Engine-from Scratch Options....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
Engine-from Scratch Options....
Hey gang. I have been kicking around ideas for engine options in the "next" Corvette. I have run the gambit from big blocks to small blocks, naturally aspirated to nitrous to turbo to supercharging. The most intriguing buildup I have come across was by a member of the VetteNet (possibly even on this forum) for a 352 "stroker". Essentially, a destroked 400 with a 327 crank and 6.3" rods! The owner claims around 440 horses, similar torque on 87 octane! Does anyone have comments on this buildup, or suggestions for another? It will be used in a midyear street cruiser that sees occational trips to the strip. I want fuel injection, but other than that, ANYTHING GOES, so use your imaginations! Thanks for your time!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 9,713
Likes: 3
From: Sachse Texas
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Engine-from Scratch Options.... (Last Ride)
If anything goes, I would definately go with a LS-1/6 based motor. Just heads and cam they can surpass 440hp.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 1
From: Westampton NJ
Re: Engine-from Scratch Options.... (Last Ride)
I read an article about how to do this recently. Let me look for it. They made over 400 HP on low grade if I remember right. Oh, and at 11:1 compression and no detonation (with good knock sensors on all 8 cylinders). :smash:
(edit -- add) Oh yeah, and they had to use Ford connecting rods to get the stroke to the right length.
[Modified by rainman69, 1:26 PM 11/29/2001]
(edit -- add) Oh yeah, and they had to use Ford connecting rods to get the stroke to the right length.
[Modified by rainman69, 1:26 PM 11/29/2001]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Engine-from Scratch Options.... (Last Ride)
I can't see the benefit in destroking an engine for a street motor. The majority of the time a motor is destroked it is done to meet displacement limitations in organized, competitive racing where weight breaks are given by engine displacement.
I'm sure the engine would spin to 7500rpm, but you don't need that on the street. You'll certainly give up alot of torque compared to running the a 406 or something. If you want to run 11.0 CR with pump gas, all you need is good engine management, efficient combustion chambers, proper quench, and appropriate cam timing. Since you already said you want fuel injection, you've won half the battle.
If you want to do it cause it's different I can understand that, but from a performance perspective, handicapping yourself by lowering your displacement is not the way I would go.
I'm sure the engine would spin to 7500rpm, but you don't need that on the street. You'll certainly give up alot of torque compared to running the a 406 or something. If you want to run 11.0 CR with pump gas, all you need is good engine management, efficient combustion chambers, proper quench, and appropriate cam timing. Since you already said you want fuel injection, you've won half the battle.
If you want to do it cause it's different I can understand that, but from a performance perspective, handicapping yourself by lowering your displacement is not the way I would go.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
Re: Engine-from Scratch Options.... (Vette92)
I toyed with the idea of an LS1/6 update, but those things are $$$! Not that this would be a "cheap" car anyway, but I am thinking that a more traditional engine might be a better choice. I have experience dropping a late model engine in an earlier car; my 78 has an LT1 out of a wrecked 95 in it right now. There were a lot of obsticles to overcome, but I think we have most of them worked out now. It runs great on the LT1, but the time it took to get it there leaves me wondering if it was really worth the hassle! Maybe I am just burnt out on the idea, but who knows. If I went all aluminum, I am leaning more towards a ZL1 with that BB fuel injection ;) Anyone know of people putting these "ZL1 blocks" into a crate motor or short block buildup? Anywaym thanks for the suggestion; and it may not be out of the question!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,862
Likes: 118
From: Texas
Re: Engine-from Scratch Options.... (Last Ride)
A destroked 400 would be a lot of fun. Short stroke, big bore engines are great for road racing. They also do real well when you use nitrous with them. If it was cheap I would gor for it. That engine should rev to the moon.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,845
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
Re: Engine-from Scratch Options.... (Cam Potter)
There's a guy here selling an F-body LS1 with trans & computer for $1,500
It would be a real PITA to put in a non-C5 vette though
It would be a real PITA to put in a non-C5 vette though
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
Re: Engine-from Scratch Options.... (BrianCunningham)
PITA? You're talking to a guy that shoved a 1995 LT1 and 4L60E as well as computers into a 78! ;) Tell me more about this engine. $1500 sounds awefully cheap! I would be willing to bet it is not a 6-speed tranny in which case, I would dump the tranny. Anyway, thanks for the info.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,845
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
Re: Engine-from Scratch Options.... (Last Ride)
no post on it.
There was a CF Dyno day, the man that owns it was telling us about it.
http://www.motowndynotuning.com/
The guy that runs the dyno didn't have that great a reputation.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=190097
He's not selling it, some friend of his is.
There was a CF Dyno day, the man that owns it was telling us about it.
http://www.motowndynotuning.com/
The guy that runs the dyno didn't have that great a reputation.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=190097
He's not selling it, some friend of his is.