Falconiroc

All,
I am working on my required parts list for my LSX Build. I have a couple questions regarding selection. I'm trying to give myself some options on how I do my build, a more economical build and a more performance based build.

I'm not really afraid of building economically, then adding performance parts later, but if I can get relatively cheap, used parts and gain some performance then it would be a good Idea to do so while the engine is on a stand rather than when it is in the car.


I am planning on building a Truck LSX engine. I have not decided if its going to be a 5.3L or a 6.0L. I know that a Turbo setup is in its future, and a lot of the Forced Induction guys are selecting 5.3's for a couple reasons: 1. they're cheap to replace the block because they're common, and they have thick Cylinder walls which reduce the chances of blowing a cylinder wall out under high boost conditions. I am not planning to add boost for several years though, so my build is not focused on that right now. My choice of engine will likely depend heavily on what is available in my area, and and what cost.

Question 1: Heads: Would it be advisable to replace the heads with something else, like maybe LS1,2 or 6 heads rather than staying with the truck heads? Of course, I'm sure that with LS1,2,3 or 6 heads they probably work better for performance because they were designed that way, but what kind of difference are we talking here?

I've found Bare LS2/LS6 Heads for $399 on Ebay.
LS1 "241" bare heads for as low as $150


Question 2: Naturally, I'm going to change the car manifold. I've seen some of you go to the LS6 manifold, and I've seen many of them for sale on Ebay and what-not for around $350 which seems a bit steep to me. For what I am doing, would it be recommended to go with an LS6 intake or just purchase an LS1 intake /rails and injectors?


Question 3: Cam - basically the same question for the Cam, Its been a very long time since I really talked cams, so I am not really sure which direction I should go at all here. Any recommendations?


This may help to answer the questions above:

This car is going to be used for my daily driver for a couple years till I get something else. I intend on building an Turbocharged auto-X/Road Racing Machine out of it over the years but for now I would like to gain some power without sacrificing a huge amount of fuel economy.

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

ls6 intake, a 224 cam and keep the 5.3L heads, the ls1-6 etc heads all have bigger combustion chambers which will lower compression.

I personally like the texas speed cams, call them and they could set you up.

Falconiroc

Assuming this is the cam you are referring to?

Texas Speed 224/224 XE Camshaft?


http://texas-speed.com/shop/item.asp...d=160&catid=44

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

yup, but call them with your specs and they'll point you in the right direction. Don't forget a 3500 or bigger stall

Falconiroc

for me, a T-56 =)

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

then don't plan the turbo later on and expect that trans to hold up

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Solid advice

Read this thread
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...r-project.html

Mkos1980

iTrader: (8)

You could go with LQ4 LQ9 317 heads. Flow the same as LS6 heads, but just a larger 72CC chamber.

Falconiroc

I'm hoping I can pick up an LQ4 or LQ9. I have called several Salvage yards already just looking to see who has them. I can find 5.3's everywhere, but 6.0's as others have said, are more rare.

If I end up building a 5.3, I won't be sad, I'll still have an LSX and with it, the LSX's potential and fun factor!

Mkos1980

iTrader: (8)

If anybody needs 317 heads from a 6.0L I have a nice pair which include LS2 springs. 160+ shipping! lol

BlueZee28

iTrader: (30)

Shoot, I just sold a complete set of 241 heads for $150 shipped to a guy on ls1tech.

If you're absolutely sure you will be putting a turbo on it, I'd probably stay away from cams (small or large) with a lot of overlap. This is probably my biggest mistake I made because I will eventually be doing a turbo setup and have to change my cam out.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

If turbocharging is as far off as you say it is, I'd build the motor with n/a in mind. Assuming you wind up with the 5.3, I'd stick with the stock heads as others have mentioned. I also think the LS1 intake will be fine for a 5.3... an LS6 intake would still add power, but not a ton. A 5.3 with stock heads, LS1 intake, and the right cam should have no problems making 300 RWHP with headers. Later on when you turbocharge, get a cheap set of 317 heads (LS6 heads with bigger combustion chambers) and you'll get more flow and you'll get lower compression for the forced induction.

If you can find a 6.0, you'll be better off. A cam & ls6 intake should net you 375-400RWHP with longtubes. If you stick with the stock exhaust manifolds, 350+ should still be pretty easy... it'll just require a different cam. I'm guessing that if you're interested in turbocharging down the road that you're not going to want to drop a grand or more on long tubes & exhaust at this point.

If it was me, I'd find a 6.0. There are PLENTY of 2500 and 3500 trucks out there in junk yards that have them. It'll be way more powerful n/a, and when turbocharged, should still hold up just as well as a 5.3, especially considering that you can run a little less boost to accomplish whatever your horsepower goal is.

Falconiroc

I would really like to find a 6.0, and since I have some time, thats what I'll be looking for. If I can pick one up, then I'll probably buy a set of LT's and do a custom Y-Pipe. I'm considering the cheaper, non stainless headers, I don't recall the vendor, but they'd save me 200+ dollars till the time when I do the Turbo.

Mkos1980

iTrader: (8)

I'm hoping for 375 RWHP. I just have a 6.0 shortblock, LS6 heads, the TF stage 3 cam and an LS6 intake.