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Thinking about a 402 LS2

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Old Nov 4, 2007 | 02:50 AM
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Default Thinking about a 402 LS2

The main reason I'm going 402 is to get the increased stroke to give me more torque no matter what rpm it is. I want a torque monster, but don't want it falling off at the top end. Anyway, ...

My goals are
Reliability, I want this thing to last just as long as a stock 400hp LS2 would, if not longer.
500rwhp at least, I guess that would be 550 to 575 crank hp
500 crank torque at least. I'd like 500rwtq, but have noticed that usually the torque on LS engines is lower than the hp number.

Ok, so, do you think I can make it with what I have planed.

4" Crank. Forged bottom end. Crank, rods, pistons.
Cam somewhere around 225/230 to 230/235 with .575-.600 lift with a 114 lsa, Not to crazy of a cam because I do drive this on the street a Lot.
CNC ported LS2 243 heads.
LG Long Tube headers with LG high flow cats.
Corsa 3" exhaust.
K&N cone filter, just trying to think of anything that effects power.
Tune obviously, not sure you could change that much without a tune.

Thanks,
Steven

Last edited by SSRogers; Nov 9, 2007 at 11:35 PM.
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Old Nov 4, 2007 | 08:09 AM
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I was planning on doing either a 402 or 416 this winter and like you, reliability is at the top of my list. I know that some guys get a stroker and run it for years with little issues. But when you do a search, the percentage of guys with years of reliable service out of a stroker is not overwhelming, probably less than 50% actually.

So instead I'm doing a heads/cam LS3 and dropping it in my '01 Z06. I'm keeping the bottom end stock so I never have to worry about oiling issues.

You can do a LS7 if you want even more torque, but the price difference in my book is not worth the extra cubes.

Good luck with your decision,

Pete
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Old Nov 4, 2007 | 11:21 AM
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I think the numbers you are shooting for are totally reasonable. Here's the results of my LS2-based 402 installed in a C5:


A couple of points though...
I don't think you will need such a large exhaust duration bias as you propose. The purpose of doing so is to help evacuate the cylinders during the exhaust stroke, but with LGs and a 3" exhaust all the way back, I don't think that will be a concern. Also, the AFR 225 will give you larger dyno numbers up top, but at the cost of low end torque. Since you are already prepared to shell out the bux for AFR, a better choice (given your goals) might be ported 205s.

The keys to longevity in a built motor are (IMO):
  • Don't have it tuned too lean
  • Don't go too radical on cam selection
  • Keep up on routine maintenance (oil changes, valve springs, etc.)
GL with your project!
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Old Nov 4, 2007 | 01:30 PM
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Originally Posted by PeteZ06
I was planning on doing either a 402 or 416 this winter and like you, reliability is at the top of my list. I know that some guys get a stroker and run it for years with little issues. But when you do a search, the percentage of guys with years of reliable service out of a stroker is not overwhelming, probably less than 50% actually.
Yes, I have notice this too, but I believe it is an inaccurate poll so to speak. I believe that most of the people with 402 that are doing just fine are not reporting that they have no issues.

The most common thing I have found is oil usage, but a good builder should be able to do it right. I mean, GM's production LS7 has a 4" crank so, this should be possible.

Steven
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Old Nov 4, 2007 | 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr. Lucky
A couple of points though...
I don't think you will need such a large exhaust duration bias as you propose. The purpose of doing so is to help evacuate the cylinders during the exhaust stroke, but with LGs and a 3" exhaust all the way back, I don't think that will be a concern. Also, the AFR 225 will give you larger dyno numbers up top, but at the cost of low end torque. Since you are already prepared to shell out the bux for AFR, a better choice (given your goals) might be ported 205s.
What Cam numbers would you recomend? I want to keep my cam resonable, that's one reason for the 114 lsa instead of a 112.

What are the stock heads, 200? I just figured with stock intake and a 402 I might could get away with 225s.

