Building an LSX engine for school

[newbaa]

I warned you guys in my "project updates" post that i would be asking questions... so here goes.

I need some help guys. This coming school year I am going to be taking auto mechanics at school, and for the first quarter we have to build/re-build an engine.
Well, I figure now is the best time to start moving my project along and to do that I am going to build an LSX motor. And when i say "LSX" i don't mean an LS1 or LS2. I'm startin out with the new LSX block from GM.

My plans for the engine are to build a low-compression, fuel-injected engine that i will probably end up throwing a ProCharger on for my 1970 Chevelle. I would like to get at least 650-700 horses out of it, which i don't think should be too much of a problem. This will be mostly a street car, with the occasional trip to the drag strip.

Now here's where i need the help. I know i want to build either a 427 or a 454, but i'm not sure which. Is there something i'm not going to get in a 427 that i would get in a 454, is a 427 going to be slightly cheaper... I don't know, so i'm just tryin to see if there is any advantages to one - besides the obvious 27 cu. inches.
I need opinions on what kind of internals, heads, intake, and all that sort of stuff to use.

Some questions:

• Block - what bore size?
• Crank - Forged or billet? size? Eagle? Scat? Someone else?
• H-beam or I-beam pistons? What size? Manufacturer?
• Heads - AFR, GM, etc...? again, what size?
• Camshaft - COMP, Lunati, etc. Do i need a special "blower" cam? what size?
• Intake - LS1, LS2, LS7, FAST, sheetmetal??????? which one?
• oil pan - from an F-body? CTS-V? Truck? Custom?
• headers - Hooker, Bassani, Hedman, Pacesetter??? Size?

And I know there are a lot more things that go into that, but i'm too tired right now to come up with more things. Basically, i'm looking for EVERYTHING that i need for the engine to start up when the time comes. I'm not looking to build a cheap engine - i know this will be pretty expensive, but i'm not looking to cheap out, because i tend to believe in the "you get what you pay for" attitude, and i don't want my engine blowing up on my while i'm cruising. That said if i can safely get away with using a slightly cheaper product than everything that is absolutely top end, then i might look into that.


I know there are a lot of questions in here, and some of them are probably stupid, but i'm a newbie when it comes to building an engine. I've tried doing some research, but when it comes down to the exact details of things there's so many millions (at least it seems like it) of options from which to choose, i get lost and my head starts to hurt ... so any advice is appreciated . I know i will probably be learning some of this stuff in class, but i'd just like to get an idea beforehand so i will have a good idea of stuff i will be needing to order. I have access to what was formerly Sallee Chevrolet, in milton-freewater, oregon. so i know they are a proven race engine shop and can provide information, so that is always an option for me too. Right now i plan on buying the LSX block from them, since they are local to me.

I'm sure i'm forgetting stuff, so if you need other details, or if you have other questions, please ask. I will probably end up with more questions myself, so please bear with me.

Thanks in advance for the information, opinions, and input.

Aaron

[joeljet]

try ls1tech.com

[newbaa]

try ls1tech.com

i already did that. copied and pasted this post over there, too. just thought i'd see what differing opinions i could get.

thanks

[WS6]

Man that sounds awesome. I wish I could help more but I am not an engine builder and do not know the specs you are talking. Good luck with the build. Your goal will be easy to meet if you boost it.

[newbaa]

thanks. yeah, i'm getting a few random ideas over on ls1tech, but still nothing substantial for me to go off of.

[70TWO NOVA]

well I know you have heard the phrase: "there's no replacement for displacement"

[70TWO NOVA]

oh yeah, and as for the cam, you will need a certain type of cam profile if you plan on boosting this motor. Stay away from large overlaps. Think high lift, low overlap and large intake lobe centerline, something like 112, 114, 116 etc.

[70TWO NOVA]

another thing, I think you meant H-beam or I-beam rods, right?? well as for rods go with a forged H-beam as that is your stongest bet there and I have been told that the cadillac cts-v LS2 oil pan is perfect for the 68-72 chevelle frame crossmember clearance issues. Dont forget that you will have to take a different approach with your fuel/ignition systems since you are running boost. fuel psi must be changed according to boost as does your timing. You might want to check out Aeromotive and MSD for some help there. Also I dont know how much boost you plan on running but remember as you compress that incoming air it heats up so an intercooler or water injection might be in order. good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any more ?s Ill be glad to help as much as I can.

[nitrorocket]

Look up my build, somewhat low budget and it works.

[93Polo]

IMO as a long term lurker on LS1tech, if you are building a LSx block for boost I would go 427 4.125" bore x 4" stroke. The 4.125 stroke did tend to burn more oil. You can go bigger on the bore but since you are planning to add boost the smaller bore would be easier to keep head gaskets on. I would go with an aftermarket head casting since you planning on adding boost for the thicker decks. Comp and Cam Motion are the favorite cams on Ls1tech. I loved my Futral (Cam Motion) cam. Budget and which chassis you are dropping the motor in will answer alot of your questions.

I have been reading about building a NA 454 or 440 for my Chevelle. Nitro rocket's build would be awesome if you have the fab skills and tools. I would save some money and use a LQ4/LQ9 block and build a 408 or 364.