I have had this problem for about 2 years now. I am constantly trying to find the most cost effective and reliable solution ro reaching my goal of making nearly 700 + rwhp and torque. I have emailed numerous engine builders with so many choices to pick from. I am kind of at a loss. I mean Forced induction sounds cool, but its very expensive. I DON'T want to run nitrous. I was thinking, if it were possible to achieve that much power on a engine withouth a power adder, i am not neccessarily sure if i would want that on tap all the time i am driving. I mean there is a package from rapid motorsports (Rapid Dominator Series 402CI LS2 Crate Engine) that made nearly 553 rwhp. That sounds great, but there are options of short blocks, long blocks, complete engines, head and cam packages, low compression, forged engines, and then the whole power adder thing with turbos and blowers. I mean, where do i go? Can some one help me here? What did you guys do to make that kind of power and how much did it cost you? GMR speed is running that deal on the 364 ci long block with fuel system and twin turbo kit with free installation for $15000. That seemed ideal. But i won't have that money in time and i would have to pay to ship my car to thier place to take advantage of their offer. In general, i am looking to spend about $16000 at most on en engine setup or engine setup with a power adder that will get me to that point minus the cost of installation, rear end, and transmission, and suspension. But i would want it street friendly, and reliable. Sorry for the length of the post.

 

I mean if you go with a power adder, i am assuming that you run at low boost, to make less power and thus getting better fuel economy. Where as if you went with a vuilt engine making big power by itself, you would have to live with that as is and would probably get worse fuel economy than a smaller engine with less hp and low boost.

 

wow...i don't even know where to start.

"But i would want it street friendly, and reliable"

there is NO way you'll make anywhere close to 700hp and be anywhere near street friendly OR reliable WITHOUT going with a power adder!!!

even a big stroker will still be a handfull to drive and probably only make you 500rwhp. check out the "408ci and 500hp" thread in the ls1 section.

"there are options of short blocks, long blocks, complete engines, head and cam packages, low compression, forged engines, and then the whole power adder thing with turbos and blowers"

those options are pretty self limiting depending on what you want to do and how you want to do it.
short blocks are great if you have the knowledge and skill to assemble your own engine. long blocks take some of the required skill away, but you're still doing alot of work. complete engines is the way to go if you want something as serious as you suggest. typically they are built, installed and tuned for you.

head/cam packages determine the power. how much you want and how driveable will determine what one you get...simple as that.

low compression....must have for blower or turbo

forged...why would you buy a $$$ motor and NOT go forged. it's all about strenght and reliability.


i would say turbo is the way to go, they get reasonably good mileage cause you're not in the boost when cruising. they are very dosile around town...again..not in boost. and they can put out some SERIOUS power.

not sure what he's running but i know marcin (xxsaint69x) is making nearly 650rwhp on a boosted 383 LT1. maybe go chat with him.

 

I'm guessing from the fact you mention an LS2 crate, and a 364ci long block that you have a 98+ car with an LS1 right now??????? If its an LSx... why not post the question in "LS1/LS..... Engine Tech Forum"?