The right type of Chevy V8

[G Man]

When I did my research for a engine for my Ultima which took months I came to a certain set of conclusions which many new and old Ultima owners go different directions ( I make no judgement, I might be wrong)

My arguement:

I wanted power ( who doesn't) but was concerned about torque killing any G50 gearbox ( my research showed the factory torque figures for G50 and Getrag to be marginal with anything larger than 350ci let alone forced induction)

Torque was a worry with the ability just to spin wheels wet or dry at low revs and get into trouble like another resently departed Ultima.

So I read about 377 ci engines, a stroked 350 for power at higher revs not a 384ci+ type torque stroker etc.

The idea being an easy car to drive 2000-4500 rpm and then POWER to 7600 rpm, this dedicated a 18 degree head etc

I would be interested in why others choose their type of engine

[Stig]

Well, I chose mine because despite being forced induction, it means that the rest of the bits are actually in a lower state of 'tune'. So I'll get good tickover and almost linear power (as the dyno shows).

Time will tell....

[jschwartz]

I found several complete LS1's for $800, I rebuilt and converted one to LS6 spec with GM Racing ASA and C5R parts. Stock 5.7 displacement (don't need so much torque with a light car) The LS1/ls6 is 100lbs lighter and in any equal tune will put out 30-50 more bhp than the 23 deg Gen 1 sbc. Due to its superior flowing symetrical ports and 15 deg valve angle. It has EFI as standard. This recipe is proven to make 450 real wheel HP, which is about 580 gross brake HP. Guy Beddington in Australia reports consistent low 11's in the 1/4 mile with a stock LS1 powered Ultima. I'm shooting for High 9's Low 10's with my LS6 GTR, after all it's got to be quicker than my 9 Liter Cadillac. (in Jan 03 Hot Rod)

[ultimaandy]

I went for a test drive in the factory Can-am and drove it, I loved the car and thought I gotta have an engine like that.

So I bought the same engine package they had in it, I had a few tweeks made to suit my needs ie solid cam etc... to make it rev more.

The end package has a massive power band that holds from 2000rpm to about 6900rpm suits my long gearing, and driving style perfectly.

[k wright]

I also picked a 350 crank and a 400 block. No external balance, siamesed bores and an oversquare setup that more closely approximates an ideal rod:stroke ratio than does the 383 (and other larger small block displacements).

The car is light and has a forty year old traction control system (right foot). I'd like to keep the torque reasonable. If it gets boring there is always the stroker kit option!

Ken