Ok...I would like anyone who has any knowledge or experience to please respond. Keep in mind I a posting this, because I defintely do not claim to know everything or am no where near an expert as I can see many of you who post on this sight are.. so please be patient. I currently have a 2001 LS1 (ws6). The only thing I have changed on it so far, is a SLP loudmouth cat-back. I keep hearing that getting in the 440 horsepower ballpark is doable for $4,000-$4,500 parts and labor. A couple of questions on this..... while I relize different ways to attack this come up with different results, as well as different cars react differently to the same set-ups, but is this doable? And if so....what are some of the setups you guys have or are running? Keep in mind.. this is going to basically be a street car (it may see the track occasionally - but more or less will be a weekend street car). I plan on stiffening the chassis with sub-frames-conn. , etc. but as far as the engine goes im jsut curious on your guys thoughts. I had originally planned on going with a mild procharger, but I am hearing nothing but nightmares, on stock LS1's; so at the same time I was thinking about having them switch to forged pistons, etc. and going back maybe next year and doing a mild procharger after trying to hit 440ish with non-induction. I guess my last question is...different horsepower works differently-- so with some of the setup's you guys are suggesting...who will the car do against one of the new S.C. Cobras...haha..just curious...thanks for blowing your time on my questions.

 

Yes there are lots of aproaches especially with a budget of almost 5 grand. I personally frown upon forced induction, it only shortens the life of the engine in the long run. For your needs i would recomend getting a head, cam package from SLP. It runs about 2600.00 un-installed and claims 445 hp after the swop with tunning. I'm sure that other people will have cheaper alternatives, but i'm more of a LT1 poster so thats all i can offer.

 

For getting that much power there are pretty much only four ways to go.

1) Heads/Cam: A head and cam swap with tuning of course can get you in the 400's, 440, I'm not sure. But heads/cam only total about $2500, depending on brand and type. Add LT header + off road y-pipe, lets sat $1000, and maybe an LS6 intake, and you should get 440hp, for about $4k, assuming to have the regular mods(lid, air filter, etc..)

2) Forced induction: Your basic turbo and supercharger kits. They do shorten the life of the engine as mentoined, and personally I would not get one. With headers and intake it wil get you 440.

3) Nitrous: Very easy and cheap way for more power, unfortunatly, the power isn't there all the time. Nitrous plus headers, lid, intake, exhaust, will get you 440.

4) Stroker kit: The cheapest kit I've seen is $3500 for a 383. This
is the big power and alone should get you 440, but add the regular mods and you will for sure be there.

Add all of these together and you will have a serious machine

 

I have looked at the 383 stroker kit a few times...like you said most of the one's i have seen run about $3,500-$3,750 for a standard 383 stroker kit....ballpark, what should it cost to have the engine pulled and this installed and tuned (realistically)...thanks again