650whp "Moderate" Naturally Aspirated LS Build!

[@uchiha_d1334]

I’ve been telling my wife this for years now! 4 inch stroke is really where it’s at!

[@Manysdugjohn]

Yes, but does your .... car ... have a 20 inch piston circumference ?

[@NSTY_6.2]

@@Manysdugjohn has to go with chode forged pistons

[@richardwimmer6846]

I just learned more about LS engine building in ten minutes than months of flipping through other videos ,,, instant sub here,,,

[@FXIIBeaver]

Go watch Richard Holdner.

[@ntgbuilds]

100% agree although I knew nothing before this video. And now know I have a lot more to learn so definitely subscribed and 🔔 is on 🙏

[@trav2SS]

Agreed !

[@Quesadila21]

Watch the ‘ENGINEERED’ series from /DRIVE about the LS. Tom Nelson from Nelson Racing is an interesting guy to listen to. I think it’s two videos, if I remember correctly.

[@joesforspeed]

This dude is freaking genius. I feel I need to shout “Yes Sensei “ after every statement.

[@skinagee39]

I agree, he knows his shit and had my total attention the whole video. Pleasure to watch and he's so humble. Well done presenter dude!!

[@ericmuhlbeier8023]

Chinese uncle tony

[@DIYeverything513]

Lol you guys on the internet are a trip. LOL!!!!

[@sethh8892]

@@ericmuhlbeier8023 sensei is japanese

[@michaelgiglio1571]

Don't think so Joe. What a mixed up design. This goes with that at Susans

[@jimsvo4486]

This guy looks like just a nice happy guy who loves his work. I want him to build me an LS.

[@ChefofWar33]

Me too. Hopefully I can take him my LS1 out of my C5 Vette. Juice it up a little.

[@denairxtx]

@@ChefofWar33update?

[@ChefofWar33]

@@denairxtx Nope. Don't have any money.

[@ChefofWar33]

@denairxtx But my plans have changed. I am just planning on doing a full exhaust, a cam swap and when I have the big boi money, get an A&A supercharger.

[@jcdentonunatco]

Its insane how much knowledge is in this guys head. He's not reading a script or cutting edits, hes just non stop delivering deep insight about engines

[@BigDomDefoort]

School bro

[@Brian-ln1sz]

Bro the dude looks so humble.

[@sethster70]

He looks like he’s holding in a laugh the whole time he’s talking.

[@Antdogg566]

its actually a fart

[@bigdaddy5629]

He always has the same demeanor, he’s just a happy man

[@franklugo6928]

@@bigdaddy5629 Except for the end when he didn't know that the hell that was!! lol

[@bigdaddy5629]

Frank Lugo hahahahaha

[@fusiondensity3287]

Ls engine make him happy

[@70camaro406]

This guy really knows his stuff. He explains in detail in a way that’s easy to understand. I learned way more in this video than any other video/magazine/forum that I’ve ever watched/read. Props to this guy. Great video!

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

I've watched at least a hundred 'Build videos, and this is by far the most articulate presentation of a 'Build that I've ever seen. I'm inclined to trust this guy on my upcoming LS NA project, and I appreciate that he uses so many premium parts and treatments combined with attention to detail. Often, I'll talk to a builder who will tell me, 'you don't need this, or you don't need that.' I'm judicious when subscribing to KZbin channels, but I didn't have any reservations after watching this.

[@dennisz494]

There is need, and there is want. Some things are not needed but wanted. If it is just for daily driver, most of the stuff isn't needed, there are good midgrade parts that are fine for that. But if you can afford the better stuff, then there isn't anything wrong with some piece of mind. I will be trying to purchase the johnson lifters and stuff, i may be inclined to pass on the CP pistons and get the same forged alloy from summit or something as I still want some high performance parts for when people in dodge chargers that thyinnk they have the fastest cars in the world just because they have lloud exhaust are not able to beat me in a race. i will floor ir once in a while, ecpecially on the NJ turnpike. And when someone is trying to show off their speed i want to be able to blow them off the road.

