Connect & Cruise LS7 vs. Aftermarket Build

[marculan]

I am beginning a PT build of a 68 Camaro, and I am planning on using a Whipple Supercharged LS7. The "427" displacement is meaningful for a Camaro lover, and the Supercharger, well, that's just cool. I see several engine builders (Wegner, Mast, etc.) that have what look like excellent offerings in the $30k range. However, GM sells a crate engine LS7 570hp with T56, bell-housing, etc, for $20k. I'm interested in options re: whether it is worthwhile to buy a ready-to-go engine from one of the builders, or buy the connect & cruise for $20k and the supercharger for $8k and adapt the crate engine to accommodate the supercharger (I'm assuming lower compression ratio, different cam, and maybe some head work). I am capable of swapping cams and pistons, and could source head work locally. Interested thoughts on this, and if anyone has practical experience they can share. It would seem less expensive going the crate engine route, but I'm sure the premier engine builders do more than just swap out pistons and cams.

[andrewb70]

I am beginning a PT build of a 68 Camaro, and I am planning on using a Whipple Supercharged LS7. The "427" displacement is meaningful for a Camaro lover, and the Supercharger, well, that's just cool. I see several engine builders (Wegner, Mast, etc.) that have what look like excellent offerings in the $30k range. However, GM sells a crate engine LS7 570hp with T56, bell-housing, etc, for $20k. I'm interested in options re: whether it is worthwhile to buy a ready-to-go engine from one of the builders, or buy the connect & cruise for $20k and the supercharger for $8k and adapt the crate engine to accommodate the supercharger (I'm assuming lower compression ratio, different cam, and maybe some head work). I am capable of swapping cams and pistons, and could source head work locally. Interested thoughts on this, and if anyone has practical experience they can share. It would seem less expensive going the crate engine route, but I'm sure the premier engine builders do more than just swap out pistons and cams.

If you ultimately want a forced induction engine, then get a forced induction engine to begin with. It makes zero sense to get the LS7/570, only to throw most of it away.

Andrew

[badazz81z28]

If you ultimately want a forced induction engine, then get a forced induction engine to begin with. It makes zero sense to get the LS7/570, only to throw most of it away.

Andrew

I agree, go with what you want from the start or else it's just harder and more expensive. I personally would get a LT4, but I also like the idea of having a "427" in my car. lol...

[69cutlassrkt]

Going with the non supercharged engine you could run magnuson 2650 blower instead.
I agree with the others that It will probably cost close to to the same or more to make the NA motor how you want it. And if you do anything extra to it while taking it apart.
Last year I bought an L92 and it turned into what I could have paid for a crate monitor. Was just suppose to be a cam then I had the heads ported etc.
Let us know what you go with.