Ultimate LSx Build

[Nate_ERC]

I would imagine that this question has been on here before, but I couldn't find it on a search... If you were to build the ultimate LS motor, what would it be? Not like an unlimited budget, I mean price/performance. LS1? LS2? LS7? Tubocharged, supercharged, or NA? In your opinions what would be the most potent, most cost effective build possible? I've got my own opinions, but I'm hoping to see them validated...

[Nate_ERC]

Whoops dropped this in the wrong section! Thanks.

[WS6]

You going to have to define ultimate. By that I mean what are you looking for performance wise? Just numbers? Drag race, road race, or... what for application? What may work for one application may not work in another. Sorry, I just hate trying to claim one is better than another without knowing the intended use.

[Nate_ERC]

This is a pro touring forum, so how about a street car that might hit the chicanes every once in a while?

[jeff s]

Depends on you goals. Need to set budget at HP expectations.
I built myself a TT LS2, makes 1003 hp in a 2360# street car. Drove it 8000 miles this year, 211 in the mile.
We've done a bunch of street LS7's up to 1200 hp. 700 na.
Also depends what kind of car, my mid engine Ultima GTR with 65% on the rear wheels hooks up a lot better than a Camaro.
If it's going in a muscle car I'd like 700 hp personally. So I'd go with a Schwartz modified LS7. Of course, Id have to, LOL
Jeff

[trapin]

Yep, ultimate could mean so many things. I depends on what you like and what does it for you.

For a drag car I would use one of the new LSX cast iron blocks and just bore and stroke the living hell out of it. AFR heads, monster camshaft, carb setup...that sort of thing, unless your putting turbos on it or NOS in which case some of those parts would need to be adjusted accordingly. For a Pro-Touring car, LS2 all the way. I wouldn't bother with an LS7 personally because of the cumbersome dry sump system. LS2 bored and stroked, forged bottom end, 11:0.1 compression, G5X3/112, AFR 225's, Fast 90/90. If you can't have fun with that setup on the street then you have some serious issues that I just can't help you with. But I will pray for you. LOL!!!!

[Nate_ERC]

Right now I'm leaning toward a Turnkey LS2 with a procharger on it, but it's not realy my favorite setup.

I would really like a twin turbo LS2, but I guess for the amount of money spent, you're gaining very little usable hp in a RWD street car.

[WS6]

I'd go for a stroked LS2 if you can swing the price tag for the parts. You can do a mild build that will drive perfectly fine in traffic and have very broad power. Well over 500s at the wheels will be a breeze if you use excellent heads and go ahead and step up to a FAST 90/90 setup on the intake. Unless you have the machine shop and know how to build this engine, I would work closely with a shop for the exact details on cam, heads, and all the other little things that matter. A few of the sponsors tot he right are very capable of build a nice stroked LS2. Jeff Schwartz, who already replied, being one of them.

Of course if you want to get a lot more involved and fancy looking under the hood, a low compression stock displacement LS2 with a turbo on the side can also be built to make tremendous power.

Budget I think will be the biggest factor and just how much fabricating you want to do will matter as well.

The greatest thing about these motors is they work so amazingly well in various applications.

[WS6]

Right now I'm leaning toward a Turnkey LS2 with a procharger on it, but it's not realy my favorite setup.

That's not a bad way to go either.

[jeff s]

The magancharger on a LS2 is a nice set-up with it's built in intercooler under the blower. We've done a few of those.
On a stock LS2 600hp. 700 is possible with upgrades internally.

[deuce_454]

id vote for an LS7 with kinsler cross ram... and if they actually delivered then arao heads with same intake on above engine...

if i had to pay my self i dont know... ls1+single turbo perhaps..

[Mike Holleman]

Jeff, Are you able to do this setup with the stock LS2 short block? 11 to 1 compression? What about adding a turbo? Can this be done without lowering compression?
Mike

[monza]

As a driver of a stroked LS2 with 525hp at the rear wheels it would get my vote from your description ....

how about a street car that might hit the chicanes every once in a while?

[victionone]

Most cost effective? A GM crate LS3 with a cam. Hard to be beat for the price.

[jeff s]

Jeff, Are you able to do this setup with the stock LS2 short block? 11 to 1 compression? What about adding a turbo? Can this be done without lowering compression?
Mike

MIke,
We've done 600 hp magnacharger on a stock LS2, 7 psi with stock compression.
Could do the same with a turbo. Your stuff left last week.
Thanks