Need a new engine and thought I'd try for a Corvette sanity check.

BACKGROUND:
I like to pound the h*ll out of my 2002 coupe at an average three to five HPDEs a year, usually on DOT-R tires. I do not trailer the car to events. At other times, it's a sometimes daily driver, but mostly a weekend car. The chassis now has 101K miles on it.

Due to a previous engine issue, I replaced the original LS1 a few years and 32K miles ago with a purpose-built, LS6-based 383 stroker w/ an EOC. Most recent dyno tune was Aug 07 and produced 479 rwHP and 456 rwTQ.

DISCUSSION:
While running a somewhat recent track day at the beast of a track that's called Sebring, I experienced a high crankcase pressure issue that expelled oil via the dipstick tube. This subsequently lowered the amt of oil in the engine and during the big sweepers, the pickup in the pan started sucking air, not oil.

Long story short, I now have two damaged pistons and the need for a new block. This will essentially be the third, yes THIRD engine in the car. Ugh.

Here's the sanity check portion--what to put in.

If I could say that I was done with HPDEs, the choice would be easy, a crate engine. But, I think I'm not done with this track hobby-o-mine. So, the selection list is a bit more convoluted.

One of my other considerations is that I don't have eternally deep pockets and would rather not replace an engine every three years or so. I just want to enjoy my 'Vette and drive it hard once in a while on the track.

Things that will remain are a cold air intake as well as LG long tube headers and GHL mufflers. The Calles crank I have can be reused, as can the p/p LS1 heads I have.

Here's what's under consideration. All plans include the possibility for adding an AccuSump system; est cost reflects the AccuSump option:
- crate LS6; cost is upper $$$$ w/ labor
- crate LS3 (needs conversion parts for C5 use); cost is about $1k more than the LS6
- rebuilt 383 based off a new LS6 block; same top end as with current engine; cost is low 1$$$$
- 415 based off of LS3 and other parts; same top end as current 383 w/ more low end torque; cost is creeping up to but not yet over mid 1$$$$
- 415 full package; reportedly 515+ rwHP; cost is well into the upper 1$$$$.

SUMMARY:
So...what would you recommend (besides winning the lottery)?

Thanks in advance for the constructive comments. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

 

do not deal with golen engine service.. huuuuge rip off. blew up 2 of the motors from them once within 1,000 miles.. once i got it back the second one blew up on the dyno

 

Forgot to add that the work will be done in the east coast, mid-atlantic area.

 

- 415 based off of LS3 and other parts; same top end as current 383 w/ more low end torque; cost is creeping up to but not yet over mid 1$$$$

 

Buy yourself several LS2 create motors with 24 tooth wheels. put in a oil cooler, accusump and trans cooler. You many not have the most HP block or dyno forums, but you will have a very reliable engine.

 

Where on earth are you getting your $$$$ figures for these engines?!

 

Maybe I should have included a 'key' to my symbology:
$ = single-digit dollars
$$ = 10s
$$$ = 100s
$$$$ = 1000s
$$$$$ = 10000s

Since I don't have the proper tools, equipment or especially garage space and training, I chose to get an expert to do the work.

To be fair to my engine builder/installer (who's a CF sponsor ), I decided not to post the actual price estimates I'm being given, which include, of course, the labor. However, in order to try and get some decent feedback from CF members, I wanted to give you some idea on the potential prices I'm facing. Thus, the use of terms such as 'upper $$$$', meaning above $6,000 but below $10,000, 'mid', meaning about 4 to 6 of the figure, and 'low' meaning about 0 to 3 of the figure.

Quality work and parts is not cheap. I just want the best option for what I may do or continue to do with the car as well as my wallet.

Happy holidays!