99Sierra2500
Well-Known Member
Only $16,249.06 at Summit.
LSX454
- Thread starter 99Sierra2500
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Only $16,249.06 at Summit.
stutaeng
Well-Known Member
All you need is money! 627 HP/586 ft-lb of TQ. Ho-Lee MoLee!
I've always kinda wondered if you could build one of those super-duper high performance engines yourself from parts, and save a few thousand dollars? Of course, you need to know what you are doing.
Looks like that bare block is right at $5,000. But Summit Racing just released their own aftermarket LS blocks for around $3200. It's not a 6 bolt head and standard deck height. Dart has their blocks for around $4500. Either can accommodate 4.125"+ bore and 4"+ stroke.
I've always kinda wondered if you could build one of those super-duper high performance engines yourself from parts, and save a few thousand dollars? Of course, you need to know what you are doing.
Looks like that bare block is right at $5,000. But Summit Racing just released their own aftermarket LS blocks for around $3200. It's not a 6 bolt head and standard deck height. Dart has their blocks for around $4500. Either can accommodate 4.125"+ bore and 4"+ stroke.
99Sierra2500
Well-Known Member
True, you could piece it together cheaper, it is representative of what can be done. One could get a decent GMT800 truck for around 4-5k (clean, decent paint etc.) and then build it with that engine, 4L80e, 4.10's etc. and not be over 35k. Sounds like a lot until one looks at the prices of used trucks, such as lowish miles 2014-2019 goes for 30-40k.
wiscosilverado87
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I agree if you can find a clean body you can easily put together a nice reliable DD for a lot cheaper and getting more power then anything new out there right now. It's kind of what I did with our 67 Catalina it could easily be a DD wagon if we wanted it to be, its got the 6.0 LS with a TH400 and a posi 4.11 rear end with a Holley sniper EFI. It runs great and is reliable and cost a lot less then a new vehicle.
99Sierra2500
Well-Known Member
That Catalina sounds like nice car. You make a good point about it being a Daily Driver also, that LSX Chevy is giving a warranty for 2 years or 50k miles, so they feel the build is pretty rock solid. A beauty too it being a LS it'll swap right into any GMT800, just need the Lingenfelter 58-24 reluctor tooth module Chevy says they have a controller though, I don't know, maybe just get it tuned.
stutaeng
Well-Known Member
You are looking for more power out of your 6.0?
There's many engine builders that have the option of 24X or 58X reluctor wheel. Smeding Performance, for example, let's you choose: https://smedingperformance.com/coll...cts/408-ls-short-block?variant=40839608500282
427
The Smeding 427" LS7 Short Block is offered in two different configurations! Each package is meticulously assembled with the highest attention to detail and precision. Bearing clearance & ring gaps are measured, verified and set for each application's unique demands. Two different piston volumes...
smedingperformance.com
Those shortblocks actually look like a pretty value TBH. I can see buying the shortblock as a first step, the heads as next year's step, and third year seal it up with covers and dropping it into your vehicle.
99Sierra2500
Well-Known Member
Smeding is a top notch company, I'd trust them 100%. The shortblocks look killer, the 427 at 1300hp, might need to be tamed for the street. Though the 408 is advertised at 1000hp also. I am not sure which is better to go with the 58 or 24, I think the 58 is better overall, except it might not make that big of a difference.There's many engine builders that have the option of 24X or 58X reluctor wheel. Smeding Performance, for example, let's you choose: https://smedingperformance.com/coll...cts/408-ls-short-block?variant=40839608500282
427
The Smeding 427" LS7 Short Block is offered in two different configurations! Each package is meticulously assembled with the highest attention to detail and precision. Bearing clearance & ring gaps are measured, verified and set for each application's unique demands. Two different piston volumes...
Those shortblocks actually look like a pretty value TBH. I can see buying the shortblock as a first step, the heads as next year's step, and third year seal it up with covers and dropping it into your vehicle.
I am always looking at what is available. I have built turbo engines in the past, though usually four cylinder. A nice dependable naturally aspirated 600hp is pretty cool. The LSX454 looks like it is over 2x what the LS364/450 regular performance crate from Chevy Performance at $7,285.07 https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19434650.html
Catalog info https://core-marketing-communications.dcatalog.com/v/2025-Chevrolet-Performance-Catalog/?page=56
stutaeng
Well-Known Member
Oh, that's cool that you've built turbo engines.
That's what most guys do nowadays on the LS to get big power: turbo!
Just take your stock LS engine, gap the rings and boost it 'till you are at the 800-1000 HP!
Of course, you can take an aftermarket block, larger displacement and it will get to those numbers with less boost pressure, and probably live longer....but most guys doing the stock LS with turbos can't really afford aftermarket blocks anyways...
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99Sierra2500
Well-Known Member
Smeding also looked like they were doing power adders, the LSX376 from Chevy too. I have seen people do the "78mm Amazon" kit turbos, then next are complaining about their knock sensors. Turbos are fine, I think an intercooler would help, used to be able to snag them from Volvos. You are right though, no replacement for displacement. One thing I notice is the pistons are expensive, would not want to burn through those. I have gravitated towards the hot rodded beater most of my life, my wife calls looking at this stuff "car porn." Runs in the family, one son has a turbocharged Buick, the other a '73 C20.
That’s what pushed me to build my truck. I wanted a new whipple f150 but couldn’t justify a 1k month truck payment. So instead I bought a really clean nice gmt800 and I’m doing a V8 swap. I’m probably 15-16k in mine and that’s on a budget so 35k would be fairly reasonable budget for a nice build.
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99Sierra2500
Well-Known Member
Also what you are doing is smarter because if you buy a factory hotrod, any mods reduce it's value, plus at the end of the day you will be flat out faster, if that is what you want. LS, 4L80e, and Yukon or whatever gear is a bullet proof combo too. I had a newer truck and don't know might buy something newer again, though I like the Sierra 2500 I have. It is interesting looking at the engines and stuff for it, direct swap.
99Sierra2500
Well-Known Member
I know right? It is also kind of if I won the lottery there would be signs. Maybe those old decal stripes from a Chevelle.
Marky Dissod
Well-Known Member
You said 'ass'. Yay.
For $16,000 should be able to find a used GMT800 in very nice condition, a 6.0L, and either a 4L60E or 4L80E of your choice.
Or, two GMT800s ...
99Sierra2500
Well-Known Member
stutaeng
Well-Known Member
Seems legit.
99Sierra2500
Well-Known Member
It's a competition people have in Chicago/Northern Indiana as to who can have the worst beater. Like in Blues Brothers, and their car just fell apart.
Marky Dissod
Well-Known Member
99Sierra2500
Well-Known Member
It's a trip, like how is that thing still rolling? Guy is just driving along through traffic. Did go over to marketplace, there are some cheap thousand dollar trucks, good to hotrod, though maybe something nicer for a little more, like paint and interior. This a thousand in AZ, always liked the sports beds 2000 GMC Sierra 1500:That makes you a lucky guy.
I'd like to watch too ...
wiscosilverado87
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It really is, being in WI but we drive through Chicagoland/Indiana and even into Michigan all the time for family and there really is always that one car that you just wonder how its still even moving.
