First build

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rsxaaron

New Member
Ok so i'm embarking on my first build,and need some guidance. I'm doing an ls vtec turbo build, but am planning on dropping the motor in before i get the tubro setup. I just needing to know which path to go. Wanting 400hp when done.

What I have to start with is ls block, gsr head with sk2 springs and retainers, type R cams and a aftermarket fuel rail. Plan on pistons, rods, block gaurd on the bottom end. Is that enough for my 400 or do I need to take it further? Are the cams I have good enough? And what wire harness, ecu, dizzy do I need. And do I start with big injectors or go stock til I turbo.

Any advice would be great and should be enough to get me started. Thanks.
Oh and read somewhere about the redline discrepency when using an ls block. Anything special I need to consider?
 
Do you want to drop the engine in and drive on it before you install the turbo? If that's the case, I would recommend against it. Just wait until you have the budget to do it all at once...
 
Yeah I think ill wait to finish the whole build. After reading threads for the last 10 hours I think ill get away from the ls vtech all together and just go gsr all the way. Maybe ls crank even though everyone seems to be pretty much back and forth with it.
 
Hey you're right near me! If NRH means what I think it means...

There's really not going to be much difference between the LS crank and the GSR crank when you're modding the hell out of your engine. The LS crank gives you about 5% more displacement which helps- so if you have access to one and are going to rebuild a block, go for it.

As far as holding 400whp, I would recommend running a proper sleeve job. If you're going for the block guard, make sure it's installed correctly. If you can have it welded in and then have the block bored again so everything lines up correctly, you can do that instead of getting new sleeves.

Pick the ECU first (P28 for OBD1 is most popular), then get the distributor to match it. Use whatever harness you can get your hands on- whatever is available in your OBD generation and matches up with VTEC is good. If not, you can add wires easily.
 
Yeah not too far away. Good, you can help me build it, lol. I have the ls block. Ill just pull the crank and get gsr block. As far as reliability, is sleeving or the blockgaurd the way to go? I mean with balancing cost versus reliability.
 
Yeah not too far away. Good, you can help me build it, lol. I have the ls block. Ill just pull the crank and get gsr block. As far as reliability, is sleeving or the blockgaurd the way to go? I mean with balancing cost versus reliability.

definitely resleeving. speaking 400 hp wise.
 
Possibly- I barely have time to work on my own stuff. I don't mind coming out and answering questions / giving advice though. :)

Definitely sleeving- once a proper block guard install is done, sometimes you're already up pretty close to the price of a proper sleeve job.
 
Well i'm on my way then. Thanks for all the advice everyone. One last question, are the type R cams gonna be sufficient for the hp I want and work good with the turbo setup, or should I seek another route. Thanks again.
 
ITR cams work quite well for boost, especially when you're crossing past the 300-350whp mark. They breathe better than the GSRs, but aren't too aggressive to have too much overlap with boost.
 
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