[@coreycheatham06]

Never on KZbin have I heard such depth of explanation. Great job!

[@motoiq]

thank you!

[@z28phantomxxracingxx12]

When you love you’re job why would you not smile

[@yooddavida8047]

Donnow if you’re smiling because you love what you’re doing so much, or because of the great dude you are… best explanation of relatively complicated technical stuff. I can hear you explaining about cucumbers and not get bored… many thumbs up.

[@414Chevy]

Guys that have built engines will know, this guy is no actor. He obviously knows his shit.

[@marcliebich9166]

I am sitting here watching this man explain this like an absolute God. Every piece or process is a work of art. He squeezes every last ounce of hp out. I would gladly work under him if the least I could have is his knowledge on this topic. I saved this to have a guideline to build my LS. Thank you.

[@agooddadandadirtbike7149]

This man is one of the most knowledgeable automotive geniuses of our time. He is under appreciated and I wish I could have the opportunity to stand at his side while he builds masterpieces. He is intelligent and still humble, something not common in today’s world. Maybe some day I could meet him and work with him.

[@chrisreynolds2410]

Till then stand next to me at the urinal.

[@ZeroBoostBuick]

Subbed ! One of the best videos explaining what it takes to reliably run a motor that is abused beyond insanity !

[@motoiq]

Thanks for the sub!

[@AEtrane]

It's always cool to see a guy who is just happy doing what he does

[@wagnecha12]

I am going into high performance engine machining for college this fall of 2020 and this video has taught me so much that it is insane and I'm only half way through it! I am definitely revisiting this video later on down the road. I plan on building a N/A built 5.3 or 6.2 depending on what I can afford for my final project and this has brought to light a lot of things that I have never even thought of, things like all the different coatings to reduce friction. Or the AFR heads that flow and force the air/fuel mix toward the plug for a better burn. I probably would have never known about the longer rods with stroker builds. Crazy what I have learned so far.

[@motoiq]

Be sure to also check out our engine tech articles on MotoIQ.com. Sounds like you're a car nerd just like us ;)

[@micksmith7414]

I just was given my mothers WS6 for Christmas. I drift and this gave me alot of things to consider. Im looking for a street/drift set-up and this is perfect. Here i was thinking i was gonna have to think about a blower. Thanks for saving me that nightmare 😅

[@tomsilven]

Greetings from Finland. Very nice channel. I also appreciate clear speech that is easy to understand without being an English speaker.

[@davidreed6070]

Those LS engines are very impressive. I thought my LS3 was a hoss until my buddy built an ls7 how it made 623 wtq and 586 whp and it is close to stock they are impressive. I had to spend a lot of money to get that out of a small block Chevy.

[@KenPaisley]

The constant smile on his face just makes me happy!

[@nickers18725]

This man is a genius. This is all off the top of his head.

[@mr.universe8570]

I could listen to this gentleman talk about engines all day long.

[@jerryjoseph1866]

This guy is amazing...I would gladly pay this man to work on my engines

[@pablorages1241]

He's always got a smile on his face ... he must enjoy his work ... I feel happy just watching him !

[@matt_1969ChevyC1o]

I hope this channel grows fast. By far one of the best build overview videos I've ever watched. Learned a ton and no bs filler. Way to go guys 🍻

[@motoiq]

I appreciate that!

[@octavios8081]

I appreciate the engineering details! I would love going even more in depth into the engineering aspects (materials science, thermodynamics, etc...) of some of these key parts. For example, quantitative comparisons of the elasticity of various alloys composing pistons. Thank you sir!

[@osheencerrahyan2097]

Good one Mike. The details on the 6 bolt mains and the stroke limit recommendations @ at 4inches, probably helped out a lot of people. I had similar questions back in the day before I started hunting for sweet spots on the LS side. Curious if you guys will do a video on the 4.6 2 valve blocks. Sold my ls6 vette and starting to dig deeper into my 01 Procharged Bullitt but the 4.6 guys rarely share details on the square bore/stroke specs openly as you do. Andrew Lavender (on KZbin) does a great job detailing this like you do, and your attention to detail as a Motörhead is what keeps me coming back here.

