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Thompson's motor of the month is an iron 408 short block with good parts in it for $3,999. I'd be looking at that over what the OP posted above if it were me.
If you don't want to go iron I would go aluminum 5.3 with a boosted set up. Don't get too caught up in prices you see by people posted on their websites. Find someone you know will build you a motor the right way and just call them for a quote or what they recommend for your set up. Just because you are paying someone thousands of dollars for a motor doesn't necessarily mean it will be perfect. Research them thoroughly and go with someone you know will do it right.
Any good engine builder is not going to make compromises with you on some things like new bearings, decking everything, certain parts to use, etc. Although it may cost you a bit more they do that because they know that is what it takes to build a motor the right way. Be very leery of someone who agrees to save you money by not touching up the bore/hone/deck/balance/assembly, etc.
But the good news is, he got some get well presents this week. Still no insurance check, but the lawyer says that won't be too long. Anyway, check out the goodies:
Brand new LS2 short block with Mahle 4032 pistons.... Texas Speed rods and crank, ARP fasteners Original heads from the old motor, completely ported and with big valves Custom cam designed for the heads and the Vortech T-trim blower. Lots of fun but not too radical for the street.
my car makes about 820RWHP through a 6L80e and my LS3 is still stock bottom end and stock heads. I would suggest if you are serious about going to the 8-900+ range then just go ahead and build a motor. If you will be happy with 7-800 then a stock LS3 will be good.
As you guys can see by the pics just above your posts, I opted to go with a stock block but a forged rotating assembly. I did opt for 4032 alloy pistons instead of the more usual 2618 alloy, due to the superior wear characteristics of 4032.
Hopefully I'll have some more progress pics today or tomorrow.
The supercharger currently on the car is a Vortech V3 T-trim, which the factory says will support at most 800 hp. So for now, 800 hp is my limit. I've been looking at a couple of short blocks:
My car is SBE LS3, stock heads and stock 6L80 trans and i made 800 RWHP with a A&A v3Ti as well. Now that you've gone with a better rotating assembly the sky is the limit!
10-15-2018, 05:25 PM
