Wondering about which engine to use?

[DaleMX]

Well I’ve got 400 miles of driving an LS1/T56 Z. This is such an awesome swap that it is really worth the extra money to go LS1 or LS2 as compared to an iron block 350 or 400. The torque band of the LS1 is really awesome. Even with the TR230 cam and stage II 11:1 CR heads I can cruse at 55 in 6th gear (.5 overdrive at 1400 rpm) and step on the gas and get instant acceleration. 1750 rpm is 70 mph and I am getting really good gas mileage on the freeway. Just for kicks I hit it hard in 6th today and it took me from 70 to 100 (2500 rpm) in a flash. I look for excuses to drive the car now; it is really a blast! She look’s like a beater (I call my Z Lisa), but beware as she will put a Camaro or Vette to shame in a heartbeat, not to mention the 745I that tried yesterday. All that on the stock 14" 195 BF Goodrich Traction T/A’s. Those tires just grab really well for some reason, I must admit that I am really surprised by the lack of wheel spin from 3rd gear on (1st and 2nd can send the tires up in smoke).

 

The powerband of the TR230 is really 3000 to 6800, but I have not ventured past 5200 yet because it really starts pulling hard there and I fear the rearend will go bang.

 

If you’re thinking about a swap, do the LS1 or better for sure! You won’t be disappointed.

 

I’ll head to the dyno next month after I finish tuning the beast, I just hope that the rearend holds up until I get the LSD finished.