6.6 vs LS

[Catalina Kirill]

Hi all,

As the title suggest, i'm orienting on what to do engine wise. The goal here is +-400hp. The stock 400ci now in place runs very well, uses no oil and starts every time, it's just a bit slow for the heavy '72 catalina safari.. Not very sure what numbers it's putting out now, but i'm guessing somewhere around 220-250. I'm wondering if upgrading the stock 400 is going to get me this kind of power with a limited budget, while maintaining it's reliability (and how to get there). OR should i just get a cammed LS1 for instance. Both engines will be bolted to a 4L80e. No need for discussion about a 4L80e and a Pontiac400. Everything is in house to make it happen

A Pontiac with an LS engine will of-course lose some of it's originality, so that's something to take into consideration as well..

Btw, i'm from the Netherlands, so sorry in advance for my english!

 

[melsg5]

Which engine will be easier to find parts for?

 

[Catalina Kirill]

Which engine will be easier to find parts for?

I guess the LS..

 

[melsg5]

Hold on to the old engine and do the LS.
You can also look at Butler to see built Pontiac engines that meet your requirements.

______________________________

 

[omologato]

I'm going to vote the other direction and keep the 400 engine for authentic purposes, plus it's a great motor in my opinion.

Many people have gotten 400+ horsepower with some upgrades.

If it were my car I'd get Aluminum heads with performance intake manifold and fit to a 750cfm 4bbl.

Install cam with duration 308/320 and lift .470/.470 like Edelbrock 7157 which also comes with lifters.

Compression around 9.5:1

This should yield you 422hp and 441 ft/lb on pump gas.

I like to keep cars with stock production engines if possible to achieve the goals wanted with them which in this case +400hp with the Pontiac 400 engine is easily doable.

 

[melsg5]

I'm going to vote the other direction and keep the 400 engine for authentic purposes, plus it's a great motor in my opinion.

Many people have gotten 400+ horsepower with some upgrades.

If it were my car I'd get Aluminum heads with performance intake manifold and fit to a 750cfm 4bbl.

Install cam with duration 308/320 and lift .470/.470 like Edelbrock 7157 which also comes with lifters.

Compression around 9.5:1

This should yield you 422hp and 441 ft/lb on pump gas.

I like to keep cars with stock production engines if possible to achieve the goals wanted with them which in this case +400hp with the Pontiac 400 engine is easily doable.

If the was in this country, I would agree but since it's in Europe and he stated LS parts are easier to find I went that direction.

 

[omologato]

If the was in this country, I would agree but since it's in Europe and he stated LS parts are easier to find I went that direction.

Yes I'm not trying to say it will be as easy as it is in the states but American Muscle cars in Europe have exploded recently. I remember a time when they were uber rare over there but he has a great source for parts in the Netherlands with: Classic Car Parts

There are probably others. Remember in Europe going to another country for parts is kinda like us ordering from another state. I do think he should take into consideration the Europe factor but before making such a big decision I would do some homework and call around to see if he can source the parts for the 400. It's not a rare engine and erclassics should be able to help him out. I think it would end up being the cost that would ultimately decide his decision., e.g. Say if parts for the 400 are way more expensive than a complete LS swap.

 

[Catalina Kirill]

Thanks all! I think at the end, every part is available for both engines. I've had an offer for the LS swap, including the complete engine. That would cost me around 6 grand. It's the only quotation so far so prices may differ but it's an estimation. So now i have to figure out if a partly rebuild and upgrade of the 400 will exceed this.

I'll check the prices of the parts Omologato mentioned to begin with!

______________________________