DO GM 427 LSX CRATE MOTORS REALLY WORK? THIS 427 LS7 STROKER IS RATED AT 570 HP-WHAT DOES IT MAKE?

[@StuartBarnes-kg9bl]

Ls the world, a marvel of engineering

[@brianstubblefield1477]

Great video as usual! I saw some of the marketing dyno graphs GM put out back in 2020 when this crate engine launched, but there hasn't been much real data posted. I've got the same crate engine in my Mazda RX8. It made 491 whp with 1-5/8" borla shorty headers and a 2.5" dual exhaust that was fairly restrictive. I had custom 2" long tubes and 3" dual exhaust made for it, but haven't dynoed it since then. My optimistic guess is it's somewhere between 510 and 525 whp now.

[@jimsgarage4112]

Pretty impressive for a modest cam upgrade!! Glad you finally got to test a basically stock LS7! Wish you had the time to do more like intakes and cams on it!

[@streetk14]

I have one of these engines in my 68 Firebird. It’s a factory LS7 out of a Z06 or Z28 that has a small cam and has been converted to wet sump oiling. It even uses stock valve springs.

[@cromBumny]

You should put those retainers (I think that's what they are called ) on the rocker arms to keep the stock needle bearings from exploding (they tend to). Great engine!

[@streetk14]

@@cromBumny I’m actually getting ready to swap on a set of Tony Mamo LS7 heads with Yella Terra shaft rockers and a little bigger cam. I’ve known about the LS7 valve issues for years; didn’t stop me from grabbing one of these engines when I had the chance. It’s been great so far

[@ConcussedGaming]

Ford guys: "That can't do that" Me: Richard Holdener. Personally sending all the doubters, haters and Armchair Dyno testers to this channel so they can come up with different excuses.

[@Dr_Xyzt]

Look at that torque curve. 4000 to 6000. It's solid. Such a simple setup.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I should have bought a new one for $12,000.00 a few years ago with Dry sump Oil system .

[@divadyrdnal]

Thanks Richard and “Bob”… couple bucks more than the 525hp Ls-3 crate, but a really nice factory piece.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Better Rods , Pistons .. Bigger ports and valves with a few extra head bolts.. I should have bought one with dry sump oiling.

[@jamesgeorge4874]

Chunky Tuff book. Now we're tuning. Thank you Bob, thank you Richard. Thank you Eric !

[@alantrimble2881]

@@jamesgeorge4874 Special thanks to Bob Miller. Richard called him “Bob” in the intro, then showed his full name on the dyno sheet. Thanks again Bob!

[@altruisticscoundrel]

Thank you, Bob! Another great video!

[@streetk14]

For anyone interested, I just uploaded an idle and dyno clip of this exact engine in my first Gen Firebird.

[@gloriamaletta8667]

Bet 13 to 1 compression on a good fuel delivery system on E85 would boost torque throughout the entire rev range

[@I_like_turtles_67]

E85 does seem to help make more torque compared to 91.

[@EXTRA---LARGE---FARVA]

​@@I_like_turtles_67It does let you run more compression and ignition timing which does improve torque.

[@timmcooper294]

People like to talk trash about factory motors like this.... Considering this is a basically stock factory production motor that had to deal with emissions restraints affecting cylinder head design, ect... and don't forget cost constraints / bean counters and warrantee coverage, these are impressive numbers. Let the Boo Birds bask in their personal fantasies !

[@shadowopsairman1583]

I would never have a problem running an Iron version of this or the 454 LS. Just my preference of the block material. I mean I'm running an "Iron LS6", a former LM7 bored out to 3.898, flat tops, 799 Heads, btr 600 springs, Gen 3 Truck intake, "6.2" Style Cam Truck Norris 2600-3800 Stall Circle D.

[@timmcooper294]

@@shadowopsairman1583 Sounds like a nice combo, I love mix-n-match stuff like this, and I really appreciate all the testing Richard has documented! I always run iron block motors for my beat the snot out of it offroad builds, they withstand a ton of abuse and are economical to build, plus they give the needed nose weight for extreme climbs.

[@huntersmith5863]

LMAO Ford has been doing this shit with the Windsor for DECADES before the “LS” was introduced. Yes they make the same power with a stock produced Windsor block, stock bottom end from the factory. The LS is cheap as fuck and in everyone’s backyard. The LS puts up similar numbers, but is about 40 years tardy on the design

[@richardholdener1727]

a 351W makes 100+ hp less than a 351W to start with-so maybe not the same

[@huntersmith5863]

@@richardholdener1727 A 427 Windsor given outstanding cylinder heads, cam, and intake will not make 100+ horsepower less than this LS. There is not much difference in cost at this power level. The Windsor has been around since the 1960s, the LS since the late 90s. Still doing battle with GM’s best pushrod stuff.

