Opinions on choice of V8 for build?

[timbra_88]

Hey guys. Well just wanted to get some opinions or maybe advice and just wanted to hear from some other peoples experiences concerning V8 Engine conversions or builds. I've been thinking about building a nice VN SS for in about 6 months time to be driven on weekends and maybe to and from work if i feel like it but also taken to the track for a good flogging on the occasion. I'm looking for good power, preferably 500HP+ at the wheels.

Now i've been considering using the 5ltr that comes standard in it and stroking it to 355 or 383 possibly with some form of forced induction, or dropping in a worked LS1 or LS2 engine from a later model car. Then someone suggested dropping in a crate engine which already has some decent horsepower. I was leaning towards stroking the 5ltr because i could do most of it myself and save on labour. I'm unsure as to which motor id be best going with at the moment but am interested in the crate motor idea.

Let's say $10k budget for the motor. I want something that sounds ****in tough, decent to big power and just used for commute to work, weekend car for fun and on the track as well. Obviously the rest of the car will be upgraded and modified to handle the engine and provide a nice 'feel' to be driven and is all going to be done properly. I'm not worried about it being non-economical. The engine will most likely be hooked up to a manual 6speed.

I really like the sound of this motor, think its a 355, someone will know. YouTube - Statesman V8 Turn your speakers up!

So all up:
Whats the pro's and con's of each idea?
Which would be most practical?
Where's the biggest bang for buck at?
What's your setup and power?
How much you spent?
and if you have any helpful links or ideas post them up.

Cheers

[levymetal]

What is your goal, eg 1/4 mile time etc? 500hp+ at the wheels doesn't really mean much at all if anything by itself. 10k budget won't get you 500hp+ at the wheels anyway, but that much power would not be necessary to have fun. For 10k motor you could do 355 yourself or ls1+heads+cam. Forget about the 383 for that price. 355 will sound better. Ls1 will go better. Personally I would go for ls1. More reliable, more street-drivable etc. Switch it on and drive without worries. Definitely more bang for buck out of ls1.

[TVR-190]

general consesus is: 5l for sound, ls engines for powaaaaaaaaaaa

[timbra_88]

What is your goal, eg 1/4 mile time etc? 500hp+ at the wheels doesn't really mean much at all if anything by itself. 10k budget won't get you 500hp+ at the wheels anyway, but that much power would not be necessary to have fun. For 10k motor you could do 355 yourself or ls1+heads+cam. Forget about the 383 for that price. 355 will sound better. Ls1 will go better. Personally I would go for ls1. More reliable, more street-drivable etc. Switch it on and drive without worries. Definitely more bang for buck out of ls1.

Well my only real goal is to just have a nice powerful car to drive when i want. Reliability would be prefered but not imperative as i'll have a daily. For arguments sake id say between 11-13 second car. The car won't be used for only 1 thing ie: drift/drag, but more just a nice car to drive and be proud of.

Leaning towards the idea of building a 355 with a sidemount blower to achieve close to my 500hp desire. I'd go the LS1 but do prefer the sound of the 5ltr and would rather throw money at modifying the engine rather than just being able to afford the motor and conversion.

[levymetal]

for a reliable 500rwhp, you're going to need to up that budget from 10k to 20k or more . cammed ls1 although not 500rwhp will be a 12 second car easy. ls1 is also cheaper than a 355, although you do need a conversion kit. even with that i'd still say ls1 is cheaper, and much more room for improvement

355s are awesome but nowadays ls1s are so cheap that 355s don't seem worth the cost. i am 100% about bang for buck though, which is why i like ls1s.

oh and as greenfoam showed me, ls1s can sound good too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBB4juFuA8s

[timbra_88]

Ok. So if i choose the LS1 transplant.. I'm looking at buying a motor and box obviously and the conversion kit (not sure what this would consist of as i'd probly do most of it myself apart from the wiring). Whats a good price for a LS1 motor and box and other needed bits and pieces (tailshaft, ecu, loom, ??) and what would you suggest doing to the motor before it goes in? Just a decent cam and a tune? Put aside the 500hp for now, if the car can run 11's thats good enough for me

[greenfoam]

500 rwhp is LOTS of power, about 2.5 times the power of that stato in your video I would say . 11 second VN/P cheapest way at this point in time will be a LS1+cam+exhaust. You could make an 11 second turbo 304 on budget but 500 rwhp still no way

[timbra_88]

Ok, ill have a think about it for a bit. I really wanted the car to sound nice too so leanin towards 5l for that fact and also would like to keep in fairly original but realising will have to spend more $$$ to do this. LS1 still an option though. Might go look at some Youtube videos

Thanks for the input.

[savage1987]

I really wanted the car to sound nice too so leanin towards 5l for that fact

Cammed LS1 sounds horn


Also, for something you may not have thought of yet, look into the 1UZ conversion. Smaller, but their tech level means they punch above their weight, and there are still plenty of performance bits around for them - and anyone who's heard a V8 Soarer knows they sound awesome.


Sam