What is the best motor to use for a performance build?

[gadget73]

Just a bit of advice before you get too ass over head with all this, make sure the car will actually support the power. Its boring, but building it from the back forward works a whole lot better. A big motor that destroys the stock trans is not much good, and if it won't hook up, handle, or stop, its also no good. Make the suspension right first, then do the driveline, then the motor last.

[mitymerc]

Just a bit of advice before you get too ass over head with all this, make sure the car will actually support the power. Its boring, but building it from the back forward works a whole lot better. A big motor that destroys the stock trans is not much good, and if it won't hook up, handle, or stop, its also no good. Make the suspension right first, then do the driveline, then the motor last.

This ^^

As I learned through building several drag cars and being around the track all the time I can assure you that you will always find the next weak link. Drivetrain parts act like fuses, something will blow.

[pantera77]

Sacrilege, heresy, you heathen. LOL

Why? It's just a bunch if metal. Who cares who makes it?

Yep. That and LS > Coyote

Correct. Look at the latest iteration of Cameron's car. If I wanted to go fast for cheap damn straight I'd put a bowtie under the hood, makes no difference to me where the engine comes from.

Thankfully I like my 150hp boat anchors.

[over2tonsofFun]

Just a bit of advice before you get too ass over head with all this, make sure the car will actually support the power. Its boring, but building it from the back forward works a whole lot better. A big motor that destroys the stock trans is not much good, and if it won't hook up, handle, or stop, its also no good. Make the suspension right first, then do the driveline, then the motor last.

That is the plan, while the engine is on the stand that rest of the car gets updated. Ideas and plans have already been flowing.

Tim

[packman]

Just a bit of advice before you get too ass over head with all this, make sure the car will actually support the power. Its boring, but building it from the back forward works a whole lot better. A big motor that destroys the stock trans is not much good, and if it won't hook up, handle, or stop, its also no good. Make the suspension right first, then do the driveline, then the motor last.

I was going to suggest this approach as well. Big brakes, rebuild the rear, start sourcing people that will build a decent C6 or AOD for ya, and while you're under the car, take a look for rust and start thinking about replacing anything that might fall off or otherwise come apart while you're romping on it. As you spend time doing those things, then start figuring out the engine build. LincolnLarry has a stroked 557 big block in his TC; I don't know the numbers, but it sounds like an easy naturally aspirated 600hp.

[DerekTheGreat]

I do care who makes it.. I couldn't put a Ford in a Chevy or whatever, I'd just do the best I could based on what that mfg. offers.

[Mr Bean]

Unless you get really lucky you are not going to get a coyote in there, setup and running at that budget. You maybe could if you get a whole wreck, including the keys, real cheap. Plan on it taking a while to get the wrinkles out unless you are gifted by a pioneer who has done this before.
There are fitment issues and figuring the hvac plenum would be fun unless you don't want hvac. Though you would be starting somewhat near the power goals you want.

Coyote clears Hvac box. Couple of guys swapped it into Whales and dimensions are the same. You might have to swap to a Whale Hvac housing and definitely to Whale brake booster.

Modulars respond nicely to boost but to get to your horsepower needs you would want built bottom end. Boosted 4v will easily accomplish this but it's big bucks. Cheapest way is definitely dropping Chevy into it with a turbo.