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.

And 10 times out of 10 when it reads 201 rwhp. :ohsnap:

Josh, I don't blame you for wanting(needing) more power. Get on it. :thumbsup:

So how was Thunderhill? Let's hear a report.

My hopes were dashed, the car sounded so powerful on the dyno I hoped it was at least a 300 horse 350. I actually don't feel too bad since the motor came with the car and has held up through two times at El Toro and a few GG autocross events.

I'm putting together a budget for 6.0L LS swap:G-Dub: hoping to get it done before the fall. I was up at Thunderhill doing a drifting coarse, just spectating the guys running the coarse. I hope to get out there late this year when I have my suspension, brakes, and tire mods finished.

Now that's funny!



Josh -- I know that had to be really disappointing.... and I'm not - nor is Dave (I'm sure) making fun of the situation.

If your on a budget, Don't get fooled by high dollar heads and large duration camshafts. That 6.0L should easily make 450 rwhp with a good set of factory ported heads and mild cam. That will be a nice kick in the pants having doubled your rear wheel hp!

No worries Greg, I didn't take it like that. All our projects start somewhere, I'm happy to know it is not as powerful as it feels.

@ Rybar, thanks for the advice. I'd love a Mast black label motor, but that is too much for my first swap. Trying to decide between an LY6 with cam, ported stock heads and intake swap or the GM crate making 500+ HP w/ a 2 year warranty. Need to run the numbers. I can improve the intake, throttle body, headers, and cosmetics later. Doubling the HP will be fun!

Ha. Josh and I know each other and he knows I am just goofin off. :D

Yep. It's a great idea to learn your car and/or get comfortable on an track of some kind with a lesser amount of power. IMO.

Your budget LS looks to be a pretty smart one.

YEP!!! Just ask Charley about the results of selling me a 590hp 3000 pound car...


Maybe I should have started out with a restrictor plate?? :disgusted: :D :D :D

Sounds like it needs a 3/4 race cam and some double hump heads. That oughta put you up around 400 HP according to every gearhead I have ever met with a 350. Gears could wake it up in the short term and you will likely do that eventually if you are going through the drivetrain upgrade process.