Things to know with LS based motors?

[rocket69GTP]

Been doing a lot of surfing on the LS/G8/Corvette forums and trying to learn more on the capabilities and limitations of these motors. I know around the 550-600 rwhp mark I really need to start thinking about the internals of the motors so is there anything else I need to know? I am going to pick Joseph Potak's book on building and modifying LS based engines so are there any other good references/ publications I need to be reading with this? Plans are for ARH headers and the livernois Stage 1c cam (218/229, .600/.600 on a 117.5 LSA) along with valvetrain upgrades. TIA for all tips and suggestions with this.

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[Fast Motorsports]

On the newer LS motor like what is in your G8 550-600whp you would need to be more worried about the transmission than the motor. The stock bottom end is good to at least 700whp more so if done with a blower or turbo.

The book you want to purchase is great for reference. It will give you the basics without reading page after page of opinions off the internet.

If your planning a cam for your G8 dont forget the intake to go with those headers. Also, the cam swap is not as straight forward since you need to remove the heads and do a AFM delete so its added cost to the typical cam package in any other LS based car.

 

[rocket69GTP]

^^^ Thanks for the info and I seen that one has to replace a laundry list of items including the lifters, springs, lifter valley cover, etc. The car is currently running a rotofab intake, HFC's, and tune to both the motor and tranny. Doesn't the block being aluminum lower it's overall strength?

 

[TonzKnock-G]

I would send a pm to Patrick G. over at the GRRR8 forum and have him spec out a cam for your needs, he seems to be the GOD over on the G8 forums. Hope im not out of line with this post, just tring to give the guy options. Im positive Fast could do the same for you aslo.

http://forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=27919&highlight=patrick

 

[rocket69GTP]

^^^Wow, thanks for the info, the pickups on this cam vs. the livernois cam are impressive.

 

[Pro Stock John]

Goal?

 

[rocket69GTP]

Right now, I would like to get over 400whp and I know I can do that with a good cam and LT's (no cats) along with everything else that is on the car. I need to run a scan on the car and see what is going on because it is only putting 315 to the wheels with an intake, tune, and high flow cats but I still think there is a little bit more left in it. Thoughts?

 

[Pro Stock John]

You can hit 400rwhp with just headers + CAI I think. With cam you should hit 440rwhp or more I'm thinking. Brandon @ FAST is quite knowledgeable based on his rep and a few calls I've had with him.

 

[TonzKnock-G]

Im pretty sure most guys with headers/catback/tune are making around 350ish RWHP.

Actually.....Kooks 1 7/8 Mid-Headers w/HFCs, RPM Dyno Tune, Borla Catback, Vararam, 362RWHP

 

[Pro Stock John]

Hmm I reread info and I see the 364 cid engine in the G8 is rated at 361hp. I see how you get to 360rwhp with CAI, tune, full exhaust... my bad.

 

[rocket69GTP]

I'm thinking that I need to get the headers swapped out for LT's since that is the next worst place for restriction besides the cats. It will be a little bit longer for a cam swap since that is pretty involved and would take a few days. Does an x-pipe really do that much for you or can one do without it?

 

[TonzKnock-G]

The guys with HFCs/catback/tune are making pretty good power. Might not be worth the extra dough unless you eventually go cam.

 

[blakbearddelite]

Right now, I would like to get over 400whp and I know I can do that with a good cam and LT's (no cats) along with everything else that is on the car. I need to run a scan on the car and see what is going on because it is only putting 315 to the wheels with an intake, tune, and high flow cats but I still think there is a little bit more left in it. Thoughts?

Yeah, that sounds a little low, but it could just be dyno variance.

I have an intake and a tune on mine and it did 338/356.

 

[rocket69GTP]

^^^I just need to get the tune looked at if that is the case but I think some headers in the interim will really wake this car up.

 

[Pro Stock John]

So you have a power goal but not an ET goal....

 

[rocket69GTP]

Don't have a 1/4 mile track here and don't really want to race on an 1/8. I would like to have a high 11 sec car on motor in the short term.

 

[blakbearddelite]

Don't have a 1/4 mile track here and don't really want to race on an 1/8. I would like to have a high 11 sec car on motor in the short term.

Me too!

 

[syP]

Im demodding mine this tuesday... Got a bunch of parts for sale.. PM me if you are interested.

 

[rocket69GTP]

pm'd

 

[TonzKnock-G]

Im demodding mine this tuesday... Got a bunch of parts for sale.. PM me if you are interested.

What are u going to be selling ?

 

[rocket69GTP]

LOL, all of the G8 guys are going to be chomping at the bit for syp's parts.

 

[Dasfinc]

Don't have a 1/4 mile track here and don't really want to race on an 1/8. I would like to have a high 11 sec car on motor in the short term.

Me too!

LOL, all of the G8 guys are going to be chomping at the bit for syp's parts.

I wonder what syP's car ran :xzbit:

 

[rocket69GTP]

^^^Won't know until he releases some of the mods he has done but full bolt ons will get you mid 12's with good tires and suspension. Cam should put you over the top in high 11's.

 

[syP]

I wonder what syP's car ran :xzbit:

 

[syP]

you both got PM's