I need more horsepower!
 

Hey guys, after running The American Street Car Series a few times, I'm having trouble keeping up with the big boys. My tired SBC is not enough for the big track. I'm thinking 500HP would be a great target and an LS3 with a hot cam would do the trick. Wondering if I can do the conversion for 10K using a GM crate motor. Also, is there a big difference in performance of the Mast or Texas Speed and Performance turnkey motor over a GM crate?

Thanks!

Not sure what the differences are but if you want power my buddy just made 499/463 to the tires on a Mustang Dyno in his C6 Grandsport corvette with a stock LS3, EPS cam only (Engine Power Systems) and full exhaust.

I would pickup a GM crate (with GM ECU) and would have Geoff or Pat G spec you a custom cam for it.

If I were going to spend that kind of money on a crate engine. I would probably have a cam spec'd. The Hot Cam makes great power, but from what I have read, it is based off of a design for the LT1. So, that cam is a warmed up 20 year old design. For the same money, you probably could have a cam spec'd for your drivetrain/gearing/needs instead of an off the shelf part.

Yes, I would contact Geoff at Engine Power Systems to spec a cam for you.

My buddies cam spec'd by Geoff: 226/234 114+2 .598/.612

Thanks for the great feedback, I'll look into a custom cam.

LS platform is great for 500 HP street motors..especially LS3/LS7 depending on budget

I have 2009 L92 out of a Denali in my 73 Camaro. Stock L92 with Texas Speed cam 225 Intake .050. Made 420 at the rear wheels. Thats about 495 at the crank. Just a bit of a chop at idle. Has enough vacuum for power brakes. Had to upgrade the push rods and springs.
I wasn't looking for huge power just a mild upgrade from stock.

My suspicions were confirmed.....
 

I was up at Thunderhill with my Chevelle and they had a killer deal on 3 dyno pulls, only $60. I always wanted to know what the little 350 was capable of....to my surprise it wasn't much:

201HP/285ft-lbs @ 5000rpm

I'm convinced I need more, can't wait to feel how much fun 500hp will be!

9 times out of 10, a dyno run will ruin most guys day!

Wow! That could give a guy some shrinkage!


Remember in '67 Chevy offered the L79 --- 327 ci 350 hp -- that was SAE GROSS without any accessories back in the day at the flywheel.... your's is at the wheels... so if it was rated at 300 hp and you figured 15% drivetrain loss... that's 45 hp right there - but you'd still show 255 at the wheels...

Of course -- nowadays -- everything is rated at SAE NET -- with accessories as installed in the car... So the old 300 hp gross might only NET 245 ish --- minus drive train losses -- and you'd be about where you are...

Maybe a degree or two of timing added and a little other tune up magic and you'd be about where you could get with that motor.