Engine swap question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 1
From: The Surgeon General has warned that it's ok to smoke mustangs!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Engine swap question
Hello gentlemen,
Just a little under a year left to full payoff, and had a question that many of you experts and tuners can easily answer.
I currently drive an 07 Z51 MN6 with 66K on the ticker. Purchased brand new. I suspect by payoff time, add another 10K. I'm lucky to even keep the vette and most likely will not be able to get into the next generation due to budget and a 2 year old daughter which will require another used sedan/suv in the house to help out the wife.
To that end, I have decided to turn the vette into a project car. I'm strongly leaning towards heavy engine mods and forced induction. My question is, would it be ok to keep my ls2 engine block and mod it up to bigger cubes, or is it necessary to remove it and start with a brand new engine block to accomodate the laundry list of mods?
The reason I ask is because I dont know how long my LS2 can last, and I'm a bit confused on how to approach this. This is where i need your help. Based on your answers, I'm certain there will be more questions.
As always, I appreciate your knowledge and thanks for your input.
Just a little under a year left to full payoff, and had a question that many of you experts and tuners can easily answer.
I currently drive an 07 Z51 MN6 with 66K on the ticker. Purchased brand new. I suspect by payoff time, add another 10K. I'm lucky to even keep the vette and most likely will not be able to get into the next generation due to budget and a 2 year old daughter which will require another used sedan/suv in the house to help out the wife.
To that end, I have decided to turn the vette into a project car. I'm strongly leaning towards heavy engine mods and forced induction. My question is, would it be ok to keep my ls2 engine block and mod it up to bigger cubes, or is it necessary to remove it and start with a brand new engine block to accomodate the laundry list of mods?
The reason I ask is because I dont know how long my LS2 can last, and I'm a bit confused on how to approach this. This is where i need your help. Based on your answers, I'm certain there will be more questions.
As always, I appreciate your knowledge and thanks for your input.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 908
Likes: 66
From: Lower RGV
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12
I'm pretty sure the 1st question you'll be asked is what is your HP/TQ goal with forced induction. With FI, there is a wide HP range to shoot for. 700 whp or less can be done with less $$ compared to 800+ whp. You'll want to consider costs for upgraded clutch, better tires (many 600+ whp use drag radials), and a secondary fuel system (I don't trust boost-a-pumps).
If you want more cubes, ERL can sleeve you an LS2 for more cubes when putting in forged internals. (I bought a new LS2 block, sent it to ERL and got a forged & stroked 427 for my Ysi blower). Also, don't neglect upgrading your valves/ springs while you are at it.
If you want more cubes, ERL can sleeve you an LS2 for more cubes when putting in forged internals. (I bought a new LS2 block, sent it to ERL and got a forged & stroked 427 for my Ysi blower). Also, don't neglect upgrading your valves/ springs while you are at it.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 1
From: The Surgeon General has warned that it's ok to smoke mustangs!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I'm pretty sure the 1st question you'll be asked is what is your HP/TQ goal with forced induction. With FI, there is a wide HP range to shoot for. 700 whp or less can be done with less $$ compared to 800+ whp. You'll want to consider costs for upgraded clutch, better tires (many 600+ whp use drag radials), and a secondary fuel system (I don't trust boost-a-pumps).
If you want more cubes, ERL can sleeve you an LS2 for more cubes when putting in forged internals. (I bought a new LS2 block, sent it to ERL and got a forged & stroked 427 for my Ysi blower). Also, don't neglect upgrading your valves/ springs while you are at it.
If you want more cubes, ERL can sleeve you an LS2 for more cubes when putting in forged internals. (I bought a new LS2 block, sent it to ERL and got a forged & stroked 427 for my Ysi blower). Also, don't neglect upgrading your valves/ springs while you are at it.
I'm interested to hear more about your setup and what was involved with the build and cost.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,859
Likes: 107
From: God's Country, ID
My question is, would it be ok to keep my ls2 engine block and mod it up to bigger cubes, or is it necessary to remove it and start with a brand new engine block to accomodate the laundry list of mods?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 908
Likes: 66
From: Lower RGV
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12
I have the M1 engine and paired it with ported LSA heads & ARP fasteners:
http://erlperformance.com/gm-ls-dry-sleeve-short-blocks
A&A YSI blower, A&A fuel system..the engine, blower kit, and fuel system will be the big ticket items.
