HorsePower's First 427 LSX Build - Horsepower S12, E1

Looking back to when GM's hot new engine block, the LSX, was introduced and changed the automotive aftermarket for years to come. We'll travel to an event where racers use the iron block to build 7-second cars. Then we'll use one to build a small block 427 that we test on the dyno.
PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE:
Thundervolt 50 spark plug wire set for LS1.
ARP: Head studs, intake bolts, valley cover bolts, oil pan bolts, header stud kit, balancer bolt, flywheel bolts, cam retainer bolts, cam bolt kit.
Chevrolet Performance: LSX Bowtie block assembly.
Chevrolet Performance: LSX engine internals, valley cover, main bearings, 70 CC CNC cylinder heads, intake rocker arms, exhaust rocker arms, rocker arm bolts, pushrods, timing chain set, timing chain dampener, crankshaft bolt, flexplate, flywheel bolts, lifter kit, head gaskets, water pump, water pump bolts, water pump inlet, LS2 front cover, connecting rod bearings, harmonic balancer, intake manifold, stage three cam upgrade, Mahle pistons.
Doug's Headers: Header set for 67-69 F-body LS swap, ceramic coated.
MSD Ignition: 6LS Ignition Controller.
Powerhouse Products: Gram scale for measuring lightweight objects or engine balancing.
Weiand: Aluminum EFI intake manifold for LS-1 engines

[@PowerNationTV]

We'll continue to post these episodes here on KZbin. If you can't wait for the rest of the build, visit our site to binge-watch: www.powernationtv.com/shows/horsepower

[@LunarOutlawsGarage]

POWERNATION the LS platform. I never thought I would ever do a LS swap till I stayed to build my 1971 Buick Skylark GS on my KZbin channel. Now I have a twinTurbo 6.0 LS that is sitting 4” back from stock. They are amazing engines.

[@chefruss67]

POWERNATION what ever happened to joe

[@Frank289100]

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM THE LS IS COMPLETELY FORD IN DESIGN. IT'S A REGURGITATED FORD 427 HIGH RISER AKA RAISED PORT FOR 351 WINDSOR. NOT ONE (1) DESIGN ASPECT OF THE OLD CHEVY SMALL BLOCK LIVES IN THE LS. THE LS IS 100% BASED ON FORD DESIGNS. THOSE GM ENGINEERS ARE A BUNCH OF CLOWNS.

[@travislewanski5577]

Whoever edits this show needs to be fired.

[@Frank289100]

@@travislewanski5577 LS IS 100% FORD IN DESIGN. EXPERTS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE FIELD CALL IT "THE HIGH TECH SMALL BLOCK FORD".

[@rickyj2013]

“We’re in the business of making horsepower so we’re gonna use a carb” what color is the sky on that planet??

[@KALI1080]

Right?! If they wanted to make some power they should have put some turbos on and ran it on ethanol.

[@ChuckBeefOG]

LS’s love carbs.

[@shihi51]

@@ChuckBeefOG yeah i love coke but it dont mean its good for me

[@ThePaulv12]

Injection has it's place in many apps esp forced induction but for NA where simplicity, power and ease is required you just can't go past carbs. Injection just doesn't make any more power. It just doesn't and to show one or 2 vids where it does is the exception, and means your assertion that it does make more power needs work.

[@iceman45ification1]

Carbs have proven themselves to make power, even to this day. Also, this video, although posted several days ago, is actually over 10 years old. Most guys that race with injected engines these days throw a lot of boost at it. Naturally aspirated, like with this carb setup is a totally different story. In a head to head comparison, a carbureted engine can just about match the power of an injected engine, if not exceed it.

[@CamaroRick]

Can I get a VHS copy of this episode to go along with my carburetor? ;-)

[@chaoszombie9995]

r/WHOOOOOOOSH

[@chaoszombie9995]

STREET RACER the joke flew COMPLETELY over you my friend

[@gpumonitor]

When I saw the carb I thought I was click baited......reread the title and saw HORSEPOWER'S in the title. Lol, I guess I wasn't click baited. I'm a Ford guy, but a car guy, so I love motor builds.....even Chevys. But I'm an IT guy too, and love the tech too. Don't find much on this channel 😥.

[@firstnamelastname-xi4jz]

STREET RACER lmao 😂

[@hawkdsl]

They use pistons too.. meh.. that's so 1908.

[@Louie.556]

I swear the sound of an ls on the dyno is heaven.

[@Cliff00936]

This is a good show to watch on Sunday morning, but since it isn't Sunday, I'm watching it now.

