LS-7 or Stroked LS-2?
 

To All:

Given the difference in price, why would one want an LS-7 over a stroked LS-2?

This maybe self evident to some, but from what I've read it seams the LS-2 would be a better bang for the buck.

What am I overlooking?

Looking for 700+ flywheel HP. (Or 575 RWHP) I've read a supercharged LS-2 will get you there (Magnuson SC) Wouldn't a LS-7 Need a blower as well to make that hp?

Thanks,

Ty O'Neal

Dry sump oiling system, more cubes = more potential performance, ti rods... Prestige

I still think the LS2 is the better "bang for the buck" deal, but the LS7 is one sweet engine

I'd agree, the LS2 is a better bang for the buck, but the LS7 heads are nothing short of amazing. It's incredible that these heads are a factory produced item.

It won't be long and you'll be seeing 500+ cubic inch motors based on the new LSx block with LS7 heads. There's no doubt they will make 700+ hp N/A.

Thanks for the responces.

Any feel for whether the LS-7 will come down in price once the LSx becomes available?

When the LS-2 came out, was it pretty expensive as well?

When the LSx Block comes out this month, do you think that the fact it is iron will hurt it's desirability?

It seams that the ultimate, "Hot Set-Up", is a Twin Turbo, because:

-Very Streetable
-Makes hellacious Power
-Can get good Milage

Problem- Very Expensive

I've heard many times that once you get past 575 RWHP or there abouts, the power can't really be used effectively except in a drag racing application. So just about any power above and beyond that, would be just for bragging rights.

My goal would be to have the positive characteristics of the Twin Turbo, up to the amount of, "Real Usable Power", without the expense.

The aluminum Block and Heads are also a big plus for the money. Are the LS-7 Heads better flowing than the top of the line AFR or Trick Flow heads?

The "Magic Bullet", as far as I can see would be something like this. Bragging rights is all that would be lost, as if an engine like this would be something to be ashamed of! ;-)

Thoughts?

Ty ONeal

The fact that the lsx is iron makes me not want it. I am planning on using an ls2. If I was going for 2000 HP with twin turbos then I would want the lsx. ls2 is plenty strong for your power goals, and less weight on the nose.

An aluminum version of the LSx is coming. I think it's cool for the big cubic inches. :)

I agree that the LS2 has more bang for the buck, but I don't think it would take a blower to get the LS7 into the hp range you are looking for. One of Lingenfelter's setups is not far off without going forced induction. They don't list headers in the package so I am assuming that the numbers are without headers. http://www.lingenfelter.com/pacc6_ZO6camintake.htm . LG Motorsports wasn't far off with just cam and headers (as far as I know) http://lgmotorsports.com/gallery/dis...lbum=12&pos=23 . Anyway, a blown LS2 is definitely nothing to sneeze at. If I had the money to do either, I would go the S/C LS2 route :) .

David

Titanium rods are not cheap. Heads that flow that well are not cheap. Start adding all the great parts and the LS7 is a bargain to me. And the motor is far from its potential at 505hp. Headers and a simple cam and you are at 630hp.

GM would not put a motor in a car and warranty it if the motor was working at max potential out of the box, there would be too many warranty issues.

I think the LS7 is a better bang for the buck, but I'm old and sometimes stupid.

The new L92 heads are basically the same port as the LS7 and i think the flow #'s were 330 - 340 cfm.

The LS7 certainly has some more street cred than your average stroked LS2. Despite the motors being very similar, it's like comparing an 03 Cobra motor to a modified 1999 Cobra motor with a roots blower. The factory aspect is also nice. You know millions of dollars of R&D have gone into that motor.