LS swaps aren't off topic, because they're mentioned specifically in the OP.
Just be honest with what you're trying to accomplish. Redblocks are great motors, and they respond well to modest mods. They can also do well with serious mods, but at that point, you have to step back and ask if you're using the correct tool for the job.
And depending on what sort of HP you want to end up with, at some point, it's going to make more sense, both from a $$$$ spent, and a resulting reliability standpoint, to go to an LS swap. More and more people are making parts to make these fit into a 240 these days, you don't have to be a super fabricating wizard to get it done.
If you go LS, perhaps a cheap/free rebuildable core isn't the best starting point. There is something to be said about a factory built engine that's been used for 80 - 100K miles, vs. one that's been entirely gone through recently and rebuilt to an iffy spec. Either through people shaving costs, time, or just not quite knowing what they're doing.
Think about spending a little more to get a good motor you can use as is, without touching the bottom end. Personally, I think the various aluminum 5.3's are the under appreciated motors in the LS swap realm now. Hot rod guys are less enthusiastic about them because they're the 'small' motor. But they're lighter than the common steel blocked versions, barely cost any more (and a lot less than the big alu blocked versions), and once you swap the cam/do valve springs they make lots of HP.
With the right cam, you're looking at 350-ish lazy WHP. And while I'm not a good example of how to make a fast high-HP redblock, my experience with 350 whp redblocks is that they're very highly stressed motors. They do kick ass, but odds are that their ass is going to kick them sooner or later. The higher the HP went in mine, the shorter the interval was in taking it apart to fix something again. From split cylinder bores, to broken wrist pins, to blown Cometic HG's (repeatedly, sigh).
Eventually, I just decided to 'level up' and put an LS in it. It costs a bunch even if done cheaply (compared to doing similar budget stuff with an engine that does actually belong in the car) - but the results are bigger/better. At least, I hope, lol. Mine isn't running yet. I'm hoping for something like 550 - 600 hp out of mine (smallish single turbo on an alu 5.3).
Just be honest with what you're trying to accomplish. Redblocks are great motors, and they respond well to modest mods. They can also do well with serious mods, but at that point, you have to step back and ask if you're using the correct tool for the job.
And depending on what sort of HP you want to end up with, at some point, it's going to make more sense, both from a $$$$ spent, and a resulting reliability standpoint, to go to an LS swap. More and more people are making parts to make these fit into a 240 these days, you don't have to be a super fabricating wizard to get it done.
If you go LS, perhaps a cheap/free rebuildable core isn't the best starting point. There is something to be said about a factory built engine that's been used for 80 - 100K miles, vs. one that's been entirely gone through recently and rebuilt to an iffy spec. Either through people shaving costs, time, or just not quite knowing what they're doing.
Think about spending a little more to get a good motor you can use as is, without touching the bottom end. Personally, I think the various aluminum 5.3's are the under appreciated motors in the LS swap realm now. Hot rod guys are less enthusiastic about them because they're the 'small' motor. But they're lighter than the common steel blocked versions, barely cost any more (and a lot less than the big alu blocked versions), and once you swap the cam/do valve springs they make lots of HP.
With the right cam, you're looking at 350-ish lazy WHP. And while I'm not a good example of how to make a fast high-HP redblock, my experience with 350 whp redblocks is that they're very highly stressed motors. They do kick ass, but odds are that their ass is going to kick them sooner or later. The higher the HP went in mine, the shorter the interval was in taking it apart to fix something again. From split cylinder bores, to broken wrist pins, to blown Cometic HG's (repeatedly, sigh).
Eventually, I just decided to 'level up' and put an LS in it. It costs a bunch even if done cheaply (compared to doing similar budget stuff with an engine that does actually belong in the car) - but the results are bigger/better. At least, I hope, lol. Mine isn't running yet. I'm hoping for something like 550 - 600 hp out of mine (smallish single turbo on an alu 5.3).
Looks great Simon!