[@firstnamelastname-xi4jz]

Cliff that’s when my classic car airs

[@Backyardmech1]

I just love how seemingly simple and easy these motors go together and still create tons of power, with plenty of room for other capabilities. Single cam pushrod motors FTW.

[@nothsim]

Love horse power on KZbin. Had to wait two weeks between episodes and then had to wait a year just to see one project finish if I was lucky.

[@jord9308]

Adding a carjurmeratur to an LS- ah, the nostalgia of unequal fuel distribution, poor cold starts, vapor lock and washing the cylinders down with unburned fuel.

[@ThePaulv12]

YT expert.

[@jamessalter4747]

now you sound like you're in the business of making horsepower, yeehaw brother! (who ever would ditch an efi system for a carburetor is practicing willful ignorance).

[@cefb8923]

I dont think the washing down the cylinder walls with fuel is true. Its not like your dumping a cup of gas in there, its atomized and the cylinder is hot anyways. I known its not fuel injection but I doubt the effect is negligible when it comes to engine life.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

How about you learn how to tune the idle, accelerator, economizer jets, along with the float level and bleed air Noob

[@billiondollardan]

Mike's just a young buck in this show

[@danstomber1664]

You can always tell a hack from an engine builder when they do not use assembly lube on the push rod ends lol

[@willshultz7813]

Might be an older post, but I'm really getting interested in these LSX's. I'm an older (and retired) hot rodder and one of my kids is getting interested in hot rodding. So I have been gathering what I need for a custom job on an old Buick Sedanette, and I might even grab a Caddy Sedanette I found while looking around. Either way, I think that would be a fun and totally awesome father and son project! Anyway, I was actually thinking a Buick 455 plant for the Roadmaster, or an old school 454 if I pick up that other basket case and go with the Caddy later on. But having had several Suburbans with LS engines in them and tinkering with them over the years, I started thinking about going the LS route. After watching this video, I think I'll update my knowledge on the LS series engines. Thanks for this video, fellas!

[@bigredracer7848]

3.9K+👍's up guys thanks again for taking us all along with you for the great show

[@wandaclark1735]

Can I get a VHS copy of this episode to go along with my carburetor? ;-)

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

awesome 427 LSX

[@aurktman1106]

Combustion ratio of 11:1? You mean compression ratio Joe? 8:47

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Funny the 1960s 409 had that compression ratio.

[@harleyholt3747]

Yess we need more Lsx!

[@whackbag3606]

Some OG shit...not as old as Shady Tree Mechanic but man. Thanx again! I grew up on all of this.

[@rexwarren3052]

Love this show

[@Pgcmoore]

outstanding!!!

[@jc-qc3yu]

My buddy has one of these engines thing is making 1500 hp twin turbo absolutely insane Great Engine

[@user-wu7pt6sb8w]

Hooray, Joe Elmore is back. It 's been a while. I even missed you!!!

[@mrincredible5492]

Better then Pat he got sugar in his tank

[@nathanhighvoltage5259]

This is an old episode guys

[@blackericdenice]

Даниил Елкин All 3 of them lie their a$$ off.

[@aumetalmental8403]

Cool, informative video. Curious though, why you wouldn't have used the LSX heads, with the 2 extra head bolt holes per cylinder... Would have saved $$$ heading into the next upgrade, which would be boosting, massively!!!

[@tracewallace23]

That lsx is capable of SO much more

[@MakinEndsMeet69]

God I used to love the 4 bolt main blocks but man oh man yet to extra bolts going through the side that ain't going nowhere Drake video guys

[@zedee2000]

Do it right and tight the first time. Something I started doing years ago on header bolts, timing cover bolts, flywheel bolts, harmonic balancer bolt, intake bolts, timing gear bolts, drive shaft bolts and more I use blue loctite. I buy the blue loctite at harbor freight it's cheap with a 20% coupon but I heard they're stopped the coupons. Mostly if it doesn't have a nylon lock nut on it it gets blue loctite. Never loose bolts again and no leaks. I do not use loctite on head bolts, rod bolts and main studs. Also I always let the bolts dry before running them with blue loctite on them. I hear they have loctite gel I've not used it yet it may be a faster drying time. I also drill the oil pan bolt run a 1/4 inch stainless steel bolt and nylon locking nut with washers sealed through the oil pan to run safety wire around the drain plug and another nylon lock nut. So the oil drain plug doesn't come loose. You could also machine a flat piece of metal with 12 points on it to fit the oil drain plug so you can just put the tab over it and clamp it down but that's more time and money. And that's for somebody that doesn't like safety wire. Most everything I work on gets blue loctite do the job right the first time.

