Suggest a powertrain combo!

[d00df00d]

I've been researching engine-transmission-differential combos for a project and I'd like some input. I'm really interested to hear what people think.

Here are the HARD (i.e. non-negotiable) criteria -- ALL of these must be fulfulled:

- 600+ horsepower at the crank on pump gas, without nitrous or water/meth
- Rear wheel drive
- Manual transmission
- Limited-slip or torque-biasing differential requiring no electronics
- Rear-mounted transaxle assembly
- Power steering and AC


Here are the soft requirements:

- Cost. Ideally under $25k for an engine, transmission, and differential in perfect running order.
- Weight. Ideally the fully dressed engine (with turbos or supercharger IF applicable) should weigh less than 600 lbs; lower is better.
- Modifications. Ideally as few as possible to meet the requirements.


Torque is a bonus (more is better). Another bonus would be if the engine comes set up for dry sump lubrication out-of-the-box.

Naturally aspirated vs. forced-induction doesn't matter.


Thoughts?

 

[addyguy]

One of the 'new' 427 Chevrolet small-blocks they use in the Corvette Z-06. Think you can buy them as a crate engine.

 

[JHZR2]

How about one of those new diesel pickups in stripped work setup trim?

Guess that would kill the weight thing though...

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
One of the 'new' 427 Chevrolet small-blocks they use in the Corvette Z-06. Think you can buy them as a crate engine.

Why that over an LS9?

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
How about one of those new diesel pickups in stripped work setup trim?

Guess that would kill the weight thing though...

Yup. And the rear-mounted transaxle thing.

 

[mechanicx]

How about an LSA? It is rated at 556 HP (probably could be easily modified to 600HP) and is much more affordable than an LS9 LSA

 

[nthach]

Chevy LSx, Tremec or ZF gearbox, Torsen diff.

 

[simple_gifts]

M60A1

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
M60A1


He did say the 600 lb weight limit was a soft requirement.

 

[JT1]

Originally Posted By: nthach
Chevy LSx, Tremec or ZF gearbox, Torsen diff.


What he said.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
How about an LSA? It is rated at 556 HP (probably could be easily modified to 600HP) and is much more affordable than an LS9 LSA

Good call. It appears that the LSA has weaker internals, though:

Quote:
The titanium connecting rods and intake valves are replaced by forged powdered metal and SilChromel, respectively. The exhaust valves on the LSA are not sodium filled either.

...the main bearing caps are nodular iron rather than steel.

The pistons in the LSA are hyper-eutectic cast aluminum rather than being forged.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-2009-lsa-6-2l-superchar/

 

[racer12306]

Definitely need to look at LSx's and the Corvette rear transaxle assembly.

 

[willix]

GM create engine quick referance

an independant builder

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: racer12306
Definitely need to look at LSx's and the Corvette rear transaxle assembly.

The Corvette transaxle is at the top of my shortlist. Engines are a bit up-in-the-air; mating the engine to the torque tube would likely take some custom work no matter what engine is used, so an LSx doesn't offer any fitment advantages.

 

[cp3]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Originally Posted By: addyguy
One of the 'new' 427 Chevrolet small-blocks they use in the Corvette Z-06. Think you can buy them as a crate engine.

Why that over an LS9?


Ya, what he said....lol. Any reason in particular when the LS7 doesn't meet the 600HP requirement? The LS9 looks like it has a really nice torque curve too! I like the 7 just because it's N/A and I don't think it needs a lot of mods to hit 600HP though.

 

[cchase]

Originally Posted By: cp3
Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Originally Posted By: addyguy
One of the 'new' 427 Chevrolet small-blocks they use in the Corvette Z-06. Think you can buy them as a crate engine.

Why that over an LS9?


Ya, what he said....lol. Any reason in particular when the LS7 doesn't meet the 600HP requirement? The LS9 looks like it has a really nice torque curve too! I like the 7 just because it's N/A and I don't think it needs a lot of mods to hit 600HP though.


I thought the LS7 was tricky to add force induction because of cylinder wall thickness?

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: cp3
Ya, what he said....lol. Any reason in particular when the LS7 doesn't meet the 600HP requirement? The LS9 looks like it has a really nice torque curve too! I like the 7 just because it's N/A and I don't think it needs a lot of mods to hit 600HP though.

You pretty much said it. An LS7 could make it, even NA, but it would require modification or forced induction. An LS9 would make it right out of the box. What I don't know is if an appropriately modified LS7 would cost significantly less than an LS9.

 

[cp3]

Check this out, gotta think this is going to come in less than a LS9.

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engine/hdrp_0602_600_horsepower_ls7_dyno_test/index.html

cchase, no idea about putting a blower or turbo on a LS7. Personally, I wouldn't. Love it just the way it is!

 

[racer12306]

A brand new LS7 costs $14k. The LS9 costs $23k.

Huge difference for not a lot of gain.

Or...

You can get an LSX 454 with 700hp for $17k

Or...

If you are ok with building it you can start with a LSx block for $2200, a set of CNC LS7 heads for $3000 and you will be set for a long time and the block will handle any upgrade you are willing to throw at it. Hot Rod built up a 427 LSx to either 2000 or 2500 hp with two massive turbos on it and ran it on the dyno for a while and it just kept going.

 

[addyguy]

Can someone point me in the the direction of what the 'LS9' is??

Never heard of that designation!