Well I think I finally decided what I really want to do.......

I am going to pick up a used new edge V6 5-speed for the donor car....I will be driving it daily as of right now while I do the build in the garage.....

Just had some questions with input on what you guys think the best option as far a price and best power combo would be...
I will be looking for a low 11's maybe high 10's car with proper suspension setup and all the extras...yadda yadda yadda. I will be making it a street/strip car so carb is out of the question.

1. 5.4 with forged internals, nice N20 cam.....and throwing a nice big bottle at it........I am sure head work will also be involved.

2. 4.6 4v NA with a nice blower setup.......I would say it is more common, but I know this may be the easiest way to go

3. LS1....yeah I said it an LS1....they love the bottle and would be super nasty, I know a lot of fab work would be involved so prob the most pricey of all the ideas. It would be basically a cam and intake LS1 with the juice. I guess I should specify, if I do it it would be the 5.3 which is an LS based motor with better heads, plus way more cost efficient


Any input you guys have would be awesome.....I don't mind any Pro's and Con's
This will not be an overnight job, just wanting to get started on it soon.....

The car will be getting some goodies before the swap....wheels & tires, hood, maybe some other goodies.....so it will be a while before I get to it all, just wondered what your guys opinions were, just in case I get a good buy on a motor between now and then

 

Do a 4v stroker, 301 or 306 that'd be different. LS1 in a Mustang is like banging your own mom, not cool.

 

Well I know it is messed up, but I have seen a turbo LS1 in a notch and it just rolls the f-out!

 

LS1 would be your best choice, you can reach your goals N/A. Also if you just bought a stock ls1 running motor you could put the squeeze on it and reach your goals (by far the cheapest way to go). People can say what they want, but for performance for your money you can't beat chevy stuff - esp. in the case of late model efi motors.

 

However, I would actually get a an lsII 6.0L GTO motor, you can get the motor and trans for $2500 or less, in some cases $1500 and it will hold around 550rwhp + stock.

 

I'd do the LS1 simply because it would be the cheapest $/power ratio way to go...

 

Well actully, I have researched this setup a bunch!! I agree a 6.0 would be the ideal way to go, but take a look at the spec difference on a 5.3, you may be amazed. Better heads, swap to a Z06 cam or same spec, ported Z06 intake and honestly it makes about 15-20 less hp than a LS1 with the same mods, plus you can find a complete 5.3 for less than 500 bucks with good miles! It will be getting the bottle if I go the LSX route, those things love the juice!

I just don't know how much of fab work and crazy wiring I really want to do, I know if I stick to a Ford product, a lot, I mean a lot of stuff would be way easier!

 

My understanding is that they are about the same, but that the ls2 makes more stock, can hold a little more power stock and can accept a larger stroke. One thing to consider who you will be working with, the LS1 could be cheaper because everybody and their moma (machine shops) have the right equipment to work on them, but most of them have it for ls2s also. I just read that some ls1s came with ls6 blocks on later ls1 cars. Its a real toss up, If you plan on a stroke kit, I think the ls2 can get over 400ci and the ls1 stops at 383, I could be wrong.

 

Your second point is important, if your wanting to keep it remotely stockish function wise (cruise, a/c and all that jazz) then your better off sticking modulars and boost. Pretty much any n/a modular will leave you disappointed, unless you squeeze on it.

 

There is no need for a stroke kit......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuLwJG5yEKk

200 shot, MS3 CAM, Intake, 4.10s and suspension.....and a 6 speed w/slicks

Car has almost 100k on it, still on the stock bottom end with perfect compression.......been through 50+ bottles for the last 3 or 4 years. Not to mention still has factory heads.