Another 'Should I buy an LS7' thread

[kiwigt]

I'm just starting work on my 68 Camaro. Plans call for an LS based 427 engine - either an LS3 427 stroker; or an LS7 427 crate. Gearbox will be an A4. The car will simply be a street/touring car - drag racing maybe 3 or 4 times a year, no auto x, it won't be a daily driver. I'm not looking for massive horsepower - somewhere between 400 and 500 whp will be fine.



So - for those of you that have actually owned or driven an LS7 engined car I have a question. Is the driving experience any different ?. I'm familiar with the 'you can build a stroker much cheaper' argument; so my question is - despite not appearing to be value for money (in some peoples opinion) the LS7 crate still has some emotional appeal for me. Does the more expensive LS7 offer anything in the way of extra driving experience or driving brilliance than the cheaper LS stroker option ?

[68sixspeed]

suggestion, find someone in your area with a 06 or newer z06 vette and go for a drive, you will be able to make your own decision easily. The nice thing is the GM tune is very good, driveable, good fuel mileage (I've seen over 28mpg out of mine) and turns into an animal whenever you want it. Now there are some weak spots to ls7's, the pistons don't like boost if you want to supercharge down the road, and a very small percentage have sucked a exhaust valve in.

You wouldn't be wrong building a motor from scratch, but a used ls7 can be a pretty good deal considering the titanium intake valves and rods, great heads etc.

[Gandalf]

I just found this thread after posting on your most recent one for the same subject. As mentioned - PM me your number and I'll happily give you a call to discuss.

"Somewhere between 400 and 500 whp will be fine"
In a nutshell - if those are your goals, you have an absolute TON of options. The clue here might be to build an LS motor that meets your goals and then call it a 427 if that makes a difference to you. Actually acheiving your goals with 427ci LS components is money unnecessarily spent IMHO, even if you are not talking an LS7.

G.

[Z06vet]

I put 400 to the wheels with an heads and cam LS1. Its not a big cam & you could drive it every day. Like stated above, your options are pretty much wide open. If I found a deal on a used LS7 i'd still buy it. Scott