LS2 Stroker
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 17,337
Likes: 39
From: Birmingham, AL www.hinsonsupercars.com 205-909-9402
Choose the biggest bore block you can afford.
$1,100 - LS2 (4.000")
$1,435 - LS3 (4.065")
$2,725 - LS7 (4.125")
Here's some typical power outputs you would expect to see using good parts.
402ci LS2
500-540
415ci LS3
530-570
427ci LS7
560-600
Seth
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 2
From: Portland OR
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12
Bigger is better and doesn't effect the rpms. The power is made in the heads.
Like stated above you have the block cost to consider, the rotating assembly will be the same cost as long as you stay with a 4" stroke. We offer a 460 using your LS2 block but it uses a 4.250 stroke and the crank cost about $500 more than the 4" stroke.
Power output will come down to heads choice and rpms. Obviously the more rpm you run the more power you will make but rpms come at a cost. In order to keep rpm/cost down you go with bigger cubes to achieve the same hp output at a lower rpm. There are trade offs as well unless you have a huge budget.
Set up a goal and draw a line in the sand that you wont step over on your budget or things can spiral out of control in a hurry.
Example of power output with real good heads and rpms: 347 cid made 545 at the wheels... 383cid made 540.
Two different builders two different sets of heads.. both solid rollers.
We've seen a 408 make 470 at the wheels ( customer did not let us do the long block).
SO it really comes down to the combo and what your goals and budget are. Then there are so many ways to get to where you want to be you really need a good game plan to match your budget.
Like stated above you have the block cost to consider, the rotating assembly will be the same cost as long as you stay with a 4" stroke. We offer a 460 using your LS2 block but it uses a 4.250 stroke and the crank cost about $500 more than the 4" stroke.
Power output will come down to heads choice and rpms. Obviously the more rpm you run the more power you will make but rpms come at a cost. In order to keep rpm/cost down you go with bigger cubes to achieve the same hp output at a lower rpm. There are trade offs as well unless you have a huge budget.
Set up a goal and draw a line in the sand that you wont step over on your budget or things can spiral out of control in a hurry.
Example of power output with real good heads and rpms: 347 cid made 545 at the wheels... 383cid made 540.
Two different builders two different sets of heads.. both solid rollers.
We've seen a 408 make 470 at the wheels ( customer did not let us do the long block).
SO it really comes down to the combo and what your goals and budget are. Then there are so many ways to get to where you want to be you really need a good game plan to match your budget.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 2
From: Portland OR
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12
Couple more things to add to this...
We build precision race engines. When we build an engine nothing is left to chance so the cylinders get honed to be made true, its gets align honed, decked per piston for the proper quench.. etc
Honing .005 trues up the cylinder, our tolerances are tighter than GM's so when we sell a 4" stroked LS2 it is a 403 cid, the LS3 is a 416. Its not because we want to make it bigger. Anyone can take a rotating assembly and stuff it in and clearance where it hits in their garage. This is the difference between a precision built engine and one that is not. Our/HKE reputations are superior for a reason when it comes to engines.
Yes the 403 should be better than the 383, but it all comes down to who specs the engines. Put bargain heads on the 403 and premium heads on the 383 and it would be a different story.
We build precision race engines. When we build an engine nothing is left to chance so the cylinders get honed to be made true, its gets align honed, decked per piston for the proper quench.. etc
Honing .005 trues up the cylinder, our tolerances are tighter than GM's so when we sell a 4" stroked LS2 it is a 403 cid, the LS3 is a 416. Its not because we want to make it bigger. Anyone can take a rotating assembly and stuff it in and clearance where it hits in their garage. This is the difference between a precision built engine and one that is not. Our/HKE reputations are superior for a reason when it comes to engines.
Yes the 403 should be better than the 383, but it all comes down to who specs the engines. Put bargain heads on the 403 and premium heads on the 383 and it would be a different story.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,030
Likes: 10
From: Prescott AZ
St. Jude Donor '04
Couple more things to add to this...
We build precision race engines. When we build an engine nothing is left to chance so the cylinders get honed to be made true, its gets align honed, decked per piston for the proper quench.. etc
Honing .005 trues up the cylinder, our tolerances are tighter than GM's so when we sell a 4" stroked LS2 it is a 403 cid, the LS3 is a 416. Its not because we want to make it bigger.
We build precision race engines. When we build an engine nothing is left to chance so the cylinders get honed to be made true, its gets align honed, decked per piston for the proper quench.. etc
Honing .005 trues up the cylinder, our tolerances are tighter than GM's so when we sell a 4" stroked LS2 it is a 403 cid, the LS3 is a 416. Its not because we want to make it bigger.
. Which cam's do you guys like on the 403's?
