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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!sdcsvax!sdcrdcf!hplabs!amdahl!rtech!shelby
From: shelby@rtech.ARPA (Shelby Thornton)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: small HP = big block HP?!
Message-ID: <176@rtech.ARPA>
Date: Tue, 26-Feb-85 20:46:55 EST
Article-I.D.: rtech.176
Posted: Tue Feb 26 20:46:55 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 3-Mar-85 05:27:56 EST
References: <258@oblio.UUCP> <164@cmu-cs-wb1.ARPA>
Organization: Relational Technology, Berkeley CA
Lines: 35

> For a mere $2100 you can walk down to your favorite Chevy dealer and order a
> brand new LS-7 from the factory (complete except for carb, alternator, and
> stuff like that).  The LS-7 is a 454 with 12.6:1 pistons, a wild cam, and
> all the heavy duty parts (4-bolt, awesome push-rods, etc), unfortunately it
> doesn't come with aluminum heads, but what do you want for $2100.
> 
> Out of the crate, you are guaranteed 465 hp, but engine builders with dyno's
> will tell you they usually run a bit higher than that.
> 
> Buying one is somewhat amusing, it comes in a crate with a tag reading:
> 
> 	"Warning:  use only 100+ octane fuel"
> 
> If you want one, order early, it took us about 4 months to wait for delivery.
> 
> 	Avie Tevanian

My roommate and I have two (we paid only $1950 for each, and got them 
immediately).  The problem with these motors is that they must be torn
down and inspected thoroughly.  They have been known to come with rod bolts
missing or lying in the pan, loose mains, etc...

Also, I find the term "wild cam" for LS-7 grind absurd.  That's what I 
consider a street grind.  The only unstreetable aspect of the motor is
the compression.  Unfortunately, Cheverolets need the compression to 
produce horsepower.  If you've got a readily available supply of SoCal
this isn't a problem.

Pound for pound, I'll take Chrysler motors over Chevrolets every time (Big
Block or Small Block),  they don't need the compression to produce the
same horsepower, and they always produce more torque (which is the 
dominating factor in street racing).

					Shelby Thornton
					Relational Technology