383 or 402
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 564
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From: Bay Area CA 665whp & 595wtq
383 or 402
I currently have an 03 Z06 and just trying do things right the first time. My goal is 525/500 on motor. I'm trying to figure out what is the best cost effective way to go. I know what parts I need but is it cost effective to go to a 402? I figure I could go to a 383 with forged internals for about 5k. Then again I could get a LS2 402 for about 6500-7k and then just sell my z06 motor and make money back there which would actually be better than the 383. But if I can't reach my goal with the 383 then it is not an option. Need good advise with details on what the setup would consist of for either way. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
Likes: 105
From: Pensacola FL
Ed is absolutely correct. The bigger bore offers more head choices and less valve-shrouding. The price difference between the two doesn't justify the 383, so just go with the 402. BTW, I have a LSx 383 in my Z28, so take that for what it's worth...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 103
From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
Agreed... I went the 383 route, and while I love it, I wish I went with the 402. The plan is to pull it while it still has relatively low miles on it and I can still get good money for it, and drop in a 402-427.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,356
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake Va
LS2 block, eagle rotating assembly, or comparable, and take your pick of the leading head companies. I prefer ETPs. Just preference, the other companies are good too, I just believe in the reduced valve angle. If 15* is good (stock LS1) and 13.5* is better (TFS) then 11* has to be best (ETPs)
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,879
Likes: 3
From: Hobart, WI
See you, and raise you one-
You might as well go with a stroked LS3= 415
Would not cost much more than a 402 and why not?
Use ported L92/Ls3 heads and you should get to your goal with tons of torque and good manners.
You might as well go with a stroked LS3= 415
Would not cost much more than a 402 and why not?
Use ported L92/Ls3 heads and you should get to your goal with tons of torque and good manners.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,356
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake Va
How much different is the price for the LS3 and is it worth it.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,275
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From: Vancouver WA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,356
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake Va
The LS3 is a 6.2 litre L92/L76 engine in the 08 Vette. Pretty cool setup. Seems the engineers are taking a que from the hot rodders, tuners. Bigger motor, L92/L76 setup.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,145
Likes: 1
From: Bradenton FLORIDA
Love the results we get with the L92/L76 heads/intake. I also agree with the 402-408. Good value for the $ with great reliability and power throughout the power band.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 1
From: Littleton Colorado
OK, that clears some things up. I have seen some L92 short blocks around, but did not know that it was called a LS3 as well. For those of us on a budget would an existing set of LS6 heads work? I know they are not optimal, but using existing heads could put off a chunk of change for a while 
What about storkers? Is it a crank change? I've also read in a couple of places that when you have a stroker you have to refresh the rod bolts more often because of the higher piston speeds.
Thanks!
Matt
What about storkers? Is it a crank change? I've also read in a couple of places that when you have a stroker you have to refresh the rod bolts more often because of the higher piston speeds.
Thanks!
Matt
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,586
Likes: 0
From: Lynn Haven, FL Sunshine State
St. Jude Donor '08
OK, that clears some things up. I have seen some L92 short blocks around, but did not know that it was called a LS3 as well. For those of us on a budget would an existing set of LS6 heads work? I know they are not optimal, but using existing heads could put off a chunk of change for a while
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Go with the 402!
But realize this and do so now!
Your goal of 500 RWHP will be met and you will want more! so I'd suggest when you build it you do so with future mods in mind EX: ProCharger or TT's
You will be thinking man how much more can I get out of my new motor
and you will then you will be @ 700 RWHP and satisfied for a while!
I'd say with the 402 you're on the right path with a good start!
Thanks,Matt
But realize this and do so now!
Your goal of 500 RWHP will be met and you will want more! so I'd suggest when you build it you do so with future mods in mind EX: ProCharger or TT's
You will be thinking man how much more can I get out of my new motor
and you will then you will be @ 700 RWHP and satisfied for a while!I'd say with the 402 you're on the right path with a good start!
Thanks,Matt