[@h2oskiaddict]

Could you guys please add the first aired date to these older videos? Something like - HorsePower's First 427 LSX Build - Horsepower S12, E1 first aired Jan 22, 2011

[@hawkdsl]

No don't do that! I like the comments on how young Mike got all of a sudden, or it's great to see Joe back, or why it took so long to do an LSX... etc. etc.

[@h2oskiaddict]

@@hawkdsl Or hey look, Ian's back on extreme, or when did they put extreme 4x4 back in production. lol

[@crazyeyez1502]

Watch the entire episode, then you will see the copyright tag at the end. 2010 for this episode. Dummy proof, too, as it wasn't Roman numerals...

[@alecbaldwinsnotpropgun]

hawkdsl or “how do I win this car”?

[@ldnwholesale8552]

These LS builds amaze me. Tin rockers sliding across the valve head. Roller fulcrums maybe but racers learnt roller rockers gave reliability and power 40 years ago,, and more.Go measure the extra lift and duration a roller rocker gives. As well as not mushrooming the valves. And with 600 lift that will happen real fast.

[@zackdillon8670]

If they built it right they could’ve made over 730 hp, instead of a carburetor they could’ve installed the LSXR 102 intake manifold, and a bigger cam, a 233 intake duration cam is tiny for 7.0L considering I run that sized cam in my 4.8L, also some LSX heads would’ve flowed more cfm instead of those stock milled heads. And they should’ve revved out that cam more closer to 7200 rpm

[@Mentallect]

Aluminum blocks are the best way to go for me.

[@rbotton6272]

LSx=the King of LSs!

[@donbrutcher4501]

The first year of the big block in the intermediates was 1965. It was the 375 hp (really the 425 hp) 396. The 427 wasn't produced until 1966.

[@bilbobaggins4710]

Right in the vette correct??

[@hishok3332]

Wrong the 427 Chevy was produced in 1963

[@donbrutcher4501]

@@bilbobaggins4710 If I recall correctly, the 427 was also in the full size Caprice/Impala in 1966. Probably to satisfy NASCAR.

[@bilbobaggins4710]

@@hishok3332 bull crap

[@hishok3332]

@@bilbobaggins4710 google it 63/64. The 427 was produced In limited numbers 66 it was mass production

[@kennethjones7239]

Where can I buy that magic spacer. I'm going to put several on my next build until I get whatever horsepower I'm after.

[@ddaley87]

Lol you see they went up another 300 rpm?

[@kennethjones7239]

@@ddaley87 You’re not supposed to see that....

[@zedee2000]

What racers used to do pack intake with ice. On this intake you could put some aluminum around the sides, front and back of the intake chill with ice remove and race. What the Hellcat does is runs the outside air through the hood scoop through the air conditioner condenser or evaporator through the air filter into the motor for super cold air. I'm not sure exactly where the air filter is in this super cold ice box air induction system but it's truly efficient it should be on everything for power and gas mileage.

[@clifflee5404]

Favorite part..... Them eating burgers at the races lol.

[@231mac]

1:27 That wildly varying wall thickness is terrifying.

[@robertoferrari5397]

..didn't notice ..what's up with that?

[@Lumpy-Grits-and-Jowls]

On the LS engine! Did the pistons have to be fly cut for valve clearance? Or do they come that way?

[@bigredracer7848]

shows you the weakness of that block that you're so proud of the bolts that hold heads on aren't cast to the cylinders so the cylinders can move around and snap off

[@KILLERANDERSON001]

I would like to see a price per component listing to All of your videos. And at the end a running total of the completed build costs. All these videos are cool and all but lets get real here Most DIY'ers would like to see some costs totaled up.

[@psygn0sis]

Video starts at 6:10

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

A combustion ratio just over 11.5:1........ that's interesting

[@LTXwooshie]

We're going to make horsepower levels that any iron truck block can do without wheezing. Even the 4.8.

[@jimclarke1108]

As good as it gets

[@blackericdenice]

The 18 hp came from them running the engine 300 rpm higher.

[@blackericdenice]

@@bigboreracing356 You said you race engines. This is how I knew you was lying. Adding a 1 inch spacer will not raise hp peak rpm by 300.

[@blackericdenice]

STREET RACER Why didn’t they increase the intake volume even more with another 1 inch spacer? They would have gotten another 18 hp.

[@CJColvin]

Hey folks its @@blackericdenice the Typical EcoBoost lover.

[@blackericdenice]

CJ Colvin If you are not ecoboosted, you are just sucking.

[@blackericdenice]

@@bigboreracing356 The question is, will it gain another 16 hp.

[@cliffordprofit1815]

You guys have a build on the Motown II hybrid LS block?