[@race-all]

The look on his face, "What the hell is that". Good video, learned a lot.

[@David-jh8mp]

He’s got a perma smile 😁

[@minibikemadman]

I love this guy. He always is smiling.

[@fleiva30]

i think the camera guy is making jokes..lol

[@jimbuskist3190]

SmOOth Operator. Sounds reliable and very well balanced even under full power. Outstanding!

[@motoiq]

It ran for over 30 events before a refresh, pretty good.

[@shanewatts8096]

HI mate I'm an Aussie and I love you,I really love l listening to you and I really appreciate and respect your knowledge love y'all and keep going

[@williamhanna5224]

Excellent build just like I used to build them head work and all 350 4 bolt main isn't 600 roller cam needle roller rockers 13.5:1 JE forge true fire slot pistons M/T aluminum rods heads be me looked just like your heads when done all ports gaskets matched to tunnel ram intake and hooked headers 2 holley 750 double pumper dual squirter vertex mag but in late 60's early 70's im 72 and was always a little bit head of my time. Great build you are a true artist !!!

[@floridaroadracerguy]

Worlds happiest engine builder. Knowledgeable too.

[@timlantz9742]

"WORLDS HAPPIEST ENGINE BUILDER" needs to be a T-shirt.

[@georgefales7964]

Hey mike! Always smiling and passing on the knowledge. It’s Great to see ya putting videos on the tube. We gotta get more kids into this stuff instead of being scared of it.

[@chesspiece81]

Similar build to the LS3 I built for my Trailblazer SS. A 4.065" bore 4" stroke with stage 2.5 WCCH LS3 heads, 240/250 .623 .617 114 cam, 11.8 CR on 93 octane, stock Escalade L92 intake and stock throttle body. The intake and throttle body is what was hurting me the most but all aftermarket intakes sacrificed too much mid range for top end power. Best option was to port the stock manifold but I didn't. I'm building a LQ9 for my Yukon now and have some CNC 243 heads, a TBSS intake and 90mm TB I'm going to actually have ported before I put it on and a BTR cam most likely the Truck Norris because it's a 212/22x with .560 lift so not really crazy duration and lift so it should really work well. Awesome video excellent information.

[@JohnnyWayneCharms]

I can't help myself from smiling while watching this vid. This is making me so happy!!!

[@maxomalo]

You can totally hear how smooth she sounds with the longer C/R stroke, right around 3.5K these heads are just flowing like crazy. Makes my 799 look like a kid hahahaha Great technical explanations, much appreciated.

[@TheSuaveBOSS]

Love these in-depth build talks. Tons of information 🔥

[@flaco2746]

I need this guy to build my ls3. I would pay extra just for someone with this much knowledge to work on my engine

[@TheTommyvercetti6]

This guy has to be one of the coolest guy to ever get to know. I did learn a whole lot by watching this video. I subscribed. 2 thumbs up 👍👍 buddy.

[@jamestehuna5915]

I like this guy I get really sleepy with most people trying to explain it but the smiling LS Guru really keeps my on my toes learning a lot thank you 🙏🏽

[@buchmannray]

This is the newest video I could find and watching it a second time. How often do you make these? This is the most I've learned in a short time about the LS engine, love it.

[@randyrowe3097]

One smart guy. He explains things very thoroughly. Even though I'm not building a drift motor it still just good info.

[@hakrsakr]

I've been watching LS videos for like a year now and this man out here bringing up stuff I've never ever heard of, "surge calculations" "valvespring heat" ect. He's probably forgotten more about engines than your average gearhead will ever know.

[@LEGOCAMARO]

Definitely knows your stuff. Not playing around with those parts. I believe you when you do a full season and the engine still looks new.

