650whp "Moderate" Naturally Aspirated LS Build!

Today in the MotoIQ Garage we're building a Chevrolet LS3 engine for a customer's drift car but this particular build could be easily tweaked for road racing or even street use. This could be considered a "moderate" reliable engine build that isn't super exotic and could run on either gasoline or e85. Our hope was to get in the mid 500 horsepower range to the wheels but we were surprised to see it made 650whp! Make sure to check out the dyno run at the end to hear the bald eagles scream!
If you want us to build your engine (we build all kinds) visit MotoIQ.com and fill out the form in the MotoIQ Garage Services tab at the top of the site.. or just click here: motoiq.com/motoiq-garage/
LINKS:
READ MORE about THIS BUILD on MotoIQ.com: motoiq.com/building-a-drift-s...
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[@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

[@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

[@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 🙏

[@trav1971]

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.

[@Brian-ln1sz]

Bro the dude looks so humble.

[@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

[@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.

[@z28phantomxxracingxx12]

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

[@coreycheatham06]

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

[@motoiq]

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.

[@414Chevy]

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

[@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 😁

[@AEtrane]

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

[@TheSuaveBOSS]

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

[@jerryjoseph1866]

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

[@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!

[@JohnnyWayneCharms]

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

[@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 🙏🏽

[@pablorages1241]

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

[@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.

[@minibikemadman]

I love this guy. He always is smiling.

[@fleiva30]

i think the camera guy is making jokes..lol

[@randyrowe3097]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@floridaroadracerguy]

Worlds happiest engine builder. Knowledgeable too.

[@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!

[@Todd936]

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

[@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!

[@Loajg]

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

[@jjheffernan6513]

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

[@badassbees3680]

This man is dropping jewels! Absolutely Brilliant!

[@mr.universe8570]

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

[@nickers18725]

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

[@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!

[@dangdang3970]

That was awsome, thankyou for putting this video together, its awsome to see someone so passionate about building engines

[@jerryl3270]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@martysheets6882]

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

[@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 ;)

[@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.

[@independentassesor2630]

Sir , you you have all the qualities of what a top engine builders should have. Expert knowledge The highest level of customer service. Innovation and continual R&D

[@tomsilven]

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

[@ohmfab]

Keep the videos coming, Mike!

[@djjmk]

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

[@v.5967]

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

[@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)

[@FUBBA]

I am just building the top end but you sold me on the Fluidampr with this new cam going in.

[@mtsurov]

What a great channel. Tons of great info.

[@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 !!!

[@edwardbarrientos1765]

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

[@jeremyfreeman866]

You do 🙂

[@zTheBigFishz]

Man, I learned a lot. Great presentation.

[@motoiq]

thank you!

[@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

[@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 😅

[@Mr357]

Please do more of these style videos!

[@weedshoes5089]

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

[@kellysandford1877]

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

[@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

[@ricksanchez4825]

Damb. Mike that was great the way you present the info.makes it easy to understand.wish others had your talent.And Thank you for all that you have done and shared with us.Looking forward to any thing else you have to share.Keep up the great work.I'm a subscriber.

[@NathanSmith-fw2wg]

This is asmr for people who like cars

[@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.

[@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?

[@tomobrien8135]

This video is amazing and incredibly informative. Thank you for the video!

[@jonphillips3804]

I could listen to him talk all day

[@jtpro0244]

LOVE MIKE K. MY MAN.

[@stacydornan9765]

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

[@mrkfsn]

I really like this guy. Laid back, SoCal dude with a wealth of knowledge.

[@mrpelletterio7502]

Still waiting on the VQ37 final results!

[@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

[@mdfrtech]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@trentcrompton9527]

This man knows his shit 👍

[@chuckfults9256]

it sure sounds like it just sayin AND, we NEED more people like Mike online to give all OF us LS lovers MORE online knowledge they just don't want us to know today!

[@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..

[@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

[@michaelt.8956]

Wow! This was fantastic!

[@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.

[@MrSabrecat]

My perfect engine would be a 600-650hp N/A LS3 block, lightened flywheel, balanced crank, dry sump, titanium rods, cam not too lumpy, revs to 8500 and run on pump fuel. Don't know if that would work but that's what I'd like.

[@lsxdee7342]

Is this a 6.0 or 6.2

[@jaimedeoliveira9216]

@@lsxdee7342 ls3 is a 6.2

[@lsxdee7342]

@@jaimedeoliveira9216 thanks bro 💯

[@VicinalElk44104]

You can do it, but definitely make sure your valvetrain is good for it. 8500 rpms isn't a small amount, and if your valvetrain isn't up to par or if your rotating assembly isn't balanced well or isn't strong enough, your engine will end up dying very quickly. Another big thing to consider is piston travel speed. The longer your stroke is, the faster your piston travels in the cylinder. The reason for this is, at any given rpm, with a larger stroke your piston has to travel further in each of its strokes meaning it travels faster for every rpm than it would if it had a shorter stroke. This puts more stress on the pistons at the wrist pins and the rods at the journals because the piston is traveling faster and has to come at an abrupt stop quicker. You can overcome a lot of the cost of bulletproofing everything else by having a shorter stroke. You will lose some torque, but it will help you rev higher for you to build off that horsepower.

[@Termin8r27]

GREAT free advice, thank you so much!

[@fern6978]

I love how happy this guy is about the LS 😁

[@aumetalmental8403]

Really good video. I'm in the process of building an LS for my son's Camaro. If I'm not mistaken, that set of AFR heads would also fit the LSX Bowtie block given the extra bolt holes I thought I saw during your presentation. 🤔

[@mikekojima9761]

If you are running a six-bolt LSX block, you should get heads that have the extra bolt locations, RHS for one makes LS7 style six-bolt heads.

[@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.

[@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.

[@tomfurlow8056]

This guy knows his stuff. Good info.

[@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!

[@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

[@jimj208]

So knowledgeable and so good at conveying it, thanks!

[@J_rostro]

Sir! You’re a wealth of knowledge!

[@allanross1630]

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

[@mikekojima9761]

Needle bearing.

[@banga8080]

He makes me think I can go build an engine

[@RegulerShowTV]

banga8080 Because you can, just buy a book about the engine you wanna build, and read it. It’ll tell you exactly how. Step by step.

[@heyhayhay247]

This is pure gold.

[@KenPaisley]

The constant smile on his face just makes me happy!