[tyoneal]

Tom:

Thanks for the response you are certainly correct about stroking the Short Deck LS Blocks. When I was speaking with their Engineers, we spent quite a bit of time discussing what the engine would be used for, and what I was expecting from it. These Engines evidently have been very popular with their clientele and for what they were intended to do apparently, they seem to be performing ok. These are listed in the "Hot Rod/ Muscle Car", part of their offerings, whereas, the 416 c.i. Engine that DSE just put into their 1969 Camaro, due to it's configuration and components is classified as a, "Race Prepped" Engine from the get go.

For me in this Project, I wanted to get something that would put out a lot of hp and use the super efficient LS Technology. Practically all of the higher horsepower Engines I have ever owned were used almost exclusively on the weekends IF the weather was nice. Probably like many people on this site I have also accumulated several cars to spend my weekends in.

I also drive a 1965 Riviera 425 Nailhead with 2X4's. It's also a blast to take cruising around. I picked up an older Porsche a Number of years back that is also a delight to run in. For this Camaro, if I could get some fun cruising in, and then be able to spend time at the tracks from time to time in the area to take some driving lessons, that would suite me just fine. As I had mentioned in a earlier post, I currently have another project right on the tail of this one, that I would like to get started on sometime later this year, plus I want to have some time enjoying this Camaro. It has the LD 3-Link, and I have just about everything sold by ATS for the Front End. With only a few upgrades to the front end this car handles wonderfully.

I know your engines, are practically legendary pieces of Art, with very much the highest quality parts money can buy in them, in addition to putting out Hoards of power, I'm sure they will last as well as anything that can be made putting out that kind of power. I'm not really sure how many miles the average person puts on their, "HotRod/Pro Touring", Car over it's lifetime, with one of the higher end Nelson Engines, but I would bet they are not usually DD's. If nothing else, at least for me, staying on my toes to be able to drive one safely around town would be something that would demand the upmost respect. I definitely wouldn't want to wrap myself around a tree.

With very few circumstances when have I ever owned engines that made 500+ hp (That weren't just huge in size and N/A) I have never expected to get 50,000 miles out of one without spending a lot more $$ upfront and sometimes up to 2-4 times what this one cost to either buy up front, or to have to replacing things that break or will wear out sometime in the future. The 1969 Camaro I decided to put this in currently has a 400 sbc in it. It's a nice sbc and puts out about 550 hp, but that said, as many high performance engines go, it isn't always as street friendly as one would prefer from time to time. It sounds great and really Hauls the mail when you put your foot into it. The one I just picked up, even with the larger cam they offer idles nicely at 750 rpm and is like a puppy dog compared to the 400. The sbc is much more of a Pure racing engine, while this LS3 is easily street friendly and also really responsive with you hit the "Loud Pedal".

Once again, I appreciate you taking the time to add to the conversation and who knows one of these days when I quit messing around with so many of these, I might very well give you a call and see what you have that would fit my need (or wants);-)

Take care and Thanks again,

Best Regards,

Ty O'Neal