[@zedee2000]

They have a composite intake for the small-block Chevy by AFR they probably have it for the LS by now. Composite intake lighter and more power.

[@autodidact537]

Acadian is where the word 'Cajun' comes from.

[@jaimecervantes3896]

Bad ass y’all I wish y’all were my neighbors 🙁🙁🙁

[@darylphipps890]

At 1:25 the cut away view showed some hefty core shift during the casting process. Hoping that was why that block made it to the machine shop for the "cut-a-way" view (?)

[@Davinci12007]

Had to go back and look, and you're right! Nice catch. If it wasn't "cut away" no one would ever know.

[@1080sucks]

This going to make few people reach for the sick bag, Chrysler small block guys options are limited, sooo love to see a Chrysler 318 stroker based build in the 500 hp range????

[@cuzz63]

Combustion ratio? 8:50

[@nickma71]

Besides more power in a smaller package, higher mpg. It is a byproduct of the engine being able to pull more heat from the fuel.

[@stellingbanjodude]

I have never understood why they always drop the crank in first?! I always put the cam in first and use my hand to guide it in from the inside, and I never have to fight it to get it in

[@iq6840]

Check out the wegner naturally aspirated and fuel injected 441

[@bigredracer7848]

427 big-block that was put in the cars that you're talkin about Ted 550 horse and it was rated at 435 for the insurance

[@_Delta_P_]

I love that this guy just sounds like Dickies and Budweiser

[@cordellwalker1445]

hey guys, i have a 6.0 with the g8 square port heads . i cant seem to get the right spark plug gap. what gap are you guys running?i have same fuel and ignition setup as your engine

[@davidmiller4594]

You guys need to do an L8T, over the top, bone stock bottom end and see if it can do 1500hp

[@MakinEndsMeet69]

You know after you bolted that bass and play it on I would have loved to seen it old school cool can on there with some dry ice run your fuel through that and see what happens

[@d1bigshifter737]

Being new to the ls world , My research tells me ls3 Ls7 is the way to go as far H.P . I'm looking to do a swap in a 87 Monte Carlo. This plant seems to incorporate both the 3 and 7 internals . Is the price difference that much more on a 3 or 7 that warrants the lsx block . I like the 1900 price, also thinking of efi . Will that get me 500 plus h.p ??

[@timmygiles9554]

Bad ass

[@AJ1990.]

You can tell the younger guy liked working with this dude way more than the guy that came on the show later on.

[@marknowakowski6590]

Isn’t Nelson racing engines making over 3000HP with one of those TT set up??????? Like 10 yrs ago.

[@Kevin-ux3fi]

where can I find the link for the online virtual engine build

[@morejk0415]

13:01 i want the website because i want to play the online virtual engine build

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

That block looks like the old 427fe blocks from the 60s.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Except it is Gen3/4 SBC and yours is like a Mark 1 W or 2.

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

I mean it has a V shape and has 8 holes

[@melissaweidman3326]

i was not sure what the lsx was but i see that it is the same as the old l.s. 7 just built now . i just got the new l.s. 7 with overhead cam 4 valve per cylinder engine out of a 2018 vett

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

No

[@petersouthernboy6327]

And those stock sodium filled exhaust valves drop in 3... 2... 1... BOOM

[@DJKSTICK1]

The spacer plate didn't gain 18 horse... he revved 300 more rpm to get the number he wanted

[@keithhastings4092]

Kevin Stickler they didn’t think we’d notice such things...

[@RepairGeek]

It still made 655 at 6500.

[@marccres6619]

Ok been hear dun that. Know AFR heads ,bigger cam , bigger carb, and blowing transmissions , but for everyone gm performance not the way to go, go to a shop with a good name ,and build your own, and have fun.

[@mchristr]

Did I hear the cam specs correctly? Forty-three more degrees of duration (@ 0.050) on the exhaust side?

[@ForneyRider]

232int 276 exh?

[@austinrealestatewithbutchn4420]

Pontiac did that on their motors sounds like it is similar

[@americansocietyofheatingco7771]

i have spent a great amount of time looking for the GM performance parts site you said we can go to for engine builds and dyno testing online virtual . Please send me Link ??? I spent about two hours looking for it...

[@morejk0415]

DUDE I WAS DOING THAT TO

[@kevindamvorisbacon424]

427s now days putting those numbers to the ground with cam and milled heads

[@bigredracer7848]

I'm building a 408 LS going to use factory trim what injectors should I use in it I have 38 LB one stock on a 6 l would that be fine or should I upgrade them to bigger injectors

[@highwaymen1237]

Does anybody do a series of videos where they give a very detailed teardown, rebuild and assembly of LS engines that points out all important issuses? Thanks

[@gpcgpc873]

Air to air transmission cooler?