[@Loajg]

Mike K!!! I remember some of your articles for SCC mag.

[@jerryl3270]

Man one of the best build videos I've ever seen so much knowledge

[@jjheffernan6513]

Very excited to see Mike Kojima put out video content. I look forward to watching more

[@pmolczan]

Love this guy ' ...4 inch stroke is all you need.." now my wife is telling me I'm a big boy.

[@bretthays2674]

I love watching your videos. You really know your stuff, plus you're always smiling lol

[@axm203]

He’s a great teacher with an insane amount of knowledge. Doesn’t say too much, and calm. Unfortunately I’m not ready for this course lol where’s the 101 class?

[@jonphillips3804]

I could listen to him talk all day

[@martysheets6882]

You are an amazing instructor, and I love your explanation dude you are smarter than smart.

[@mrpelletterio7502]

Still waiting on the VQ37 final results!

[@maryannmoran-smyth3453]

Always love your videos on great subject, with a great speaker and endless smiles… Lol… What’s not to like… Keep on rocking.

[@bazz229]

Glad I actually watched this vid to hear this is a 415 CID LS3 and not the stock 376...I was very ready to call BS 😂. Great numbers 💪

[@hoonaticbloggs5402]

What’s 415 ci in rest of the world measurement?

[@gen1c8rs88]

@@hoonaticbloggs5402 6804cc

[@Mianhuaquan]

A true master not because of depth of knowledge but his beautiful sharing nature thank you for sharing your hard earned engineering know how

[@kellysandford1877]

When I see Mike in the thumbnail, you got my click!

[@badassbees3680]

This man is dropping jewels! Absolutely Brilliant!

[@NathanSmith-fw2wg]

This is asmr for people who like cars

[@v.5967]

I really appreciate the details that has been addressed in every video very good understanding thank you

[@GlobalMediaInc]

You Are A Engine Wizard,Sir! Now Everyone Knows Why Your Dai's Crew Chief.

[@mikekojima9761]

Actually, Chris Eimer is Dai's crew chief. I am the team engineer. We do Dai's engines here at our shop.

[@GlobalMediaInc]

@@mikekojima9761 My Bad, I Knew You Were Heavily Involved With His FD Program, And His Road Racing! Keep The Videos & Information Coming! And Chris's Custom Twin Turbo Set Up On The LS In Dai's FD Car Is So Clean, And Perfect.

[@mikekojima9761]

@@GlobalMediaInc actually it's a big single turbo, not a twin!

[@GlobalMediaInc]

@@mikekojima9761 Was It Ever A Twin Setup? Maybe Early On?

[@mikekojima9761]

@@GlobalMediaInc no never!

[@morenecornelius2453]

Very good video keep posting I'm going to keep watching and sharing ✌️

[@ChicagoRob2]

If I needed to have an engine built, this the dude I would go to.

[@j.osborne4914]

Thats exactly what I came away thinking.

[@metrichotrods1763]

I remember this dude from the Sport Compact Car Dave Coleman days doing the Lord's work with a 300ZX. I moved to Japan and just got completely worn out on JDM cars (not that cool when they're everywhere) and got into domestic U.S. stuff...and BOOM here he is.

[@killerdoxen]

This is actually similar to a build I got planned for an S10 LS swap in the future. Overkill, sure, but gotta be a lot of fun.

[@TheKent99]

I used to get annoyed when I would hear someone say you should avoid 4.0" or more than 4.0" of stroke on an LS, and how the pistons fall too far out of the bore at BDC. I used to try to correct those people, and show them that you can run 4.100" or even 4.250" stroke with stock sleeves, but it does no good. Now I just sit back and enjoy the feeling of superiority and knowing my big brain has learned something a lot of respected engine builder still haven't figured out yet. Seriously though, nice video. Way better than the one where Hoonigan attempts to build a 700hp LS stroker....