Thanks

Oh and the reason I put the cam numbers that I did is because I was thinking about a G5X1 which is 228/232 .588/.574 112 or 114


Also, If your car is an auto then you might actually be making the crank hp that I would need to put down 500rwhp through a manual.

Last edited by SSRogers; Nov 4, 2007 at 07:29 PM.
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Old Nov 4, 2007 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by SSRogers
What Cam numbers would you recomend? I want to keep my cam resonable, that's one reason for the 114 lsa instead of a 112.
I'm not an expert, so I hesitate to make a recommendation. Here are the specs for my cam though:
* 228/232 .581/.588 114 +4
This is flowing through LG Pros w/ hi-flow cats and Corsa Touring exhaust.


If your car is an auto then you might actually be making the crank hp that I would need to put down 500rwhp through a manual.
In fact my car is an auto (FLT L5 + Vigilante tc).
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Old Nov 5, 2007 | 12:50 AM
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Good friend of mine has LS2 402 fully forged ETP 235 heads Fast 90/90 Custom air intake Kooks 1 7/8 headers no cats 242/248 comp cam and he made 545rwhp and 500tq...

R.
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Old Nov 5, 2007 | 12:22 PM
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If you're going to all that cost, why not step up to an LS3 (L92) block.
It has better features than the LS2 block. ( better strength, better breathing between cylinders). Also with a 4.065 bore and a 4.100 crank it's a 427. That's what I did. The heads you mentioned will work just fine, or you can step up to the L92 heads CNC'ed and it will be even better.
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 12:55 AM
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There was an engine company at SEMA who increased the deck height on an LS2 block and made 500 c.i. Made monster torque. Indicated they had run that engine consistantly at 7500 rpm. If I had to do it over again, that would be my choice. Actually provided them to Scoggins Dickey
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 01:11 AM
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Originally Posted by andreas g.
If you're going to all that cost, why not step up to an LS3 (L92) block.
It has better features than the LS2 block. ( better strength, better breathing between cylinders). Also with a 4.065 bore and a 4.100 crank it's a 427. That's what I did. The heads you mentioned will work just fine, or you can step up to the L92 heads CNC'ed and it will be even better.
sounds like what I want, what does a stroker shortblock like that run?
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by andreas g.
If you're going to all that cost, why not step up to an LS3 (L92) block.
Also with a 4.065 bore and a 4.100 crank it's a 427.
As tempting as a 427 is, believe it or not I am trying to keep a handle on this project so price And power doesn't run away from me. I want the power of a FI kit, but with all motor (NA). And I don't want to use nitrous oxide either because there is no way anybody can convince me that wouldn't hurt my engine. And I'm an NA guy at heart. I know that FI is where the big power is, and will turbo my track car soon after I do this, a big reason I don't want to get carried away with this one. The track car will have a ton of power. I'm just looking for good streetable power with this and think that 500rwhp no more/no less would be about right. That's about 150hp over stock, should be doable with crank, heads, cam, headers.
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Invisiguard
sounds like what I want, what does a stroker shortblock like that run?
Turn key was $14,000 including the clutch and large direct fit radiator.
With a somewhat small cam 232/234/595/598/112 it made 525rwhp/500rwtq. It's a daily driver
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by SSRogers
As tempting as a 427 is, believe it or not I am trying to keep a handle on this project so price And power doesn't run away from me. I want the power of a FI kit, but with all motor (NA). And I don't want to use nitrous oxide either because there is no way anybody can convince me that wouldn't hurt my engine. And I'm an NA guy at heart. I know that FI is where the big power is, and will turbo my track car soon after I do this, a big reason I don't want to get carried away with this one. The track car will have a ton of power. I'm just looking for good streetable power with this and think that 500rwhp no more/no less would be about right. That's about 150hp over stock, should be doable with crank, heads, cam, headers.
With a somewhat small street cam, this motor made 525rwhp/500rwtq. All motor no forced induction. Mine is a daily driver, on the street, in traffic and the highway. The cam I selected was a comp cam 232/234/595/598/112LSA's. The 112 LSA gave the motor great midrange power and torque.
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by andreas g.
With a somewhat small street cam, this motor made 525rwhp/500rwtq. All motor no forced induction. Mine is a daily driver, on the street, in traffic and the highway. The cam I selected was a comp cam 232/234/595/598/112LSA's. The 112 LSA gave the motor great midrange power and torque.
Man, that is an easy cam for those numbers. Do you have a dyno?