[@zeitsports1381]

Hey, have any proyect for some Ford Y block? Greetings from argentina

[@ambisionzofrva]

Me: Man I used to love these old episodes of HP Comments: oh the carb, oh the horror Me: These guys can't watch #Richardholdener

[@Alex-kw6mo]

He uses fast lsx air intake and fuel injectors though

[@ihateurmom]

You can crap on carbs and pushrod engines, but there is a very good reason why they still exist. The problem is that not enough people know how to actually work on a car anymore.

[@garysgarage.2841]

The big block wasn't in production until 65 in the Corvette and z16 chevelle and that was the 396. That Beaumont never had a big block from the factory.

[@TexasGTO]

What does that toilet bowl do on top of lsx do?

[@WLAs_Finest3x]

I thought the 427 LSX blocks were coming with an all forged rotating assembly. The rods were I think 4340 forged steel, not forged titanium like this engine. Chevy Performance must have changed some things up since the introduction of the LSX block

[@thefakederekrufle]

I'm on the fence about the siamese bores.

[@chrisferguson1911]

Ok, not gonna pile on about carb vs. efi, but do have to ask...only 850 cfm?

[@professorh8398]

When comparing the LS1, the LS3, and the LT engines, I've heard that the LS3 is the best mod engine because it's an improvement over the LS1 (obviously) but isn't over complicated/engineered like the generations that come after it. A sweet spot engine in terms of mod-ability, reliability, and cost to power value. Can you confirm?

[@hawkdsl]

yes

[@giovannebeistline2575]

No

[@rickybobby0314]

Should have run it out to 7.5k - 8k rpm with that intake. As long as the valve springs are up to it.

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

That crazy cam spec wanted to go higher too..... or at least the exhaust events

[@OlderthanIlookyoungerthanIfeel]

You could put one of those in a C8 Corvette , iron block could take way more abuse . And a twin turbo 427 Corvette would likely destroy the not yet made ZO6 C8 .

[@r000tbeer]

LOL.. yea a heavy iron block would really work wonders on a road course car.

[@OlderthanIlookyoungerthanIfeel]

@@r000tbeer An iron block isn't that much heavier , and all the Z51 add ons weigh a bunch extra . Magnetic ride suspension is 3 times the weight of regular coil suspension . And all the other driver aids and safety junk is why a new Camaro weighs over 1000 pounds more than my gen 4 , LOL your thinking you know stuff .

[@Bout_TreeFiddy]

Here to hear Joe Elmore talk

[@Furyataurus]

Why no AFR heads???

[@chriswinters1788]

I can’t find the gym performance parts engine builder and dyno any help?

[@jdtv...9134]

Lets see a twin turbo blow through design on race gas

[@jstdrv]

Why not use the 100 lb lighter LS7 block?

[@barrycox4583]

These projects are OK if money is not a problem

[@sethh8892]

Hey. im from memphis

[@daria_morgandorffer5768]

No roller rockers?

[@Riptidevulture]

An 850 double pumper might be a choke point here. Should've gone with some like Terminator EFI.

[@chloehennessey6813]

Titanium rods are no joke. Set me back $240 each. 😐 Went with Inconel valves tho.

[@rogertarrant4331]

Where can I get one of those $1,900 LSX blocks?! I will take a few of them

[@oe542]

“We’ll tighten down the ‘boats’ and go to commercial”

[@Moparbarnett88]

Anybody know what timing they had it set at

[@w41duvernay]

SO, does he still have the old 572 engine? That is what I want to know...

[@jessemurray1757]

233 on the intake, 276 on the exhaust ehh?? more like 236 on the exhaust. That cam is way too small for a 427.

[@davidshields302]

Yes the Chevrolet Performance Stage 3 camshaft is 233/276 is correct. It also has a tight 107 LSA. Look at Hot Rod Magazine for a LS 7 Test on the stage 2 and stage 3 cams. If you’re looking for a good Chevrolet Performance Showroom Stock camshaft 239/251 LSA 106.5 lift w/1.8 .600/.600. Have used the showroom stock in about 12 endurance racing LS 7s with 11.5-12.0 compression ratio, ported LS7 heads, FAST LSXR MANIFOLD AND 102. throttle bodies. Hp was always between 650-660 and torque 605-616. Had good torque down to 3000 rpm due to the LSA of 106.5.

[@jessemurray1757]

@@davidshields302 that's a ridiculously large split. Why so much exhaust duration vs intake?