$5000 engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 216
Likes: 10
From: MD
$5000 engine
Hello everyone
Plan to change or upgrade my engine. I need the most Horsepower that I can get budget is $5000.
1. Getting a donor car
OR
2. new engine
OR
3. Upgrading my new engine chevy 350/290 HP
I don't care if it's 383 or 350 or LS3 the the goal is H.P + torque
my current trans is turbo 350 planning to change it to 5 or 6 speed. & stock rear end planning to Upgrade it to 3.73
my mods now is new chevy 350/290
hooker black headers
600 holly
2101 edelbrock intake
flowmaster super 44
I add a L88 hood scoop
77
The most important is What can I get the most H.P if I'm paying $5000 . 500 H.P +
for a street car
Please Help if You have the noklege.
Thanks
Plan to change or upgrade my engine. I need the most Horsepower that I can get budget is $5000.
1. Getting a donor car
OR
2. new engine
OR
3. Upgrading my new engine chevy 350/290 HP
I don't care if it's 383 or 350 or LS3 the the goal is H.P + torque
my current trans is turbo 350 planning to change it to 5 or 6 speed. & stock rear end planning to Upgrade it to 3.73
my mods now is new chevy 350/290
hooker black headers
600 holly
2101 edelbrock intake
flowmaster super 44
I add a L88 hood scoop
77
The most important is What can I get the most H.P if I'm paying $5000 . 500 H.P +
for a street car
Please Help if You have the noklege.
Thanks
Last edited by ariba; Jan 2, 2018 at 08:38 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
I think the best horsepower potential is in an iron-block LS motor, like an LQ4 or LQ9. You can avoid a fuel system upgrade by going with a carbed setup, but you'll definitely spend a little bit for extras (electric fuel pump + hoses, some means of controlling timing, adapter plates and accessories).
You probably could make more power for less money by upgrading what you have. Do you plan on keeping the car for a long time, or throwing $5000 at it and selling it without ever touching the engine again?
You probably could make more power for less money by upgrading what you have. Do you plan on keeping the car for a long time, or throwing $5000 at it and selling it without ever touching the engine again?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 216
Likes: 10
From: MD
I think the best horsepower potential is in an iron-block LS motor, like an LQ4 or LQ9. You can avoid a fuel system upgrade by going with a carbed setup, but you'll definitely spend a little bit for extras (electric fuel pump + hoses, some means of controlling timing, adapter plates and accessories).
You probably could make more power for less money by upgrading what you have. Do you plan on keeping the car for a long time, or throwing $5000 at it and selling it without ever touching the engine again?
You probably could make more power for less money by upgrading what you have. Do you plan on keeping the car for a long time, or throwing $5000 at it and selling it without ever touching the engine again?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 943
Likes: 73
If you already have a new 350/290 engine, you might consider upgrading it with a more aggressive cam and heads. Keeping the existing rotating assembly would be a money saver depending on what it is. A little more information on that engine would be a help.
Also, $5k will get you a decent crate engine if that what your looking for, just a direct swap.
Also, $5k will get you a decent crate engine if that what your looking for, just a direct swap.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,922
Likes: 733
From: Youngstown Ohio
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 216
Likes: 16
From: Tanunda South Australia
Here's one to consider......
http://www.jegs.com/i/ATK-Engines/059/HP36M/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/ATK-Engines/059/HP36M/10002/-1
Pro
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 708
Likes: 150
From: Minnesota
Personally I'd upgrade your current engine - you already have a 350 which the broadest selection of inexpensive (relative) parts are available for. Pick a hp/tq goal and build to that. True 350-400hp for a street motor with your 3.73's is pretty easily achievable and you can stroke to 383 for really nice power. This is assuming you tear down and reassemble your own engine. You could do that within your budget. If you don't do your own assembly work, I'd research combos and talk to a shop about doing it for you, or consider a crate. Nothing against LS motors, but why leap to more wiring etc. if you already have a V8 car with the basic components in place and an intake, carb and headers that will work just fine. Those are all things that add up and you don't need to spend money on if you are budgeting.
