6 Reasons Why Chevy LS Engines Are So Good

[MGBV8]

https://dustrunnersauto.com/chevy-ls-engines/

[Scott Costanzo]

Carl,

This is the second article you've posted on LS engines over the past couple of days. Are you thinking about it again in a serious way?

See you in a couple of weeks!

[Jim Stabe]

When I started my project the LS engine was only 3 years old, very expensive from wreckers and not a lot of performance aftermarket yet. If I had begun the project 5 years later my car would have been LS powered for sure. The ONLY advantage the LT has over the LS is that it is better looking.

[mgb260]

You can improve the look of the LS by removing the coils off the valve covers. You can mount them on the fenderwell, firewall or brackets at the valve covers.There are aftermarket valve covers and valve cover adapters to allow any old style valve covers.

https://www.chevyhardcore.com/news/new-products/trans-dapt-releases-valve-cover-adapters-for-ls-engines/

[mgb260]

I also like Carl's  idea of a destroker using the 4.8 crank and rods in the 5.3 LS4. Because of the thick iron liners it can be bored out to use LS1 diameter( 3.9" ) pistons also.

[MGBV8]

Yes, that would be my #1 choice, Jim, 4.8L stroke (3.267") x LS1 bore (3.898").  Perfect little screamer for my MG
I am sure someone has built one.  I have found several threads on other forums where it was proposed & promptly shot down.  You just don't take a perfectly good engine & make it smaller!  Cubic inches rule.

Well, Scott, depends on which day or week.  I do daydream about the above engine quite a bit.  The GM LS engines are fantastic in my book.  Yours would be plenty & if not, it is sooo easy to get another 100 hp or even more.

Then, I come back down to reality & 200-225 rwhp is all I really need.  I have most everything I need for that ( a complete Rover 3.9, another 3.9 block & crank, a 4.2 crank, Edelbrock intake, late 4.0/4.6 heads, Buick 300 heads) except pistons. Plus, I can reuse my mini-starter, headers, etc, etc.

I guess I won't really know which way I am going to go until my 215 gives it up.

[MGBV8]

Here we go.

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/4-8l-crank-ls3-block-how-to-build-an-8000-rpm-ls-stroker/

[BlownMGB-V8]

I like the big bore (4.065") short stroke combo but hasn't anybody come up with an oil pan that gets the filter out of the way yet? Between that and the starter it looks pretty wide back there.

Jim

[mgb260]

Jim, You mean like this one?


https://www.rakuten.com/shop/unbeatablesale/product/CFR382/?scid=pla_google_unbeatablesale&rmatt=tsid:1012713|cid:1433528863|agid:57288622758|tid:pla-458087297961|crid:275290825084|nw:g|rnd:17392323542665740884|dvc:c|adp:1o2|mt:|loc:9033457&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzMGj38ry2wIVh15-Ch1w7gHFEAQYAiABEgKBePD_BwE

[Jim Stabe]

I agree with Carl that cubic inches rule. I would much rather have a 6000 rpm torquer than an 8000 rpm screamer with a peaky torque band. The S2000 Hondas were really fun to wind out in the gears but as a daily driver in traffic - not so much. Put the torque where you do 90% of your driving.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Nice oil pan. Anyone making that in aluminum yet?

Jim

[MGBV8]

They make a whole lot of things for the Chevy LS.

https://www.cxracing.com/OP-LS-CHEVELLE

[roverman]

And then there is stupid loyalty ? I fall into this category.  215/RV8 was the "first" all aluminum, production V8. I still pay homage to this out-dated design. As backwards as it is in todays circles, it still does pretty good....

[MGBV8]

Right there wit ya, Art.  I love these little aluminum short stroke engines!  That is why it is so difficult abandon them.

I am still waiting to hear more from Fred on his engine.

[BlownMGB-V8]

I suppose the best would be to roll your own...

[billymgb1000]

I am doing something a little different. because i have the 4.8 already in my car, I am buying a 5.3 crank and connecting rods. So this winter I want to install the 5.3 crank and rods and use my 4.8 flat top pistons so I will have a high compression 5.3. I am not sure how much more HP and torque I will gain but it will be some i'm sure. Can't wait!!!!!!!

[tr8todd]

Big picture cost containment mode made it easiest for me to just buy a salvage 2010 Camaro SS, and sell off the Camaro bits.  All in with performance mods, I'm at around $7K for an 11,000 engine making 500ish HP, a lightweight clutch and flywheel, and a 600 ft/pound capable 6 speed.  Still have lots of Camaro to sell off as well.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Gonna be way too much power for that little Triumph. ;-)

Jim

[roverman]

"Oh Blessed Mother of Acceleration"

[donkelly23]

Gee Todd, I'd pee my pants with 300HP

[Jim Stabe]

"Gonna be way too much power for that little Triumph. ;-) "

Nah! Sounds about right to me.