[@motoiq]

I think it's because a lot of engine builders haven't been able to re inspect a stroked motor that's been run for a while.

[@TheKent99]

@@motoiq I edited my comment to be a little more clear, but I am making fun of professional engine builders that say that 4.00" of stroke is the limit on a stock sleeve LS. I think it's because a lot of people don't thoroughly understand how a piston works, or just have bad information from their piston sales rep. Whatever the case, the fact of the matter is that you can run more than 4.00" without tearing up the skirts. There are 4.100" and 4.250' stroke LS engines with stock sleeves and the piston rock at BDC is the same as a 4.00" stroke combo. I'm pretty sure they all use Wiseco pistons too...

[@STREETFIGHTER50]

Thank you for all the great info! How much would this 650HP long block run?

[@motoiq]

About $20k

[@MannyDelReal]

20k 🥺 I guess I’m going supercharge lol

[@v.e.7236]

Been reading about piston speed ad rod length just recently. Nice to have all the info for an engine build loaded into one video.

[@brianwilson3076]

Porn hub also has many videos on this subject

[@edwardbarrientos1765]

Genius, I wish I needed a LS engine for my Nissan Xterra.

[@jeremyfreeman866]

You do 🙂

[@MrBrinkman721]

His smile is contagious. This man knows his stuff.

[@Mr357]

Please do more of these style videos!

[@weedshoes5089]

Wasn't it proven that everyone with that profile picture is harboring CP?

[@paulcochran3387]

I have a 8 bar LSX with 5.3 and 6.0 parts in my 2005 yukon XL. Making about 400 flywheel hp with stock intake and 6.0 injectors. Really great motor. (I went with the factory exhaust manifolds and deleted my cats, kept the muffler and 3" piping)

[@dannoyes4493]

May be a stupid question BUT, why wouldn't you use WPC Treatment on the cylinder bores and pistons? Lotsa friction there...

[@mikekojima9761]

We do!

[@dannoyes4493]

@@mikekojima9761 and do you find less heat from the lower friction? Or, is the main advantage greatly durability? Thanks.

[@mikekojima9761]

@@dannoyes4493 I have not found huge power gains but it's costly to do an exact back to backtest on a car. For sure I can tell you that it greatly helps with wear and durability like close to doubles it for most parts. There are some things that I did carefully test back to back. On my daughter's 50cc kid kart it made 0.25 hp difference on an engine that normally makes just under 4 hp and it made her go from mid-pack to being one of the fast kids, about a second a lap difference. On her 100cc Kart is made about 0.40 hp difference and she was one of the fastest and she could tell the difference. She was getting older and more sensitive too. It took a little less than a second off her lap time.

[@dannoyes4493]

@@mikekojima9761 Thanks for the feedback... I'm building an air-cooled engine and have (upon reading your articles) treated the camshaft and lifters w/WPC and it seemed obvious that the greatest gains could be made where there's the greatest friction, i.e., the cylinders - hence the question - Thanks mucho!

[@shoominati23]

I don't know if they make LS engines in the old chevy 400 4.125" bore size, but my friend built this really revvy street motor with a 4.165 bore and a 327 3.250 crank giving basically a 355 displacement. I can't remember what cam he had in it, just that it was a solid roller - but that thing used to rev like a Nascar engine and people at street meets commented all the time about how much they liked how it sounded!! I'd like to recreate it someday, I see Speedmaster does a Gen I block in either 4" or 4.125" bore, might be tempted to grab one for a future build..

[@mtsurov]

What a great channel. Tons of great info.

[@Patrickeatsandtravels]

This guy is knows what hes talking about and he makes me laugh with his face! Smile all the time lol your awesome bro!!

[@bobnewhart4318]

Would love to see what you guys can do with an LS7 if you're pulling this much power out of the LS3.

[@motoiq]

The LS7 head flows better and seals better.

