LSA supercharged LS3 or N/A LS7?

[Nine Ball]

I've had a few of both setups.

Bang for the buck, it is hard to beat an LS3/L92 block with their large bore diameter, and dirt-cheap high-flowing cylinder heads. They do really well under boost, too. You can also build a stout NA LS3, easily reaching 500 rwhp if you build it right.

I'm going LS7 this time around, just because I wanted to do one in a '69 Camaro for a long time now. You also can avoid the dry-sump complexity if you just start with the block, and build the engine using a normal wet-sump 4.00 stroker crank. I'm using Callies CompStar crank and rods in my LS7, with some ported LS7 heads (Mast). It will still rev to 7K, I've had built LS engines in the past do so with a wet sump. I priced crate engines, and found it was actually a little less expensive to have a custom LS7 built, with all forged internals. Texas Speed & Performance did mine. They even drill the block for a normal oil dipstick.

Tony

[Vega$69]

Doing an LS7 stroked to 441 as we speak. Callie Compstar with wiseco forged Pistons. PRC heads from Texas speed. Going WS

Did LS7 with forged diamond pistons and TSP Cam in my last car. Also coverted to WS. It's was a beast

[Sheck44]

My vote is with Tony and John ... If I were to do it all over again I'd likely choose to save a little money and built a sick NA LS7 rather than the very pricey supercharged LS7 I now currently have.

But then again, the smile you get from 800 hp is priceless

Cheers
Steve

[71RS/SS396]

If the car will see a lot of track time I would go LS7 and keep the dry sump or better yet go to an external dry sump pump. Managing the heat soak on a blown engine is very difficult to do for a car that sees 20-30 minute track sessions. The innercoolers are generally not efficient and there's very few electric pumps available to flow enough water to cool the intake charge well enough. If the LS7 heads scare you (I've never had a problem) then you can always use the LS3 heads on the LS7 block. If you want to keep the LS7 heads have the concentricity of the guide to the seats checked and set the springs up properly and you'll be fine.

[CamaroAJ]

I guess I'l just keep collecting LS7 parts as I have been and go from there. See what kinda deals I can find on Corvette forum with parts.

[Jr]

Guys are always getting rid of ls7 parts on ls1tech.

[214Chevy]

I'd go LS7 with upgraded parts. Yes, the liners tend to crack (so I've heard from several sources). I think you'll be happier with the extra cubes.