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school me on cheapo power for LS1's and the like...

POORBOYK5

POORBOYK5

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OK so I picked up this LS1 T56 combo on the cheap.. why cheap? Well the engine has a nice viewing window in the side of it. Still ran though! complete drop out from a 00 trans am. Intentions are a ridiculously small car or a c10 for final product. Want to do the mild less expensive upgrades.

what say the Brotherhood on what to do here..

1. Block and rotating assy has to be changed for obvious reasons. Here's what I have access to, what do you think?
a)5.3 iron block, left in stock used form
b)6.0 iron block, left in stock used form
c)find another 5.7 aluminum lower end.

2. Heads I hear mixed things about all the heads being somewhat the same when it comes to stock performance, and some say there's some terrible castings.
a)LS1 heads
b)5.3 (LM7) heads
c)suggestions

3) CAM what's the latest greatest cheat power on the cheap?? I hear LS6 cam springs and intake?

Not a project that will be happening tomorrow, but would like to figure and start gathering parts for the future.
 
Choose your heads after you've chosen which bottom end. Certain heads are better than others. Plus the different chambers will affect C.R.

243 is deemed the best in stock form, came on the LS2,LS6
799 is the same casting, but came on newer 5.3/4.8
317 us the same casting runners, but larger chambers and came on 6.0s, very popular for budget builds and boost. I'm actually running them on my LQ9.
241/853/706 are stock ls1 heads/5.3,4.8 etc these are the more inferior heads in stoock form. They can be worked over with porting to compete with the above 3, but is it worth the cash?
Lastly, you can do with a L92 setup, square port heads that come on the ls3, l76, and almost all newer engines. These flow better than the rest, however they like a widely split cam.

The ls6 cam will be your "cheapest" cam swap, possibly easiest. However, I'd rather do a custom cut cam for your specific setup.
 
sweetk30 said:
www.ls1tech.com :popcorn: there just like ck5 .

aluminum blocks don't like boost . iron block stronger .
Click to expand...

Me like boost! Me like strong block! :D I've been over to LS1 for some info on other stuff. Almost overwhelming. But Very knowledgeable. Thought It might be a little easier to extract info and stay focused on ck5.

broncoman6524 said:
Choose your heads after you've chosen which bottom end. Certain heads are better than others. Plus the different chambers will affect C.R.

243 is deemed the best in stock form, came on the LS2,LS6
799 is the same casting, but came on newer 5.3/4.8
317 us the same casting runners, but larger chambers and came on 6.0s, very popular for budget builds and boost. I'm actually running them on my LQ9.
241/853/706 are stock ls1 heads/5.3,4.8 etc these are the more inferior heads in stoock form. They can be worked over with porting to compete with the above 3, but is it worth the cash?
Lastly, you can do with a L92 setup, square port heads that come on the ls3, l76, and almost all newer engines. These flow better than the rest, however they like a widely split cam.

The ls6 cam will be your "cheapest" cam swap, possibly easiest. However, I'd rather do a custom cut cam for your specific setup.
Click to expand...


Boost may come down the road, in a small dosage. Thanks for weighing in the options with that in mind. Seems I'll basically be using the intake, oil pan, flywheel and harness from this thing. This 5.7 flywheel will bolt on 6.0 correct?
 
If you choose not to build, I have an 01 LS1 that will eventually make it's way into the wife's old Miata :whistle: Will be looking for a 6 speed
 
I sold the last couple 6 speeds I've had. I can keep you in mind if I come across another.
 
5.3 + eBay turbo + Ls6 cam and injectors = 550hp and 20mpgs.

I'm looking into this route but a hx35 or the like Cummins takeoff to get a more reliable but equally cheaper turbo than a China unit. This is an awesome combo in a truck since you'll have an obnoxious amount of room with electric fans.
 
The LS3 is the top dog for building factory performance, but everyone knows it so any LS3 parts are $$. I'd start trolling camaro or corvette forums for people selling their factory stuff.
But honestly all LS heads flow well, some are just a little better than others.

Also what's everyone's obsession with the LS6 cam? Look at the specs, its TINY. The aftermarket has faaarrrrr better options. Same thing goes for the springs.
 
Chevy305 said:
Also what's everyone's obsession with the LS6 cam? Look at the specs, its TINY. The aftermarket has faaarrrrr better options. Same thing goes for the springs.
Click to expand...

I'm gonna say price, and availability, plus for those who want the "sleeper" sound where it sounds factory it's a good option. However you're 100% correct, there are a multitude of cams available for not too much more Than a used LS6
 
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