Most LS for the money?

[Zachalanche]

I have been looking for an LS7 for a while now, and they are definitely going at a premium price even for salvage. I see a lot of companies offering various LS3 based turnkey engines that make more power per dollar. Oviously there are ton of other LS options out there. So, where I knew what I wanted 6 months ago, now I don't even know were to start.

My question for those of you experienced in this area is what LS engine would be the best bang for the buck? This is going in a 70 mustang open road racer (occasional track use as well). So I'm looking for light weight, reliable, and 500+ HP.

your advice is much appreciated.

[Flash68]

Pullout LQ4/LQ9 from an Escalade or the like, and add the GMPP L92 heads for $800 (flow 330cfm). Add a cam and headers and there ya go.

[Zachalanche]

I would really like to keep the weight down otherwise I would be considering the ford supercharged 5.4 (the iron block since the aluminum is a ways out of my price range.) how much heavier is the LQ over the aluminum LS?

[Patrick]

Call Frank at Prodigy. They have a killer LS motor package for a very reasonable price.

[Flash68]

Here is a great read that summarizes all the LS motors and differences.

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/tech/engines_drivetrain/shortblock/0912chp_performance_chevy_ls_engine_comparison/index.html

[NvrDun71]

If you don't mind the iron block, the LY6 6.0L is hard to beat for the money.

[Zachalanche]

If you don't mind the iron block, the LY6 6.0L is hard to beat for the money.

I really prefer the aluminum block.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Our 418CI exceeds you horsepower requirment by 100HP but is a smokin deal. All Forged internals, 418CI aluminum LS3 block, 600HP / 580TQ and only $7600 in long block form. We can dress it out ready to run if we know what your looking for.

[daytonayellaz]

I can sell you this motor right here for $4k.... This is the best bang for your buck!!, and you can get 540HP real easy. I have sold a bunch of them to members here! Comes with full uncut harness, computer, pedals, accesories, MAF etc. Its all there! LMK

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?68742-08-LS3-L92-W-6L80E-Only-11K-Miles!&highlight=

[srh3trinity]

I think a fully dressed out iron block motor weighs about 70-80lbs more than an aluminum block motor. I can't remember where I read that. I would assume an iron supercharged Ford would be heavier than that.

[DarkoNova]

Our 418CI exceeds you horsepower requirment by 100HP but is a smokin deal. All Forged internals, 418CI aluminum LS3 block, 600HP / 580TQ and only $7600 in long block form. We can dress it out ready to run if we know what your looking for.

How much would it be ready to run, just out of curiosity? Is it possible to change any of the components? I just sold my LS1 a couple months ago because I needed the cash, so I don't know what engine I want. Like Zach, though, I prefer the aluminum block.

[NOPANTS-68]

Based on your weight and power requirements I'd think a low mile LS2 pullout would be perfect. You could thown on some CNC'd 243s or a set of L92s, add a big cam and you'll have plenty of snot. You'd have your weight and power with either EFI or a nice carb. If you don't have the know how or the time, Frank's 418 is tough to beat. That's a fraction of what an LSX454 from GM costs.

[Zachalanche]

I was wanting to take the lazy route and just drop something in, but sounds like there are some decent options if I build an engine. Guess I'll be looking into that more too.
thanks all for your input.

[wrkcar]

2007 and later 6.2 .They can be found for about 3k.

[overZealous1]

get a truck 4.8 (prefered for low comp ratio) or 5.3, both can be had on the cheap. turbo it using the stock truck manifolds. blow past your hp requirements and never even pull a valve cover. some of the newer 6.0 are all alum, don't remember comp ratio though. my 08 5.3 has the 243 heads already. added an edelbrock proflo xt and fabricated valve covers to make it look pretty.
will be wrapping up my engine set up for about $4500 including turbos (ball bearing, water and oil cooler gt35-r's) intercooler and all the other goodies for the turbo set up. shooting for 550rwhp. couldn't do that going n/a including price of motor. do some searching on ls1tech. tons of truck motor turbo threads and builds on the cheap.

[andrewb70]

An L92 with the LS3 intake package is hard to beat. My combo made 418 RWHP with a stock LS7 cam. Details are in my build thread.

Andrew

[speedfreak391]

There are plenty of options out there. And everyone is gonna give you a different option. I would agree with wrkcar and say that the ls3 6.2 is probably your best bang for the buck. All aluminum 430hp stock. All you need is a good cam and exhaust, and you should be on par with your goals. that 418 is a good deal though. If I had 7600 and didn't know how to build a motor, that is where my money would be.

[formula]

Another one to look for that's very similar to the L92 is the L76--cam and lifter swap and you're at 500 horses (crank) as well.