Also, I'm not getting 427 when I do the math.

Last edited by SSRogers; Nov 7, 2007 at 05:27 PM.
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 05:34 PM
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The 402 makes for a nice motor build if you are looking to get some more power from the car and not get as radical with the setup as what you would a 6.0L motor, or have near the costs involved of a 427. You will see more of a gain in torque than what you will over all horsepower by doing the stroker, but that is what is going to make the car a lot more fun to drive.

We have done a few different ones and I would be more than happy to help anyway I can from a complete install to a mail order crate motor.
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 05:45 PM
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We are building a 402 for my road track car right now. We have had many customers happy with their street versions and when I look at the hp/tq curves I know it will be a perfect track engine.

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Old Nov 8, 2007 | 05:39 AM
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2 of my buddies just built 402's with all the best parts. They are beasts but neither got 500 rwtq NA. Truth is traction is now the limiting issue for them for street use so whether it's 465 tq or 500 tq feathering the throttle is the name of the game except on drag radials.

Here's Doug's original write up with lots of details:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1802758

And here's his nitrous results, he got more power NA with the tune at 515/465, on the bottle, 630/600.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1831818

If you like PM Doug, he's well versed in engine builds and is a very helpful guy.
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Old Nov 8, 2007 | 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by andreas g.
If you're going to all that cost, why not step up to an LS3 (L92) block.
It has better features than the LS2 block. ( better strength, better breathing between cylinders). Also with a 4.065 bore and a 4.100 crank it's a 427. That's what I did. The heads you mentioned will work just fine, or you can step up to the L92 heads CNC'ed and it will be even better.
Hey Andreas - my tuner said the LS3 block would only go to 416 not 427 but that was close enough. Do you think that comment was based on holding the project cost down? I'm thinking my next mod will be a stroker with more cubes. I want to see more lower range torque in my car. I might do gears and see how I like it, then make a final decision on the stroker. The more I spend now, the longer I have to save up to do what I really want to do with my engine. You appear to have a set-up very similiar to what I am thinking about. Who did your engine work if you do not mind me asking?

SSRogers - the LS3 block may be a good foundation. That's what my tuner was talking to me about me doing. I am thinking he was talking in the under $10K range with my current mods. It was not clear what he was planning off of my current motor. I asume not much
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Old Nov 9, 2007 | 11:34 PM
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I found some 220 heads that are ported LS2 243 heads and are about 1/3 the price of the AFRs. I think the 220s might be perfect for me, because I was getting the feeling that 225s were a tad too big and didn't want to use only 205s when I believe the stock ones are 200. Found that somewhere, but not sure if it's right. Anyway, ...

What does everybody think about Livernois Motorsports?



Also, Anthony from LG,

Which of your G5 cams do you think would be right for my 402 based on what you read in this thread?




Thanks,
Steven Rogers

Last edited by SSRogers; Nov 9, 2007 at 11:39 PM.
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Old Nov 10, 2007 | 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by SSRogers

Also, Anthony from LG,

Which of your G5 cams do you think would be right for my 402 based on what you read in this thread?

Thanks,
Steven Rogers

Depends on what all you want. We've done some real torque monsters out there with the 205 heads on them and some custom cams that are soon to be a normal item on our shelf. The G5X3 and X4 are still popular with the 402 guys. The one that we have been using lately is currently code named the G5X3 version 2.
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