That said, if you're sinking $15K into a frame-on already, why not divert some of that remainder to a motor if you need it. Most of us (at least I) don't sink that kind of money in a short period - usually I've tackled motor project, suspension, now back 1/2, etc. in stages. Everyone is in their own situation, though.
That said, if you're sinking $15K into a frame-on already, why not divert some of that remainder to a motor if you need it. Most of us (at least I) don't sink that kind of money in a short period - usually I've tackled motor project, suspension, now back 1/2, etc. in stages. Everyone is in their own situation, though.
Last edited by JoeMinnesota; Jan 1, 2018 at 06:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 216
Likes: 10
From: MD
Here's one to consider......
http://www.jegs.com/i/ATK-Engines/059/HP36M/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/ATK-Engines/059/HP36M/10002/-1
but a difference in lees 15 H.P = $1300
https://blueprintengines.com/product...-base-aluminum
if you compare both but I prefer 500 H.P + . I am a little greedy my friend
but what do you think of a escalade and procharge it?!..
Last edited by ariba; Jan 1, 2018 at 07:04 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 943
Likes: 73
Thank You C3 Stroker your always been a helper
but a difference in lees 15 H.P = $1300
https://blueprintengines.com/product...-base-aluminum
if you compare both but I prefer 500 H.P + . I am a little greedy my friend
but what do you think of a escalade and procharge it?!..
but a difference in lees 15 H.P = $1300
https://blueprintengines.com/product...-base-aluminum
if you compare both but I prefer 500 H.P + . I am a little greedy my friend
but what do you think of a escalade and procharge it?!..
Escalade? I believe that will take you beyond that 5K budget. Have you considered LS?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,922
Likes: 733
From: Youngstown Ohio
Thank You C3 Stroker your always been a helper
but a difference in lees 15 H.P = $1300
https://blueprintengines.com/product...-base-aluminum
if you compare both but I prefer 500 H.P + . I am a little greedy my friend
but what do you think of a escalade and procharge it?!..
but a difference in lees 15 H.P = $1300
https://blueprintengines.com/product...-base-aluminum
if you compare both but I prefer 500 H.P + . I am a little greedy my friend
but what do you think of a escalade and procharge it?!..
Personally, I'd get the long block, though, and spec my own cam, intake, and carb. You'll get the horsepower you want for the same price.
As far as procharger, I prefer old school natural aspirated Chevy engines.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,444
Likes: 970
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Personally I'd upgrade your current engine - you already have a 350 which the broadest selection of inexpensive (relative) parts are available for. Pick a hp/tq goal and build to that. True 350-400hp for a street motor with your 3.73's is pretty easily achievable and you can stroke to 383 for really nice power. This is assuming you tear down and reassemble your own engine. You could do that within your budget. If you don't do your own assembly work, I'd research combos and talk to a shop about doing it for you, or consider a crate. Nothing against LS motors, but why leap to more wiring etc. if you already have a V8 car with the basic components in place and an intake, carb and headers that will work just fine. Those are all things that add up and you don't need to spend money on if you are budgeting.
That said, if you're sinking $15K into a frame-on already, why not divert some of that remainder to a motor if you need it. Most of us (at least I) don't sink that kind of money in a short period - usually I've tackled motor project, suspension, now back 1/2, etc. in stages. Everyone is in their own situation, though.
That said, if you're sinking $15K into a frame-on already, why not divert some of that remainder to a motor if you need it. Most of us (at least I) don't sink that kind of money in a short period - usually I've tackled motor project, suspension, now back 1/2, etc. in stages. Everyone is in their own situation, though.
Honestly, I would forget the LS option...not happening for $5K unless you do all the work and know exactly what you will need to mod for the LS application.
If you don't do most of the work yourself OR do not know how to, the best option for the most HP would be a crate engine, although crate engines generally do not use the best components.
