Since the LS1 is such a proven performer, why doesn't someone come up with a head/ intake design that's on par with the LS1 design that would bolt on to the SBC?

 

Because, the way the LS1 was designed is a WAY different animal than a regular SBC... its just way too complicated to make it work because absolutely everything is different.

 

Seriously...?
The LS1 is a pushrod 90degree V8, it seems like it would be possible to design a set of heads that have a similar port design, and an intake to fit it that would have similar flow characteristics to the LS1 but would bolt on to the gen1 sbc.
I'm sure that if such a product came out it would be an instant success.

 

Pushrods and the 90* angle is about all the 2 engines have in common though. The valvetrain geometry is likely different, the exhaust ports are different, meaning a whole new header design would be needed, the LS1 (I think) has a reverse flow cooling system that cools the heads before the block, opposite direction of a regular SBC. If you look at the intake ports on an LS1 head, you'll see they aren't anything like a SBC head... the ports are narrow and very tall, and spaced differently from a SBC, meaning that a whole new intake manifold design is needed as well.

 

That's all true, but guys are buying special intakes to fit vortec heads, and don't seem to be complaining about it.
I know that the LS1 concept is radically different, but still it seems like it wouldn't be impossible.

Actually there's not much sense in debating it here, cause I surely don't have enough money to even begin playing around with the idea.
I'm just imagining that it might be possible to produce a set of heads for SBC that have those tall narrow intake ports and the other features of LS1 as well.

 

Look where the head bolts are in the SBC. Look at the intake ports in relation to them.

Now go look at the same feature of the LS1.

Now figure out how to relocate the head bolt holes. Do that, and maybe you can do some good.

As far as the height of the ports, that's how racing heads get bigger intake ports. You can't make them any wider (well, not much anyway) and you can't lower them, so the only way to get bigger ports is to go up. But you can only go just so far before you run out of intake flange, and then you run into valve cover flange. If you move all of that up and out, then it becomes possible.

Hard to say whether it would be economical, or whether you'd be able to sell them for enough to make a profit.

 

its been done.

go look at a SB2.2

its chevys NASCAR race motor.... it has evenly spaced ports(like the LS1), a much lower valve angle (like the LS1), totally diffrent valvetrain geometry(like the LS1), requires a diffrent intake(like the LS1), ect...


unlike the LS1, since its not a mass production part, you pay real race part prices... meaning upwards of 12,000 for just the top end.. and thats just bolting it on without port work or anything.

but you do end up with a 800+hp N/A SBC

 

It would be far easier to fit a complete LS1 in the engine bay. That way you would also get the benefits of the better designed block as well.

 

Possible, yes. Practical, no.

How much do you suppose you'd have to pay for a set of 15deg heads, spiffy intake, crank and cam position sensors, ECM that can keep up with the extra inputs, distributorless ignition, etc.?

Production and support costs would make the LS1 swap cost look pretty favorable...

And if you don't believe it, just go price up what's there now....set of 18deg SBC heads, valvetrain, and an Accel DFI-7 system plus dual-sync distributor gets you close to LS1 technology, and they're in mass production. Get ready for sticker shock.

-Kevin

 

The LT1's are reverse cooled but LS1's aren't. From what I've read. I like the idea about the LS1 heads though.