Completely torn with decision on new engine
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Completely torn with decision on new engine
So I have to replace the engine in my dialy driver 98 Coupe. The car has fully built trans and rear end. I started looking at crate motors then ended up looking at doing a fully built setup and now I'm full circle torn between two options:
1. Professionally built forged internals 408 iron block with a mild Ed Curtis cam that should produce around 550-600 fwhp. It would require that I swap some old parts over, like engine covers and oil pan, intake, coils, water pump, balancer, etc. Price tag on that build is looking to be around $8500 and take a few weeks or so to get.
2. GM Crate LS376/480 http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Perf...27485/10002/-1 Basically its a brand new LS3 with a better cam. It would ship right away and have a warranty. Price would be just under $7000 after buying a reluctor converter and knock sensor harness. This would allow me to sell all my old stuff and it keeps me with an aluminum block and gets me the new technology LS3 designs.
In the end the difference is one setup puts me in the high 11s, while the other puts me low 11s. What would you guys do?
1. Professionally built forged internals 408 iron block with a mild Ed Curtis cam that should produce around 550-600 fwhp. It would require that I swap some old parts over, like engine covers and oil pan, intake, coils, water pump, balancer, etc. Price tag on that build is looking to be around $8500 and take a few weeks or so to get.
2. GM Crate LS376/480 http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Perf...27485/10002/-1 Basically its a brand new LS3 with a better cam. It would ship right away and have a warranty. Price would be just under $7000 after buying a reluctor converter and knock sensor harness. This would allow me to sell all my old stuff and it keeps me with an aluminum block and gets me the new technology LS3 designs.
In the end the difference is one setup puts me in the high 11s, while the other puts me low 11s. What would you guys do?
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Where? I have been looking into this stuff for 3 weeks now and these are what I find to be the best options in my budget of around $8k and aluminum blocks add about $1k to that.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,335
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From: Bedford Va.
you said daily driver so I am going with the LS3.
Assuming it will make 450+ fwhp.
A little lower HP but a better install and drive combo.
No high risk of pushing the limits on your existing parts.
Assuming it will make 450+ fwhp.
A little lower HP but a better install and drive combo.
No high risk of pushing the limits on your existing parts.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Yeah! Get the Cadillac version of the LS9. It's about half the price of a LS9. Seriously, if it were me, I'd get a stroker LS3 that was all aluminum, and all forged. Make mine a 427.
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This stuff is driving me nuts. I'm now back to my other plan of going with a Texas-Speed long block. More power and less modifications to install than the LS376/480 yet cheaper than the Billy Briggs / Ed Curtis combo.
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. Considering that, either option is viable. Also I'm looking at reasonably mild cams with lift at or under .600 so I don't see any reason why the built setup would be life limited. Either setup will be 10.5 to 11.0 static compression ratio.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 241
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From: Fountain Hills AZ
You can get a used LS2 and rebuild it how you want for half the price. I see adds for already rebuild engines in the $4500 range in my local area with 500 hp. (not sure if i can post where) I picked up an LS6 short block for $700 to rebuild. lots of options out there.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Fountain Hills AZ
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Pasco WA