If you're going under 12 seconds on a sanctioned track, remember to add the weight of the rollcage and other safety equip.!So what's the cost comparison for the final two..hp/$?
I won't be visiting any tracks. Past experiences when I was younger taught me I can't afford to pay for the parts breakages, and recent experiences watching OTHERS break parts has reinforced my thoughts! My speed experiences are limited to quick few-second blasts on deserted highways, and the occasional exuberent getaway from a light.
The LS series engines are a real bargain. Their basic strength right from the factory is incredible, and the hopup parts are both cheap and easy, as these engines are used in every GM V8 pickup and SUV made, so great economies of scale.
NEW crate LS engines, with all the components and accessories on them - not stripped - realistically go for $4500 and up, but deliver at LEAST 350 and sometimes close to 400 guaranteed crank horsepower as delivered.
Fully functional 5.3 to 6.0 liter LS engines pulled from recent model trucks or SUVs start at $1000 or less with $2000 being the high end (because there are so MANY), and then you add $1000 worth of Edelbrock / MSD/GM Performance parts to convert to carbureted versus EFI operation, and $500 more if you want to bump the power (cam and LS6 springs at worst) and you end up with at LEAST 425 crank horsepower, and 500 or more is not difficult or expensive. No computer except the ignition black box that connects up right to the factory coil packs and reluctors.
The LS series is actually a bit more costly than the Chevy smallblock engines available are, if you are satisfied with 300 to 350 crank horsepower, but the LS series is far less costly to hop up in the future, due to features like replicated ports, 6-bolt mains, and incredibly strong cranks/rods/pistons that you don't need to worry about till close to 600 crank horsepower. So, the LS series is actually the "engine with a future" in comparing the two. Remember, the 575 crank horsepower engine in my supercharged SSR started out as a lowly 5.3 liter TRUCK engine. It evcen still has the "inferior" truck heads versus the Corvette LS6 heads.
The guys offering me the Buick and Pontiac OHC and hi-performance all-out 271s were needing way more money than I'd spend on the LS series, and not even hitting the 300 crank hp low end of my target range. I'm talking that they need $5700 to $7500, and who knows what that does NOT include.
I have a limited budget, so . . .
Jim G
