Best option for 500 BHP?

[GG33]

This is a question for the LS engine guys on the forum.

I want to acquire a V8 that fits the following criteria whilst working to a budget. The power output should be a reliable 500 BHP with the possibility of tuning it later on to maybe a max figure of 600 BHP, no problem so far….It should be able to occasionally rev to 7000 RPM. It should be fuel injected as it is going in a Tuscan and a carb would probably be too tall and wouldn’t be in keeping with the car.

I realise that an LS7 fits the bill, but at the moment is above budget. I understand the benefits of the 7 with all the TI internals, but I also hear that it’s fiercely expensive to modify further whereas the lower derivatives (LS2,3 etc) can be modified much more cheaply.

What do you recommend?

GG

[RichardD]

I would be interested in more information from the Ultima people on this but here is what I know for starters.

Ironically as a TVR person to another of the same - I'd have thought the most cost effective route here would be similar to Brummie with his Cerbera.

A LS3 is available in 480 bhp spec from PWP plus afterwards the internals could be upgraded as per Brummie, ie all forged, another cam upgrade and a stroker kit. So another 100bhp ish over the initial spec.

Also - why do you say the LS7 expensive to modify?

[Mjpmark]

Guys,

My choice is and was the PWP 480hp LS3 with a little magic 530BHP all good, general concenous seems to agree, but again this question will boil down to personal choice either way its all good.

[GTRCLIVE]

Buy this months "Super Chevy" Mag, they have an artical about 2 Chevrolet engineers talking about what engines and what parts from the GM parts department make good combs for extra power, and its not that hard to get 500bhp for say an old LQ4 6.0L truck/Suv motor. Cheap horse power, as there's loads of old LQ4 / LQ9 motors in scrap yards now.... Well there is here anyway..

[UltimaCH]

I would probably take the LS3 as it is a good start. I believe it was the base for the supercharged LS9.
Good write up on this engine here: http://www.camarohomepage.com/ls3/index.htm

[738 driver]

A stock ls3 would be a great starting point, their heads seem to have plenty in them to support your later goals.

Keep it stock bore/stroke if you want occasional 7k but do consider forged internals (relatively inexpensive for this engine).

You could achieve great results with a couple of the aftermarket cam's readily available.

[Gulf -LS2]

A standard crate LS3 with a nice stage 1 cam and some nice headers will make around 500bhp with some good mapping!!

Then bang on a nice supercharger to see 650bhp in the future.

[Untamed_Muscle]

I agree with Clive, the 6.0L LQ9 is a very good way to go. They are the same versions of the LS series motors just with cast iron blocks. They only weigh 65 pounds more, so if you can justify the cost savings, then you are good to go. I perosnally sourced mine for my build, with wiring harness and L92 heads for 500usd out of a junk yard. A cheap rebuild and a few small parts and I will be in the 500hp range

[Steve_D]

These engine suggestions are spot on for Greg (the OP) as they offer good value for money.

The UK Ultima builders or would be builders should be aware that an engine like this will have to be fully re-manufactured to an 'as new condition' or your build will end up with a Q plate.
This is why the crate versions of LS3, LS7 are the way to go.

Steve

[spatz]

my first choice would have been the LS3 but this french engine package was too good of a deal.

[RichardD]

Found a good discussion here :-

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...