As Joe said above ^, since you already have the 350 engine AND you can do some of the work yourself, building your current motor is the way to go with some high quality components which could net you close to 500 Gross Hp with a 355 or 383, either one. However, the crate 350/290 Gross HP is a bit of disaster with a 4 bolt main, cast pistons with 8:1 compression, the L-82 cam which is totally mismatched with an 8:1 compression, and the 1.94/1.50 cylinder heads. You would need to change pistons, Very good flowing aluminum heads, roller cam, and performance intake, all of which could be done easily for under 5K and net you 400+ Gross HP. Change the crank to a forged 383 stroker and you will hit 500+ Gross HP easily with better heads and higher lift roller cam.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Jan 1, 2018 at 09:05 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,711
Likes: 1,371
I would do the LS option by buying a wreck. Of course I'm the kind of guy that would the work himself. I installed a RamJet 350 in mine in 2003, and I like it fine, but since I knew I was going to keep it for a long time (as you plan), it probably would have been smarter to go LS then (of course, LS was a lot more expensive then).
If I was making the same decision now, then I would upgrade to LS, especially considering that the price of LS engines has dropped and there are a ton of them out there nowadays. I really think you would be happier with the more modern LS engine all the way around.
If I was making the same decision now, then I would upgrade to LS, especially considering that the price of LS engines has dropped and there are a ton of them out there nowadays. I really think you would be happier with the more modern LS engine all the way around.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
I would do the LS option by buying a wreck. Of course I'm the kind of guy that would the work himself. I installed a RamJet 350 in mine in 2003, and I like it fine, but since I knew I was going to keep it for a long time (as you plan), it probably would have been smarter to go LS then (of course, LS was a lot more expensive then).
If I was making the same decision now, then I would upgrade to LS, especially considering that the price of LS engines has dropped and there are a ton of them out there nowadays. I really think you would be happier with the more modern LS engine all the way around.
If I was making the same decision now, then I would upgrade to LS, especially considering that the price of LS engines has dropped and there are a ton of them out there nowadays. I really think you would be happier with the more modern LS engine all the way around.
If I did it again, defenitely yes.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 216
Likes: 10
From: MD
Honestly, I would forget the LS option...not happening for $5K unless you do all the work and know exactly what you will need to mod for the LS application.
If you don't do most of the work yourself OR do not know how to, the best option for the most HP would be a crate engine, although crate engines generally do not use the best components.
As Joe said above ^, since you already have the 350 engine AND you can do some of the work yourself, building your current motor is the way to go with some high quality components which could net you close to 500 Gross Hp with a 355 or 383, either one. However, the crate 350/290 Gross HP is a bit of disaster with a 4 bolt main, cast pistons with 8:1 compression, the L-82 cam which is totally mismatched with an 8:1 compression, and the 1.94/1.50 cylinder heads. You would need to change pistons, Very good flowing aluminum heads, roller cam, and performance intake, all of which could be done easily for under 5K and net you 400+ Gross HP. Change the crank to a forged 383 stroker and you will hit 500+ Gross HP easily with better heads and higher lift roller cam.
yes I do want 500 + H.P
what do you think of dart iron eagle heads
what do you prefer the 180 cc OR 200 cc ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,444
Likes: 970
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
AFR 195 64 CC Aluminum heads, forged piston 9:1 which would net you 10.2 compression with .015 head head gasket, 383 forged crank, roller cam .550/.560 lift, 225/230 duration lsa 110 would easily get you 500 gross hp....
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 215
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From: Bismarck North Dakota
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,219
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From: Tolland CT
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 26
From: Clymer PA
In my opinion setting budget limitations to that extent will mean skimping in certain areas. I'm not a fan of building motors that way. We all have budgetary ball parks that we try to stay within but horsepower is not cheap, what doesn't cost you initially can end up costing you much more down the road (i.e. skimping on rotating assembly parts). If it were me I would figure out your horsepower goals, put together a list of quality parts that will get you there and adjust your budget as need be.
If cheap horsepower is what you are after, nitrous is about the cheapest way to get there fast.
If cheap horsepower is what you are after, nitrous is about the cheapest way to get there fast.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,444
Likes: 970
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Really? I rebuilt upgraded my OEM L-82 355 for about $5K with AFR 180 heads, Howards Roller cam, JE forged Racing pistons/rings, AND had all the machine work for the boring the cylinders, cleaning the block, new bearings, reconditioning the rods and crank by the machine shop...I assembled the rest including the cam, heads, intake, distributor etc....$5K for parts and builder labor.....