Easiest Big Power, LS1, LS2, or LS6?
 

To all:

After reading this forum for quite a while, I have grown to seriously considering putting a LSx Engine into my Camaro. (Despite my old, possibly outdated Bias towards the BBC and the SBC)

Here is my question:

Which Engine, the LS1, LS2 or LS6, would be the easiest platform to build a 750 hp - 850 hp (Probably Turbo Charged) Pump Gas '69 Camaro?

Any and all ideas are Welcome. Has any company that you know of built, or is building these types of Engines?

Thanks again,

tyoneal

i could be wrong, but i was under the impression that the LS motors were all based on the same platform, with the exception of some different valvtrain and various different intake manifolds... if thats actually the case, id imagine that an LS1 would be the best bet since they are most common and cheapest, and since you would probably be replacing the intake as well as the cam...

You are probably correct, it would make since that the topend might be what differenciates them.

I'm pretty sure the LS7 is a different beast.

.... but what do I know, that's why I ask.

There is not one single thing on the LS motors that is similar to a regular SBC, besides haveing 8 cylinders. They have a block that rivals the tall deck Dart block with raised cam, wider rails, tall deck(9.24") etc. The LS1 will blow away any SBC in every dingle cataegory from power, reliability, weight, you name it.
Any motor will make the power you want in a built up stage (i.e. Forged pistons and rods.) The LS7 is the only motor that would make a reliable 800 hp with turbos in completely stock form. All others will need rods and pistons. A typical standard with some porting, new rods and pistons, and good valves can easily make 900-1000 hp on 93 octane with a good turbo setup. Ls1 will be much cheaper then a LS7, they are also much more available. If you are going turbo, just buy an LS1 for $2,500 and change the rods and pistons, you will easily make 800 hp on a mild tune while getting 20+ mpg!

Can't go wrong with an Ls motor, go for it.

I know the whole world thinks the LSx engine the way to go but,a sbc will still make the horsepower.stock to stock the Lsx is alittle better but when you modify them,the power isnt not much differnet if any.

But with you wanting a Ls the ls7 is the best factory block,next would be a Ls6 which is more available than the Ls7.about a 1/3 the camaro production in 02 used Ls6 blocks.Both engines have to have crank,rods,pistons for that kind of power level.

I've seen the stock LS6 with some valve springs take guys into the 700's fwhp range. With some mods you'd easily be able to obtain your goal and keep the $$$ down.

I don't have any particular personal knowledge, but my impression is that the head/valve train design on the LSx engines is much better than the 23 degree stuff for the Gen 1 SBC's and that for a given displacement and level of tune, the LSx's will virtually always kick the Gen 1 SBC's rear. Would that it weren't so, since I have a lot of Gen 1 stuff ready to go for a 434 build, but oh well . . .

A stock ls1 head flows about 280 cfm @.600 lift, not .700 like most sbc heads are rated. A factory ls1 head with a port job will flow 330 cfm int/ 270 cfm exhaust @.600 lift!!! That is insane!! That is with a factory head!

Nobody top date has broken a stock LS1 crank from to much power, I am over 1000 hp and 800 ftlb on a stock crank, aluminum ls1 block, and heads! I made the switch from a tall deck 427" SBC and am still excited about the new motor!!

LS motor to me is easy power, easy driveability, and good mileage. Those are big in my book.