Help me design a new engine...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,138
Likes: 11
From: Fremont CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Help me design a new engine...
I have a 1997 Coupe with an automatic transmission. The car is driven about 8,000 street miles per year and sees close to 50 Auto-X events per year. The car will be getting the following...
Callaway Honker Intake
LS2/3 Throttle Body - possible ported
LG Pro Longtube Headers
RPM Tranny
RPM 3.73 Rear End
Mike Mercury recommended Astro Van Torque Converter
That brings us to the missing link... the motor. I was getting ready to drop a new LS6 (3300) in the car and decided I wanted more power. I started looking at AFR heads (2200), A FAST intake 102 intake manifold adapted to the LS6 (1000+) and a Cam (400+) and by the time I added up all the costs ($7000+), it seems like there must be better options for my usage.
So here's what I need...
A motor that is manageable on the street and KICKS @$$ on an Auto-X course. I would also like something that doesn't need to be redone in a year - longevity is important. I would like to keep it close to that $7000 mark including intake, heads, long block, etc.
Lets see what creative minds come up with
Callaway Honker Intake
LS2/3 Throttle Body - possible ported
LG Pro Longtube Headers
RPM Tranny
RPM 3.73 Rear End
Mike Mercury recommended Astro Van Torque Converter
That brings us to the missing link... the motor. I was getting ready to drop a new LS6 (3300) in the car and decided I wanted more power. I started looking at AFR heads (2200), A FAST intake 102 intake manifold adapted to the LS6 (1000+) and a Cam (400+) and by the time I added up all the costs ($7000+), it seems like there must be better options for my usage.
So here's what I need...
A motor that is manageable on the street and KICKS @$$ on an Auto-X course. I would also like something that doesn't need to be redone in a year - longevity is important. I would like to keep it close to that $7000 mark including intake, heads, long block, etc.
Lets see what creative minds come up with
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 16
From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
you may want to check out the 480 HP GM crate LS3 engine. It would require changing knock sensors to new location, mod'ng one of the engine mounts or replace the mount with new style,, cam sensor harness moved to front of the engine, 58X to 24X converter.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 17
From: Lubbock Tx
Our LS6 longblock $3245 with no shipping charge
Cam kit $650
Underdrive pulley $200 complete kit with new belts and crank bolt
FAST intake $900
LS2 throttle body $200
You can make great HP without swapping the heads from the new LS6 heads. If you want more power but within the budget, pull the heads off when you get the engine and send them to us or TSP for CNCing. Using the LS6 heads you would get with the engine, whether stock or getting them worked on, really makes your budget workable.
I could even set you up with the above all installed on the LS6 before it leaves here so it's ready to drop in when it gets to you.
Cam kit $650
Underdrive pulley $200 complete kit with new belts and crank bolt
FAST intake $900
LS2 throttle body $200
You can make great HP without swapping the heads from the new LS6 heads. If you want more power but within the budget, pull the heads off when you get the engine and send them to us or TSP for CNCing. Using the LS6 heads you would get with the engine, whether stock or getting them worked on, really makes your budget workable.
I could even set you up with the above all installed on the LS6 before it leaves here so it's ready to drop in when it gets to you.
Last edited by SDPC; Feb 9, 2010 at 06:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,138
Likes: 11
From: Fremont CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Our LS6 longblock $3245 with no shipping charge
Cam kit $650
Underdrive pulley $200 complete kit with new belts and crank bolt
FAST intake $900
LS2 throttle body $200
You can make great HP without swapping the heads from the new LS6 heads. If you want more power but within the budget, pull the heads off when you get the engine and send them to us or TSP for CNCing. Using the LS6 heads you would get with the engine, whether stock or getting them worked on, really makes your budget workable.
I could even set you up with the above all installed on the LS6 before it leaves here so it's ready to drop in when it gets to you.
Cam kit $650
Underdrive pulley $200 complete kit with new belts and crank bolt
FAST intake $900
LS2 throttle body $200
You can make great HP without swapping the heads from the new LS6 heads. If you want more power but within the budget, pull the heads off when you get the engine and send them to us or TSP for CNCing. Using the LS6 heads you would get with the engine, whether stock or getting them worked on, really makes your budget workable.
I could even set you up with the above all installed on the LS6 before it leaves here so it's ready to drop in when it gets to you.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 17
From: Lubbock Tx
I have a couple of the 92 here.
You're ahead since you already have the engine. LS6 heads are still the most popular head on the market for bang for the buck. I understand if you want to go with aftermarket heads, it just seems the smartest move for a budget is to use the brand new set that you have and even get them worked on if you feel you want more out of what you have.
-Jesse
You're ahead since you already have the engine. LS6 heads are still the most popular head on the market for bang for the buck. I understand if you want to go with aftermarket heads, it just seems the smartest move for a budget is to use the brand new set that you have and even get them worked on if you feel you want more out of what you have.
-Jesse