Other stuff: Cartek Flip Drive, Manley Nex Tek springs, valves selected by my shop (I forget which) LS9 gaskets,Yella Terra rockers, FI cam, larger fuel injectors selected by my shop (I forget which) , Alky Control meth kit (it's not much work to fill occasionally), Circle D A6 trans, RPM 2.93 diff, Spal dual fans, oil and tranny coolers.
I also replaced my base brakes and suspension.
You can probably hit 750 whp (or close to it) with a smaller blower than a Ysi. 750 whp will require a drag radial tire...spinning is not fun. Do not waste time/money looking for a street tire to handle that kind of power...been there, done that and it won't work. I'm on 345/35/18 ET Street II now (I went widebooty with 18x12 wheels).
http://erlperformance.com/gm-ls-dry-sleeve-short-blocks
A&A YSI blower, A&A fuel system..the engine, blower kit, and fuel system will be the big ticket items.
Other stuff: Cartek Flip Drive, Manley Nex Tek springs, valves selected by my shop (I forget which) LS9 gaskets,Yella Terra rockers, FI cam, larger fuel injectors selected by my shop (I forget which) , Alky Control meth kit (it's not much work to fill occasionally), Circle D A6 trans, RPM 2.93 diff, Spal dual fans, oil and tranny coolers.
I also replaced my base brakes and suspension.
You can probably hit 750 whp (or close to it) with a smaller blower than a Ysi. 750 whp will require a drag radial tire...spinning is not fun. Do not waste time/money looking for a street tire to handle that kind of power...been there, done that and it won't work. I'm on 345/35/18 ET Street II now (I went widebooty with 18x12 wheels).
Last edited by Silver Bullet C6; Jun 24, 2012 at 02:48 PM. Reason: correct tire size
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 1
From: The Surgeon General has warned that it's ok to smoke mustangs!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I have the M1 engine and paired it with ported LSA heads & ARP fasteners:
http://erlperformance.com/gm-ls-dry-sleeve-short-blocks
A&A YSI blower, A&A fuel system..the engine, blower kit, and fuel system will be the big ticket items.
Other stuff: Cartek Flip Drive, Manley Nex Tek springs, valves selected by my shop (I forget which) LS9 gaskets,Yella Terra rockers, FI cam, larger fuel injectors selected by my shop (I forget which) , Alky Control meth kit (it's not much work to fill occasionally), Circle D A6 trans, RPM 2.93 diff, Spal dual fans, oil and tranny coolers.
I also replaced my base brakes and suspension.
You can probably hit 750 whp (or close to it) with a smaller blower than a Ysi. 750 whp will require a drag radial tire...spinning is not fun. Do not waste time/money looking for a street tire to handle that kind of power...been there, done that and it won't work. I'm on 335/35/18 ET Street II now (I went widebooty with 18x12 wheels).
http://erlperformance.com/gm-ls-dry-sleeve-short-blocks
A&A YSI blower, A&A fuel system..the engine, blower kit, and fuel system will be the big ticket items.
Other stuff: Cartek Flip Drive, Manley Nex Tek springs, valves selected by my shop (I forget which) LS9 gaskets,Yella Terra rockers, FI cam, larger fuel injectors selected by my shop (I forget which) , Alky Control meth kit (it's not much work to fill occasionally), Circle D A6 trans, RPM 2.93 diff, Spal dual fans, oil and tranny coolers.
I also replaced my base brakes and suspension.
You can probably hit 750 whp (or close to it) with a smaller blower than a Ysi. 750 whp will require a drag radial tire...spinning is not fun. Do not waste time/money looking for a street tire to handle that kind of power...been there, done that and it won't work. I'm on 335/35/18 ET Street II now (I went widebooty with 18x12 wheels).
I have a widebody on mine as well with 345's on the rear.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,004
Likes: 2,706
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Keep in mind that mods plus possible repairs, can make for a very expensive car. You might consider being content with "only" 400hp and using the money for other purposes.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 1
From: The Surgeon General has warned that it's ok to smoke mustangs!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Understood and anything is always possible ( even non-modded) however if done correctly the first time around, the risk's should be minimal.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 1
From: The Surgeon General has warned that it's ok to smoke mustangs!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 767
Likes: 12
From: Keller TX
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 1
From: The Surgeon General has warned that it's ok to smoke mustangs!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I will not be on a tight budget forever. Once it's paid off, I've got all the time in the world.