goosehunter87

I have an 82 TransAm with the 305 crossfire and 3 speed automatic. This combo surely leaves something to be desired and I am looking for an alternative setup. Through my research I have concluded that I would llke a 350 or 383 stroker. Behind it I would almost surely want the T56. I'm looking for close to 400hp with a reliable setup for street. I have a few questions to start. What are my engine and transmission worth? They have less than 50,000 original miles on them and are bone stock. Also I am looking to achieve the 400 hp mark on a budget and would prefer to stick with fuel injection. TPI is what I am leaning towards what are your opinions, also what would you estimate this build to cost if I do most of the work. I know of a wrecked corvette that appears to be late 80s early 90s with a TPI setup. I could get more info on it but would such an engine be a good place to start?

gmstrong

LSx swap..Will be cheaper in the long run and still pull good mpgs.

goosehunter87

What are the year ranges on the LS engines? Also what cost would you estimate for a 400 hp setup? Once again what are my engine and trans worth? Would anyone be interested in the original setup?

gmstrong

Too be honest with around my area youll get 400 if your lucky,i mean 5.3s and 4.8s are going for 450-650 around here,**** the other day i came across a 8.1L for 700 with 65k on it.A LM7 with a 243's heads ,good cam,LTs and good tune your easily at the 400 fwhp range.Prices vary.I dont want to tell how much i can get that ****.But IMO youll be better off with a 6.0l.Youll be happy with it stock.

goosehunter87

gmstrong what can you tell me about the LM7? What was its year range and what vehicle could I find it in? Thanks for the help I hope to have a build complete by the end of the summer if possible. Also through my research I have come across TONS of cheap 454 big blocks. What would I expect for MPG with a mild big block?

mustangdmurder

iTrader: (3)

431 H.P. 383 Stroker - Cylinder heads with 2.02 I/1.6E valves, 64 cc Combustion Chambers - flat top pistons - 5.7 in. Connecting rods - Edelbrock Performer manifold - Rochester 625 CFM Carb - 1-3/4 headers - HEI Ignition - Edelbrock Street Competition Cam

RPM Horsepower Torque

4000 344 452

5000 431 429

This engine seems to be exactly what you are looking for.

Mudluver27

iTrader: (1)

Actually I had 400 to the rear wheels on a cam only setup with lt's and full exhaust plus a good HP tuners tune. This was a shitty '98 LS1 with the origional garbage heads. LS motors are FAR better than any small block. More dependable, easier tuning, better gas mileage etc... The killer is the swap parts. Headers are a killer. Modifying the k member or doing an ls swap k member from companies like spohn. Engine, trans and harnesses are stupid cheap if you go with a 5.3 or even a 4.8. I sold my complete stock setup for $1000; engine, trans and engine harness with cpu. Keep everything else.
Like I said, LS swaps are far superior to anything else but will cost a good bit of money, especially if your paying someone else to do it. This is why I did an LT and M6 swap.

gmstrong

The LM7 was in the gmc/chevy vans,silverados,sierra,tahoes,burbans,esclades.they started using the lm7's in 99 but watch out for the CLASSIC body styles they still had the L31 which is a vortec 350.They stopped the "LM7" in 06 or 07 if IIRC.Building a good 383 motor will indeed put out good power but he said he wants to stick with Fuel injection,Yea you could grab a LT1 and stroke it or a tpi.

goosehunter87

What would I expect for fuel economy with the T56? I don't think I would mind a carb if i could get 18 highway.

goosehunter87

Would you guys recommend a heavy built 350 with an NO2 setup? I want a car that gets at least decent fuel economy but can rip when it is asked to. I'm not looking for any kind of track performance, but just a pretty mean street machine.

gmstrong

I knew some ppl that pull good MPGs with a cammed,LE headed LT1's,With 3:42s they got around 22 hwy.Of course the cam wasnt radical either,Really depends on the rear ratio.With 3:42's and a good cam,with a carb thats tuned correctly could get around 15 mpg.I dont know to many ppl happy with mpgs on a carb setup.

mustangdmurder

iTrader: (3)

My guess would be around 16mpg

goosehunter87

How hard is it to reach 300 rwhp with a tpi setup? Im exploring every option I have at the moment. With 300 hp at the wheels what would be a good estimation for 0-60 with the T-56?

goosehunter87

Mustangmurder, im seriously considering your setup. Is that what you have in yours? Did you update your rear end?

mustangdmurder

iTrader: (3)

I haven't yet but if I were to, I would put 3.5 to 3.2 gears in the rear end.

goosehunter87

Unless I come across an awesome deal on an LT1/LSX I will probably be going with a carb setup. Fuel efficiency suffers but from what I have seen the HP to dollar ratio is a lot better. Thank you guys for the help I am now in the market for an engine and I will post some picks if I get one tracked down. Also if anyone is interested in a low mileage stock drive train from an 82 Trans Am feel free to PM me.