Ls1 Build Horsepower
 

Hey guys, I'm sure this has been hashed out, but I'll ask anyway...... I picked up an LS1 out of a 2002 Z/28. It has the LS6 intake and I picked up a set of new 799 heads. I have a T56 (close ratio) 6 speed and a 3.90 rearend. I'm getting the vibe from some guys that I should pass on building the LS1 and get a 6.0 or 6.2 and build that?? This is my first LS build, so I'm not real sure what I can get HP wise, yet keep it streetable. I want it to have some real punch.....Budget dictates, NO supercharger. Sounds like a stroker kit (383) can pick up a good deal of torque.....Motor will go in a 69 Camaro, pro touring. ANY THOUGHTS??

I think there are still lots of guys doing well with the LS1. You could also get a custom spec'd cam from Pat G to work with your heads intake etc and meet your goals:

http://guerragroup.com/camshaft_help.htm

Don

Everyone has a different definition of streetable but if you want much more than 500hp you should probably consider a larger motor, in particular if forced induction is not on the table.

This is my combination
 

I have a set of TEA 5.3 stage 1.5 heads, 90 mm Fast intake with 90 mm Nick Williams throttle body. Comp Cams XER profile with 230-230 on a 110 LSA .597/.598 lift. GM corvette injectors. I did keep the stock crank and used Compstar H-Beam rods and Diamond forged pistons. ARP studs on the mains and heads....rods/ pistons was for the nitrous I never ended up putting on the car.

Anyway, with 200 miles on the motor it made 425 RWHP and 385 RWTQ. Idles at 950 rpm, 11.3 static compression and runs on 93 pump gas. Guessing 500-525 hp at the motor. Got 26 mpg running 1750 rpm and 70 mph. All that is through a Ford 9 inch, a 12 bolt would make more power.

Very streetable and easy to drive.

If you are restricted with a budget, stay with your LS1. It's got a ton of potential even with a stock bottom end. More exotic parts are attractive, but many people forget just how capable that first series engine was. I went 11.6 @ 118 on a stock shortblock with just TEA ported 241s, a Trex cam, headers, and a carb. All this in a 3200 lb Nova and a tight converter. I stwitched to a T56 and got 22 MPG all the way to Del Mar and had perfect street manners. Invest in some Katech rod bolts if you wanna spin it up.....which you will.

They are good motors. You'll only gain torque by going to a 6.0L. I'm running a stock bottom end '02 LS1, ETP 215 heads, TSP 233/239 112 cam, Ported Fast 90/90 TB, SW Longtubes, 36# inj, ASP pulley, HS rockers, 11.5:1 compression. Car made 452 rwhp, 425 rwtq on a Dynojet with an LS6 intake and ported stock TB. Recently made 433/397 on a Mustang Dyno which reads about 10% less than a Dynojet.

I just looked up the 799 Heads, they seem like a decent stock head. I'd deck them to gain compression and seems with a mild cam you should be around 430 rwhp according to LS1tech. That's pretty good power.

Thanks for the input guys..... I was inclined to put a stroker crank kit (383) in the LS1.....seems like this will gain a fair amount of torque?? On the other hand, the engine builder made the comment.."by going with a 6.0 or 6.2, you have a much better selection of heads that make more power, and the stroker kit can make the 6.0 even larger". My understanding is that the 799 heads are basically the 243 (LS6) head and that with a good CNC port, they were REALLY a good choice?? As we all know with building these cars, we often second guess (read expensive) our decisions after the car is done and on the road.

By the way..... RYBAR, your car rocks!! I followed the thread on your upgrade with the rims/tires. I just love the stance, color, etc.... Given that you have the LS1.....would you say that your car has a ton of power, punch, or problem breaking those BIG rear tires loose :) I'm a big block guy, so I have really come to love the torque aspect of a street motor, if you know what I mean?

Your builder is right that there are better heads flow wise for 6.0+ motors but again it's about what you want. LS engines generally have a much flatter torque curve than say legacy small blocks, and are more streetable at higher power levels.

If you have a LS1 with 799 heads, I would get a cam and have 425~ rwhp and enjoy it.