400 h.p.?

[796spdbu]

Hey guys,
I have a 79' malibu that I'd like to build an ls based engine for. My goal is to have around 400 h.p. Can any of you help me out with a combo that will make this kinda power with out getting to exotic. Thanks for any help you can give.

[zbugger]

Keep it simple. LS2 crate motor. That should be done.

[merriman44]

Yep. An LS2 crate or from a wrecked car are rated at at least 400 horse.

[Mike Norris]

Like mentioned in the previous posts, a stock LS2 and a stock LS6 has 400+ HP. A stock LS1 will get to 400 HP with just a good set of headers and a decent cold air setup and proper tune.

Now if you are talking 400 HP at the tires, that is still pretty easy to get in the ball park with bolt-ons and a good tune and be there or over with a small to mid size cam added on.

Hope this helps.

Mike Norris

[meenaggie]

Check out the GMPP LS series crate engines. Good warranty and you can get a pre-programed ECM for a DIY install.

www.gmperformanceparts.com

[stricker76]

If your on a tighter budget, grab a LQ9 out of an escalade. I pair $700 for mine with 36,000 kms, and they come stock with 355hp. Swap to an LS6 intake, mild cam, the usual bolt-ons and headers and your over 400hp easy.

[796spdbu]

Thanks guys for the help and the links. It seems easier than I thought. 400 h.p. at fly wheel is all im looking for. I will look into the crate engines. I have called the local wrecking yards about the 6.0 liter and they want almost a grand for one, and it wasnt even out of an escalade. I'll do some more calling around. Do you guys prefer carburation or the injection? I was thinking about the carburation way to keep things simple. If I do good injection, who has the best harness? I know I will get several different answers on this(kinda like asking who makes the best control arms..lol)but does any one stand out better than the rest? Thanks again for the help!

[merriman44]

I would go with Wait4meperformance or speartech. If you ever want to modify your engine steer clear from gm's harness because the ecm is currently untuneable.

[796spdbu]

Thank you for that info. I will look into those systems.

[JYD]

400 at the crank is easy. good heads and cam on just about any LS based engine....short of the 4.8 will get you there.

[Camaro Ken]

So everyone's saying the best suggestion for headers are gto hooker longtubes?

[chicane67]

Best suggestion ?? ATS Try-Y headers...

Everything else has its pros and cons.

[cdoggy81]

JYD, you don't need that at all. Mike is spot on.

[Shawn MacAnanny]

Not to mention you'll be seeing an easy 20-24mpg with the LS1 engine in that car.