[@onemoremisfit]

I'd also look into upgrading to a bulletproof full race timing set because that OEM chain will be stretched out floppy in no time. I put one like that in my stock LS1 truck engine that makes maybe 360 hp, because I found the OEM timing chain loose and floppy in under 100K miles. I was told the new chain supports up to 2000 hp. It is a double row billet sprocket adjustable set that required the oil pump to be spaced out and the timing cover to be clearanced on the inside to fit. Totally worth it in my opinion. Been driving it a couple years now and I don't expect to find that chain floppy again for the life of the engine.

[@richardholdener1727]

the factory LS timing chains a loose when first assembled-no need for a double roller-most just use the German or Katech chain

[@onemoremisfit]

@@richardholdener1727 I'll have to look into that. I have a GM crate LS4 still in the crate, waiting for me to finish bodywork on the car it will go into. I plan to DOD delete it and leave it otherwise stock. That engine can't take a double row chain. I'll see for myself how loose a new OEM chain is when I get it apart. Is German a brand name or country of origin?

[@johnmarshjr928]

That’s why the Z28 and its (505) hp rating was slightly off😂. It beat the AWD GTR around VIR in 14. I remember they wanted 75000+ plus for those Camaros then . I settled for a 1SS1LE for 38000. Couldn’t even afford a Zl1 at 56000. I still love it . What are those motors bout 15 G’s?

[@gloriamaletta8667]

Bet with the crate engine camshaft it runs crisp and clean as hell with wicked throttle response giving the guy next to you not much of a clue of what it's capable of it idles pretty smooth

[@gloriamaletta8667]

I'd love to see numbers of this exact motor with 13 to 1 compression with whatever injectors size and fuel pump needed on E85 and keep the crate engine camshaft keeps it very streetable should make 650+ and be reliable and dependable I'm assuming it's running 26 degrees of timing it's a guess

[@pinchnloaf]

I smesh that like before I ever watch cause it’s Richard

[@trullmann]

Wish Ford had a crate motor like this for my Gen1 Raptor.

[@gregwestphal]

The stock LS7 cam specs are 211/230 @.050" lift, .593/.588 lift with the stock 1.8 rockers, and a 120 LSA. Would make more top-end power with a bigger cam, probably sacrificing some on the low end.

[@richardholdener1727]

this was not a stock LS7

[@justinfargas2367]

Cool video. Thanks Richard

[@plepgeat]

That's really impressive - 1.43 horsepower per inch! Still, the "hundred horse per liter" mark is a better brag, so... it needs a turbo!

[@Dayandcounting]

The LT6 makes 2hp per ci bone stock. 3.1hp per ci with a pair stock turbo's on the LT7

[@plepgeat]

Well, yeah, and that's really REALLY impressive, @@Dayandcounting

[@toddclark332]

Perfect Richard

[@randallsavage3795]

Richard made mention in the details the engine was balanced. Ive "heard" the crate motors are not balanced very well. 454 LSX had to be re-blocked as a result of a block being cracked in a freak accident. Rotating assembly was reused but was found to be balanced like Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder did it. That's a lot of money to get a motor that needed better machine/balancing.

[@richardholdener1727]

the assemblies are balanced-otherwise it would shake the dyno to death

[@randallsavage3795]

@richardholdener1727 Richard, Im a big fan and not trying to do the troll thing. However, although I didn't see it for myself, my source is as solid as can be. To further the point that builder has done a boat load of the ever popular 502 big block crate motors and found those to be poorly balanced. the crank was was out 51 and 60 grams. I can send u the print out. and pics.

[@kbtdadap]

@@randallsavage3795 not sure the 454 or the 502 are ls series engines. think they are old school bbc chevy blocks

[@randallsavage3795]

@kbtdadap omg stop man. read what I wrote before trying to correct me please.

[@knowbull5hit590]

@@randallsavage3795 isnt it annoying how often people online will either ignore wording or twist your words just so they can correct you, or they do so to fit an argument that they are having with themselves while being an ignorant cnt the whole time😂

[@mccanlessdesign]

So - discontinued - what's equivalent and actually available? GM list price actually seemed pretty reasonable at ~$16K.

