V8 Engines Exported Worldwide What Are You Looking For?
Cubic Inch Displacement
The most effective way to increase torque (Tq) is with more CID.
The longest stroke I use in LS builds is 4.125"
In a 4.060 bore that makes 427CID or 7.0L.
No one can build a Chevrolet engine for a lower price than General Motors.
Therefore buying a new LS3 long block provides a great foundation.
In 2024 this long block price is $6200US or $10075NZ
Building a new LS3 block stroker is approx $10500US.
Lobe Separation Angle
Most stock camshafts use 117 degrees of lobe separation angle.
The best LSA for any engine is based on the relationship between cylinder displacement and intake valve diameter.
A narrow LSA makes less vacuum at idle, but will increase torque at lower RPM.
This real-world test shows how much torque can be increased by narrowing the LSA.
This graphs are from Richard Holdener.
The lowest line is 120 LSA then 112 and 106 which gained 40ft/lbs.
Intake Duration @ .050 Lift
212 degrees is plenty in an LS engine because the heads flow so well and will take the power curve to 6000 RPM.
More duration increases HP because it occurs at a higher RPM.
Choosing the best camshaft for the given application is critical.
This compares a stock 196 In. Dur. @ .050" lift camshaft to a
Truck Norris camshaft, 212 In. dur. @ .050" with a tight 107LSA.
Vacuum at 750RPM is 11 in Hg
Compression Ratio
Increasing the CR 1 full number eg. 9 to 10 to 11 increases power output by 4% each time.
This graph compares 9:1 to 10:1 to 11:1 to 15:1
If you could raise the CR to 20:1 like a diesel engine with a higher enough octane gasoline, you would match the power output.
The limitation to increasing CR is detonation.
Using fuels with higher octane allows more CR.
Racing fuels are more expensive than pump gasoline.
E85 is a possible option, if available.
Water injection is a very effective way to use low octane fuel.
Because most of the above options come with inconvenience, most people limit the CR based on local petrol availability.
Increase Torque Rather Than Hp
The manifold is a critical component to maximizing power related to RPM.
Most aftermarket LS intake manifolds will increase Hp, but not Tq.
The best Tq increase at low RPM is the Holley Crossram Dual Plenum Manifold.
Second, the Trailblazer SS factory manifold.
Third a single carb/TBI dual plenum manifold.
Forth a FAST XFI plastic manifold..
Boost
A popular option to use in the USA is a used truck engine, either a 5.3L or 6.0 because they cost less than the aluminum block engines and then adding turbochagers or a supercharger.
Here is an example Using A Carburetor Or TBI
This is a GM 6.2L long block $6200US
Vacuum at 750RPM is 11 was in Hq. because of the 107 LSA
As It Sits here it costs $10,700US or $18,150NZ
Holley Dual Plenum Manifold and Holley Double Pumper Carburetor.
$440US Intake Manifold
$910US Carb
$70US Feed Line
$145US Air Cleaner
Truck Norris Camshaft In.Dur. @ .050" lift 212 LSA 107.
$400US Camshaft
$25US Camshaft Sprocket
$15US Spring Shims
$225 4 Corner Steam Vent Kit
$270US Valve Covers
$35US Gallery Plug
$220US Corvette LenghtWater Pump
$50US Dipstick
$500US MSD Box
$145US Plug wires
$80US Iridium Spark Plugs
$400US DUI Coils
Ignition
Ignition
Ignition
Using a $500 MSD box solves the ignition requirement and you can use powerful coils.
DUI
Ignition
Ignition
I like these $400
Davis Unified Ignition SOS ignition coils.
This is just one combination built on the LS3 long block, many other options are available.
Complete
Ignition
Complete
With the addition of a water pump and alternator, you have a complete engine.
You can customize the engine some, e.g. swap to nicer-looking valve covers.
My Shop
This is a look inside my shop 2022.
John Nijssen
To discuss your project, write to me in the box below.