just making power is not hard. The whole package is more challenging.

[Shaolin Crane]

Ls7 with single piece valves and a small turbo will pass smog and easily make 650bhp, likely more. Cam swap alone yield 600rwhp

[blackax]

You can make 650 with out a huge cam on stock internals for a good long time (100K miles), But if you add forged rod and pistons to the mix you take out all chance of something breaking. (the crank can take way more then 650 (more like 800 - 850)

You can build it for less then 10K with new parts.

Here is one being sold for 12K pre-built

http://www.schwankeshortblocks.com/shopping/productDetails.aspx?i=97380&c=1070

[Vettezuki]

You can make 650 with out a huge cam on stock internals for a good long time (100K miles), But if you add forged rod and pistons to the mix you take out all chance of something breaking. (the crank can take way more then 650 (more like 800 - 850)

You can build it for less then 10K with new parts.

Here is one being sold for 12K pre-built

http://www.schwankeshortblocks.com/shopping/productDetails.aspx?i=97380&c=1070

Looks like a big cam used race motor.

Engine was run 12 races in USAC Western Series.

[blackax]

The biggest price on an ls3 build would be the Dry Sump

and because you didn't say anything about weight you can always go with an LQ9 block (iron truck block)

Basic prices

Block 1000 - 1500
forged internals 1000 - 1500
heads 1500 - 2000
Cam 150 - 300
Dry Sump 2000 - 4500

If we leave is NA we could get 550 to 600 no problem the last 50 might be a little harder and still make it nice on the road

I would say skip the dry sump and get a TVS 2300 its still under 10K and we can go over 650

[blackax]

Looks like a big cam used race motor.

Engine was run 12 races in USAC Western Series.

True I didn't see that...

[fiveohwblow]

Ls7 with single piece valves and a small turbo will pass smog and easily make 650bhp, likely more. Cam swap alone yield 600rwhp

That would be a pretty non streetable cam to pick up that much rwhp on can alone swap.

[Vettezuki]

Lingenfelter had a H&C package for the LS7 that was pretty good, but on the quite aggressive, not so mild side that legitimately put the LS7 in this power range. The package plus and LS7 is also well above my target price here.

[Shaolin Crane]

The biggest price on an ls3 build would be the Dry Sump

and because you didn't say anything about weight you can always go with an LQ9 block (iron truck block)

Basic prices

Block 1000 - 1500
forged internals 1000 - 1500
heads 1500 - 2000
Cam 150 - 300
Dry Sump 2000 - 4500

If we leave is NA we could get 550 to 600 no problem the last 50 might be a little harder and still make it nice on the road

I would say skip the dry sump and get a TVS 2300 its still under 10K and we can go over 650
1000-1500 for a stock block? You can get a dart block for that coin

[Shaolin Crane]

That would be a pretty non streetable cam to pick up that much rwhp on can alone swap.

My point wasnt the cam, my point was how much power is corked up in that engine. Leave everything stock and add a snail or hair drier and you've got your power and then some. I only mentioned a valve change cause for whatever reason chevy made that baddass motor and put 2 piece valves in it.

[Vettezuki]

1000-1500 for a stock block? You can get a dart block for that coin

The entry point for Dart's most basic block is $1,500 and goes up fast. That's just the block.

[Shaolin Crane]

I understand, i built a badass dart blocked 347 if you forgot. Going by Johns price points i would never pay that for a stock block

[Vettezuki]

Maybe he meant short block and not bare block? :huh:

[blackax]

I've never had to buy a block thank goodness, but I cant find a new ls3 block for much less

[blackax]

It also looks like the dart blocks are gen1 blocks

[Vettezuki]

AIR, They have at least Gen I and III based SBCs.

[blackax]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-19244611

thrown on an intake and you are ready to go lol its still under your first 15K price point.