Big Block or ls1
#1
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Car: 1987 camaro
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Big Block or ls1
I have a 1987 Camaro base model with a 305 carbureted. I'm thinking about an engine swap for a future project and I wanted some opinion. I don't know if I want an ls1, a chevy big block, or something like a 383 stroker or 396. I would race it, but would also daily drive it a little, but not all the time. Thoughts???
#2
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Re: Big Block or ls1
Originally Posted by '87camaro305
I have a 1987 Camaro base model with a 305 carbureted. I'm thinking about an engine swap for a future project and I wanted some opinion. I don't know if I want an ls1, a chevy big block, or something like a 383 stroker or 396. I would race it, but would also daily drive it a little, but not all the time. Thoughts???
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Re: Big Block or ls1
Okay that makes sense, but I want something that will make a good amount of horsepower. I know the ls would make around 300 but I want something around 400 or more...
#4
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Re: Big Block or ls1
Originally Posted by '87camaro305
Okay that makes sense, but I want something that will make a good amount of horsepower. I know the ls would make around 300 but I want something around 400 or more...
#5
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Re: Big Block or ls1
A big block is really going to fill up your engine bay and honestly not give you any more hp options than a small block would (unless you go like...CRAZY big block).
400 hp is a good number and definitely gives you a quick car. Unless you buy a 400 hp crate engine though you are going to have to modify any engine that you drop in to get it to that amount.
That being said, why not go sbc? If you already have a carb'd car it just seems to make sense.
400 hp is a good number and definitely gives you a quick car. Unless you buy a 400 hp crate engine though you are going to have to modify any engine that you drop in to get it to that amount.
That being said, why not go sbc? If you already have a carb'd car it just seems to make sense.
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Car: '86 Camaro, '94 Camaro, 3 others
Engine: LG4 ->L29, L32->LR4, L36, LG4, L31
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Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23, WTB/WTT 2.93
Re: Big Block or ls1
Besides, the LS1 was rated 305 HP in the '98 Z28, but it wasn't many days before some shop in Texas had one out of the car, on an engine dyno, and found 400 HP with no cheating. That's why the HP at the rear wheels was over 300, right off the showroom floor. That's how a Ford magazine editor, Evan Smith, got a stock '98 Z28 to run a 12.89 at 109.18. Without drag tires.
You can't do that in a 3500# car if the engine's only putting out 305 HP.
With nearly any cam, long tube headers, and a tune, you're at 400 RWHP. Good luck getting a 1970 LS6 454 to do that. You'd need World Merlin heads at a minimum, in addition to headers.
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Car: '86 Camaro, '94 Camaro, 3 others
Engine: LG4 ->L29, L32->LR4, L36, LG4, L31
Transmission: 700R-4, T5WC, 4L80E, SM465, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23, WTB/WTT 2.93
Re: Big Block or ls1
With manifolds instead of headers, I doubt it.
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Re: Big Block or ls1
Don't nit pick Cosmick. It was a picture from the net of a 454 stating 500 horses.
I seen that too.
I would go big block just because.
I seen that too.
I would go big block just because.
#10
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Re: Big Block or ls1
I've settled on an ls2 actually. New technology and I can get some serious ponies out of it.
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Car: 1988 Pontiac Transam GTA Notchback
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Re: Big Block or ls1
good for you, thats exactly what I would have gone with if I had the time and money. Maybe one day I will go from LS1 to a newer motor.
You will be very happy with the LS2 - great power, good tuneability, excellent mpg and really the pro's list goes on
You will be very happy with the LS2 - great power, good tuneability, excellent mpg and really the pro's list goes on
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