im debating about continuing to build my ls1 or just going for the gold out the gate and dropping in a ls3.
stock motor has 90k about 10k on current setup
a&a t trim kit with 3.8 pulley 9psi
alky meth
flip drive
corsa catback
made 496whp 436wtq
soon ill be putting on a 3.6 pulley and longtubes which should really wake it up but im starting to brain storm for next winter so i can start getting the ball rolling and get some parts gathered. i want to enjoy the car for this coming summer before it goes under the knife yet again.


i know the car with its current setup has a ton of potential but im really wondering if i should continue dumping money into it knowing id does have higher millage etc or i could just buy a crate motor and be done with it. i already have a blower that would be sufficient for a ls3 setup which also has me in a totally different dilemma as to which ls3 setup i would go with.
im looking for some opinions and average cost of the swap. im not looking for a total out setup making insane numbers and that will totally deplete my bank account.
since i would be boosting it im looking into the iron block forged setup found here
http://paceperformance.com/i-6255477...te-engine.html

or would the crate ls3 do the job? how would it take to boost? would i be better off going with the forged setup? i would like to keep the build around $10k

any help, opinions, suggestions, etc would be greatly appreciated

 

I'm always amazed at the longevity and durability of the LS engines...camming a 60K mile, FI an 80K and I've even seen a 250K daily driver......

If you're going with forced induction, the warranty of a crate motor is not a big consideration, so what you want IMO would be a forged bottom end and a good quality build "to spec" from a good builder.

I've never used these guys, but they seem to specialize in LS motors and the write up talks to what should be done for a good FI setup....piston crown, oil rings, etc.
You should give em a call, tell em how much HP you want to make and see what they recommend.

http://www.texas-speed.com/p-126-tsp...ong-block.aspx

A 395 FI should be able to make 700hp or so.

Or their LQ9 base....but I don't know about the plug and play aspects....but the Iron block will be stronger.
http://www.texas-speed.com/p-655-tsp...ong-block.aspx

I would stay with an LS1/6 base or something that doesn't require reluctor converters and adapters so you get the monster running without chasing wiring.

Then you can crank up the boost and your biggest problem will be traction.

 

ill definitely keep that in mind, i appreciate the info