Engine build thoughts?

[Scrappy Doo]

So I'm looking at compiling my parts for my Spring motor build. My car did 335/351 on the dyno last week, I am hoping for around 400-415 when I am done.

My '01 ls1 had 24,300 one owner miles on it, has 25,300 now.

So my questions are:

Should I take the 241 heads of my ls1 and switch to 243s? I know the 241s aren't really worth the hassle to port and polish, but can I get to around 400 by leaving them stock and switching cams?

There are a set of ls2 heads here for $600 complete. Deal?

Was thinking TSP 224r cam. Don't want to murder drivability, but want some lope. Opinions?

instead of swapping heads and cam, would I be better off just selling the ls1, harness, etc and going to an lq4 or lq9?

Any input appreciated.

[demonspeed]

Heads and nice cam to match will easily get your goals and keep the driveability you desire. I can't give you advice which combo to go with however as I have only cared to make such numbers cam-only. This, however, requires a bigger cam than seems you would be interested in.

Have you be perusing LS1tech at all?

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

If you don't want to hurt drive-ability with a biggish cam, then good heads are an easy way to go about this. I would look into custom cams as well since they're the same price as off the shelf ones.

[Bulldogwinters]

I've seen an LQ4 with a slightly above average cam and heads put down 460~ give or take (it was a while back). With that being said, you'd probably more than reach your goals with just a head/cam swap on your LS1, especially if it has such low mileage. my choice in cam was the 224/228, and I had similar goals as you. However I ended up selling it. I'm not an expert on heads though, so I can't give you much info on the 241 243 swap.

[377tahoe]

How much do you want to spend?

[Zabo]

224r with the 5.3 stage 2.5 heads. 1300ish if I recall with full support from Texas Speed and the cam and heads matched to work together. Should net you 400. Bigger cam I've seen push 425 untuned with the 5.3 setup. Also a 2001 motor but he had 85k miles stock.

[Scrappy Doo]

Originally Posted by demonspeed

Heads and nice cam to match will easily get your goals and keep the driveability you desire. I can't give you advice which combo to go with however as I have only cared to make such numbers cam-only. This, however, requires a bigger cam than seems you would be interested in.

Have you be perusing LS1tech at all?

Yes. I get about the same answers. Most say to just do heads and cam do to low mileage and my goals for the car.

Originally Posted by 377tahoe

How much do you want to spend?

Budget really isn't a factor, but I don't want to piss away unnecessary cash if it doesn't need to be spent.

Originally Posted by Zabo

224r with the 5.3 stage 2.5 heads. 1300ish if I recall with full support from Texas Speed and the cam and heads matched to work together. Should net you 400. Bigger cam I've seen push 425 untuned with the 5.3 setup. Also a 2001 motor but he had 85k miles stock.

Thanks.

If the power number goes higher than 400, i won't mind. LOL. I may just go cam only, and see. But if the motor is going to be apart, may as well do everything at once ncluding oil pump and timing chain, etc.

Thanks for all the input guys.

[377tahoe]

With your low mileage I would just do heads and cam. If you want to keep your 241 heads take a look at Advanced Induction. They have a package kit that will meet with what you are looking for and more. I plan to use them for my heads and cam swap.

[demonspeed]

Originally Posted by Scrappy Doo

I may just go cam only, and see. But if the motor is going to be apart, may as well do everything at once ncluding oil pump and timing chain, etc.

You'll want to do a timing chain and oil pump whether you do just a cam swap or heads/cam. If just doing a cam, the heads don't need to be touched for any of that stuff aside from pulling the valve covers and dropping new pushrods in and swapping springs/retainers.

[Austinv16]

i had a lq4 in my ss but blew it up but it made 380 to the wheel with 243 heads and ms4 cam dont recall what the toque was also just had stock ls1 intake but dont think it would be hard to make 400 with a bigger cam but im not real sure what all you have to do to hit the 400 mark with ls1 but its possible hope you get the hp you want wish i could help you out just sold the 243 heads for $200 complete good luck man

[demonspeed]

Hmmm.... one should be able to easily eclipse 400rwhp with a LS1 cam-only with the MS4. Even with a LS1 intake on that LQ4, 380 seems very low.

I don't know how much more needs reiterated -- 400rwhp is not difficult with a LS1.

[Scrappy Doo]

Sounds good guys.

Thanks for the advice demon.

I'll probably just do the cam, chain, oil pump and call that good. (If i don't sell mine as is and try to buy Overkills..... LMAO)

[Scrappy Doo]

TSP 224r cam? or 228?

ms3?

[demonspeed]

If you're wanting to stay cam-only, you're probably going to need something larger than the 224R or 228R to hit 400. MS3 would likely do it granted you have full bolt-ons (LT's, duals or big single, lid, ported tb, pulley, LS6 intake).