Which powerplant should I use? LS6? 383?

[crazyfireman]

I am going to update my engine, cant make up my mind wheter I should use a 425 hp built 383 or a LS6 out of a vette? I want speed of course and the main thing reliablity and drivability. I am using a local speed shop so installation isnt a problem, I just want pros and cons so I can make an eductaed decision.I also want a clean engine compartment.

[ChevyIIMan]

LS-6 for reliability and driveability.... and with creating install it cn be a VERY clean install.

[derekf]

When did the 'vettes move to a transaxle/torque tube setup? For some reason I'm thinking it was before the move to LS6 power, which may make a conversion a little more difficult. Or perhaps it wouldn't.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

transaxle came in '98. '97 was the first and only year C5 LS1 vette to have a a conventional trans setup. Switching to LS6 power would be very easy, since all an LS6 is, is different heads, cam and intake over the LS1. All LS1s after 2001 have the same intake, so if you're dealing with '01+ motors, it's basically just heads and cam. The block is also a little bit different(D shaped exhaust ports), but doesn't offer anything in the way of performance. My advice--the LS6 is a waste of time and money, concerning pull-out engines. Stock LS6 will put down about 350rwhp in an M6 car. Buy a pull-out Camaro or firebird LS1 from '01 or '02, so as to get the LS6 intake, you could always just swap on on to an older motor, or go with the FAST intake, also. Swap to a larger cam and stage two heads. Depending on the size of the cam, and the head manufacturer, it should be in the 400-450rwhp range (for some of the more max effort builds). The LS6 cam makes more power than the LS1 cam, but compared to aftermarket grinds, it's a TINY cam. With the advent of AFRs new LS1 heads, people are making even more power.

[chicane67]

LSx...

[camcojb]

LSx...

You've got a pm!!!!!!

Jody

[chicane67]

Doh..... !!!

[crazyfireman]

So I would be better off finding a 97-98 LS1? one more thing I have a muncie 4 speed, will this work or should I adapt a 6 speed? I am sure you can tell i am new at this, but I want to do what is right. Thanks for everyones input so far...

[crazyfireman]

sorry I meant 01-02 firebird or camaro

[andrewb70]

transaxle came in '98. '97 was the first and only year C5 LS1 vette to have a a conventional trans setup.
All C5s including 97s used transaxles.
You can put any third gen small block into a Camaro. Use a T56 from 98-02 F-bodies.

Andrew

[Ralph LoGrasso]

All C5s including 97s used transaxles.
You can put any third gen small block into a Camaro. Use a T56 from 98-02 F-bodies.

Andrew


Really? I was almost positive '97 used a regular setup. I guess I've gotta hit the books some more.

[harshman]

So if one were to sell his current 396/T56 and go with an LS1/T56 combo and installed a new cam AFR heads and what not, will the computer need to be reprogrammed? Is the install that complicated? Sure wish ATS would send me a kit. All I want is about 450-500 hp from an LS1 or 383 / T56 combo. Performance is the issue for me not purdyness.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

So if one were to sell his current 396/T56 and go with an LS1/T56 combo and installed a new cam AFR heads and what not, will the computer need to be reprogrammed? Is the install that complicated? Sure wish ATS would send me a kit. All I want is about 450-500 hp from an LS1 or 383 / T56 combo. Performance is the issue for me not purdyness.

New cam and AFR heads, or any major internal mod, or FI will require tuning. Dyno tuning is best, and runs about $500 per session. You can also do mail order tunes.

If 450-500hp is your goal, you'll meet that with a set of AFR 205s and a decent cam. A really popular grind with the AFR 205s is 224/228 114 (+1) LSA. That's a small to medium sized cam in terms of stock cube LS1s. Most (M6) 4th gens with that setup are making 440+rwhp(about 520hp at the flywheel). Tony Mamo of AFR made 480rwhp with that setup on his car, but he's also got a FAST 90/90 setup, that is port matched to the heads and some other minor things.