for all the guys thinking of a cool V8 project check this engine, simple little all aluminum 5.3L LS build 491HP Options

[byndbad914]

I have mentioned this combo on and off to a couple of people but I had lost the link to the build... recently ran across it and found out why I lost the link (once it went into a magazine I suspect the build thread needed removed).

http://www.camaroperformers.com/camaro-tec...gine/index.html

Such a sweet little combo, pump gas, even the cheaper build with stock heads made great power. Me thinks a perfect, light-weight all alum ~320ci LS Chevy build for a teener. Keep the 5.3L dish pistons instead of the 4.8L flattops too and the power would come down slightly but ensure running on any pump fuel.

Nice read if considering a V8 project street car.

[ChrisFoley]

I sure wish Bill B. had been a little more conservative in his LS engine build for the white car. What a mess he created by installing Trick Flow heads with huge valves and ports, a cam that had too much lift and duration for the heads, a rocker setup that couldn't handle the resulting valve spring forces, etc.

550 hp sounds exciting and all, but doesn't make much sense when parts are breaking regularly, the engine stalls whenever the cooling fans come on, the clutch is so heavy it nearly takes 2 legs to depress the pedal, and so forth.

Add to that the need to replace a damaged and leaking Howe Custom ($$$) radiator that was fixed with bubble gum (sort of).
The new owner is going through convulsions from the costs associated with repairing and re-doing everything sensibly.