evilemokid94

iTrader: (6)

im at a loss here and need some input, which engine can/ will make better power in the long run and have more upgradability? i can get both engines for around $300, the 5.7 is out of a 96 suberban and is a vortex and the other is an lt1 out of a fourth gen, im wanting my power range to be around 400-500 rhp. i think i like the lt1 better because i can get a 4LE80 transmission and have an electronic transmission and i know they make alot of power right out of the box no issues( i helped drop a 94 lt1 into my friends 88 camaro) and it was a blast. but as far as this 5.7 goes iv never heard nor seen anything about them and im curious. im wanting fuel injecting either way i go.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

how much $$ you prepared to spend?
Vortec heads are cast iron version of LT1 heads so little difference in potential of the two (stock ) .
Vortec swap because you can use all the electronics and wiring already in your car but you need a special Vortec only intake

So you will be changing lots of parts so the starting point is somewhat irrelevant
Heads and cam will get you low 400's on the`LT1

Vortec is just a reg SBC with a set of special heads ;Best stock heads ever fitted to a production SBC engine

Google Vortec heads
http://corvette.wikia.com/wiki/Head_and_Cam_Comparison
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...ild/index.html

Convoy25

iTrader: (3)

With the LT1 you can get a computer and coilpacks to rid yourself of the optispark.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

For the horsepower levels that you're after, I'd forget about the LT1. Stick with an SBC or move up to an LS. LS motors are so easy to make horsepower with, in the long run you'll probably have less money into that motor than an SBC/LT1. 500hp is expensive on an SBC/LT1 because it pretty much requires you to replace everything. On an LS, it takes a cam swap and long tubes to get to 500 horsepower, plus you'll have that horsepower on something that's much more streetable.

The Vortec 350 or the LT1 will both make great low budget motors, but if your goal is really 500hp, neither of those options is the most economical.

88fastgta

iTrader: (9)

i dont understand why everyone wants 500 and 600hp cars.. i use to want a 450-500 hp car to until i realized thats not really realistic.... hp is just a number and many people like to brag that they have so and so much horsepower....have you even been in a car with that much power to know thats what you want.... my brother has a 230whp srt4 and its a 5 speed.... that things moves and pulls hard for only 230whp and is super fun for a daily driver..you would think he is making alot more than 230whp the way that thing pulls from gear to gear...that srt4 is setup perfect....granted its 2900 pounds and a turbo.... a 350whp and similar wtq car setup right with tranny and gears will be more than enough to feed MOST peoples speed rage for a fun street car and would be alot more affordable and realistic....


imo a lt1 with decent cam and bolt ons along with the right converter and gears to match will put a HUGE smile on your face once you get rid of the 2.8 motor you have now....

evilemokid94

iTrader: (6)

have I ever been in a car with that much power? Yes, several in fact. My buddies lt1 I was talking about was putting out 400+ hp and that's why it really won my heart, my step dad use to have a 65 ford truck thst he custom built a 390 for and could lift the front end off the ground. And my real dads 68 cougar is pushing about 460 hp with his built 302 boss under the hood. I have ridden in all of these and can honestly tell you I know what thst much power feels like and is like. Iv also ridden in an 04 gto with an ls engine and why it is fun its not as fun as the lt1 is in a long run. Iv tossed around th idea about ls aswell but I'm ripping apart any engine I do get and building an engine that can either accept my power wants or surpass it. I just need to know which can accept the power it's going to be pumping out.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

More horsepower is only a bad thing when it starts to have a negative impact on driveability... which is exactly why I'm a fan of LS motors. You can build to almost any horsepower level you want, and can still make it easy for your wife to drive to work.

Convoy25

iTrader: (3)

This, I pretty much stopped stating horsepower goals for myself. Now its, I want a car in the low 12s, high 11s. I want a car able to hit 12.5..etc

Exactly, i don't want to have to worry about it dying at idle. I don't want to have to fill up again after going halfway through a cruise. I want one vehicle that i can take to work, and also cruising or the track.