[@Todd936]

This man knows so much and is right about everything I looked it all up and he is right

[@FastPaull]

One thing he doesn't mention is GM actually lengthened the cylinder bore on the LS7 to limit how much the skirt of the piston actually left the bore to stop the piston rocking and wearing out the bore it self. Regardless of what you throw in it. This eventually causes pre mature wear. Stick to the stock stroke or get an LS7 or LSX block etc etc.

[@karter9908]

Add .25" stroke as GM did on newer 6.7 motors available in trucks. Nice torque, & no skirt problems. But ... In my opinion, from decades of hilevel experience, BE WISE on who machines your block and matches parts to same!!!! Nobody talks about this. If machinist isn't TOP NOTCH GUY, then your parts are going to be destroyed, and you will be wondering WHY.!!!! In summary: a few thousandths of an inch are CRITICAL. !!!! Trust...but Verify before putting pan on final build!!!!! My 2 cents worth 😎 Note:. my opinion is NOT referring to this gentleman's work!!! Just trying to help people build more durable proper motors. And protect their investment. 👍

[@sniperpronerfmods9811]

dude people have been doin 383s for decades... no issue

[@FastPaull]

@@sniperpronerfmods9811 It's not the same lol. In a 383 you're just using a crank from a 400 sbc in a 30 over 350 block. The sleeve length in the 350 and 400 is nearly identical. In a 6.0 LS or 6.2 when you increase the stroke, especially when you go up to like a 427. You're pulling the skirt of the piston out of the bore wayyy further than you are on some old ass smallblock..

[@cj7911]

I would enjoy working with/for this guy, seems to have valuable info and knowledge. My current shop is full of rude employees and a bad owner.. can't wait to break off on my own.

[@metrichotrods1763]

Old schoolers will remember this guy from SCC when he had the 300ZX

[@metrichotrods1763]

@Rogue Mentality only children who were 8 back then.....kiddo

[@spjmrlahey4008]

I still have mountains of old SCC mags. It's were I also learned about the "Dave" point.

[@motoiq]

He still has that car!

[@nathan40307]

Looks like every time the vid skips is because he took a bong break. Love it though. Dude knows his craft.

[@allanross1630]

are you using needle bearing roller lifters or the new bushing type ?

[@mikekojima9761]

Needle bearing.

[@THESLlCK]

The intro is great and the material is amazing

[@MelvinKhosa]

What happened to the VQ37VHR NA build?

[@ufarkingicehole]

I have a vq and am tossing it for an ls3. No comparison

[@mikekojima9761]

Waiting for a new ECU and dyno time.

[@mdfrtech]

Happiest engine builder in the planet!! 💪🏻💪🏻

[@jeffreygentry3386]

This guy has forgotten more about engines than I will ever know. I would love to sweep up after him for a couple months just to learn.

[@rodreel7136]

very well done and informative. thanks for putting the vids out to help the common folks to understand, and improve their outcome for money and time spent. Great job guys!

[@zTheBigFishz]

Man, I learned a lot. Great presentation.

[@motoiq]

thank you!

[@fern6978]

I love how happy this guy is about the LS 😁

[@TheMeanBean322]

Would you still use a low silicon piston for street use? I've heard that the low silicon forged pistons can slap on cold starts and mess up the bores. Thoughts on this?

[@mikekojima9761]

In the old days yes, nowadays with better design tools and better machining capability, piston design is so much better that the piston cam is such that the piston to wall clearances are much closer and the slap and rattle isn't an issue anymore.

[@TheMeanBean322]

@@mikekojima9761 Good to know, thanks for the response!

[@wantutri7225]

I could listen to this guy all day

[@djjmk]

Very good, informative video! Will order my street stroker from your company!

[@richardadcock4842]

Great Information..Need motor on The LS 6.0 liter motors .

[@jrgalloway86]

How high was that engine spun? Under 8k rpms?

[@mikekojima9761]

Rev limit at 7500 to be safe.

[@stacydornan9765]

You are one smart man and a book of knowledge, thanks bro

[@ohmfab]

Keep the videos coming, Mike!