Palo Alto, Ca - Build Help 1966 Chevelle RS Chassis - What Engine?

[helladk]

Hello All,

New member here. I have a build in the works and decided it's time to utilize the forums for help.

I used to work at a chassis fabrication shop as a project manager and I'm frequently assisting my friends with advice and direction with their projects.

I'm beginning a nice build with a friend of mine that will be a 1966 Chevelle using a RoadsterShop Chassis. The car will be a pro-touring driver. I want to install a naturally aspirated "LS" engine with good power, reliability, and no exotic fuel management system. I'd like to have a 600+ hp/tq range engine and if I could have a cool sheet metal intake manifold (primary for looks) that would be great. I see the GMPP LSX454 looks good but it's a cast iron block. Also a Lingenfelter LS7 427 looks attractive. So here is my question...

Q: Can someone please recommend the best naturally aspirated LSX454/LS3/LS7 crate engine with a plug and play FI fuel management system ie factory GM or Holly. Also is the sheet metal intake idea realistic or will that compromise the fuel system somehow. I understand it will need tuning regardless.

Thank you!

[Vega$69]

I would go with a GMPP Crate LS3 either 480 hp or the 525 and the GMPP Harness and ECU.

Plug and play without any tuning required.

Stick with the factory intake. The sheet metal intakes are known to kill low end torque.

[214Chevy]

Don't know how much you want to spend on an engine, but I'd give Don Hardy Race Engines a call. Besides, if the sheet metal intake is just for looks, I think it'll be ok if only a street driven car or an occasional weekend here and weekend there type deal. But, that's just my opinion. I go overboard on everything anyway though and it just may be that I love sheet metal intakes too.

[GregWeld]

I'm building -- or rather -- having Don Hardy Race Engines build a 550 hp LS motor WITH sheet metal intake as we speak.....

The motor will go in my daily driver '40 Ford Pickup.


This will be my second Don Hardy motor.

[Vega$69]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

I'm building -- or rather -- having Don Hardy Race Engines build a 550 hp LS motor WITH sheet metal intake as we speak.....

The motor will go in my daily driver '40 Ford Pickup.


This will be my second Don Hardy motor.

Curious???

Why have a LS3 550 HP built when you can buy a new crate LS3/525 that dynoes close to 550 HP with a 2 years 50k mile warranty?

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by Vega$69

Curious???

Why have a LS3 550 HP built when you can buy a new crate LS3/525 that dynoes close to 550 HP with a 2 years 50k mile warranty?

Because mine will be built with better parts -- and he's my friend!