[@chipcurrey653]

Blueprint engines sells both iron and aluminum block 427 LS crate engines at similar power for $12-15k depending on options

[@rancherlee]

All in, ready to run my forged/studded Iron 408 build was 8800 including the Terminator X max. Could of had an Aluminum short block 416 in the build for 800$ more. If you willing to do some work like I did you can save a bunch. Took me an afternoon to install the cam, heads, oilpump, and intake on the built shortblock.

[@user-tu7rr1zg4b]

Whats the name of the job you are doing? Details please im very interested in learning

[@CL9k24a3]

When benz 6.2 got out it was making 450ish hp and that is fancy german dohc motor. Just goes to show how good this engines are.

[@mikeeaton9822]

Thank you Bob!!!!

[@markjmaxwell9819]

A shame the LS427/570 engine's are not available from GM anymore. Over 600HP from an engine rated at 570HP is very impressive. Even the idle is not as rough as expected considering the camshaft is considerably larger than the one equipped in the original LS7. With the normal wet sump a bonus for engine swaps. 😎🇦🇺👍

[@Paulster2]

Darn that sounds awesome :o)

[@etftransam]

Can we see a best combo of a 6.0 with LS3 top end with all the big cams and different LS3 intakes

[@richardholdener1727]

see the LY6 videos

[@keithsmith9889]

Actually have a question about solid roller lifters. I have had some pretty terrific experiences with hydraulic rollers and I'm curious ever tested solid rollers. Cause I'm kinda just assuming might be more consistent and even add a couple ponies?

[@hoost3056]

These days you can run limited travel hydraulic roller lifters and they rpm as good as solids without the maintenance.

[@knowbull5hit590]

David Vizard’s channel might have the info you’re looking for, he’s a bit older and much slower of a talker than Holdener so be ready with the patience his videos are not fast paced like Holdener’s

[@richardholdener1727]

you don't need solid rollers on an LS unless you are looking to go way north of 8000 rpm

[@mun33y]

Big bang it already puhleeeeeeze Richard

[@blueridgemountainprepper2166]

I figured you was gone say add boost 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@kimmorrison9169]

what is the cost of this nice engine?

[@roytatum6288]

Hey Richard, I’m putting an LS7 into a 67 Camaro. Very similar to the motor you tested. What kind of power do you think mine has. 231/239 duration .617/.623 lift on a 112 lobe centerline? I appreciate it

[@blacklabelllc]

We do them often, that cam needs more split with a stock LS7 head but I'd expect 530ish rwhp with a stick

[@roytatum6288]

Cool, thank you.

[@stlchucko]

Welp, I gotta ask… Have you seen or tested the Summit Racing Big Nasty 5/4 Race Cams SUM-8733R1 ??? 218/230@0.050”, 0.550” lift, 105 LSA, and no fly cutting needed. Supposedly works with a stock converter and makes good low end torque.

[@richardholdener1727]

yes-that video is up

[@stlchucko]

@@richardholdener1727 I'll be damned.... How the hell did I miss that vid?!?!?!! Thanks I'm envisioning the Truck Norris VS Big Nasty comparisons

[@timothythomas1737]

Would be nice in my old ws6

[@TheReinoPaasonen]

I love it!

[@HerculesRockefellerESQ]

Part of me is really curious to what this thing would make on 87 octane with a bunch of timing whacked out of it to make it safe. Like let's say you have a file for emergencies if you are on something like the power tour and you find yourself in some little town that doesn't have 91 octane fuel. You can smack on 87 octane safe tune in it and get to somewhere that has 91.

[@HerculesRockefellerESQ]

And on the flip side of that coin I'd like to see what it would make on race fuel or E85 or even methanol.

[@richardholdener1727]

If you are driving it under cruise conditions, it will drive fine on 87

[@freyja4954]

With that oil pressure I would have tried thinner oil . And maybe a little timing.

[@alantrimble2881]

@@freyja4954 Why would oil pressure have an impact on ignition timing?

[@imBriz]

@@alantrimble2881he didn’t say it did

[@richardholdener1727]

we add timing til it stops making power-it had the correct timing

[@freyja4954]

@richardholdener1727 I know you guys are pretty good about that. But it's always a good thing to recheck when looking for 0.1hp lol

[@chipcurrey653]

Don't tell the ford Godzilla guys this engine launched 18 years ago

[@tturi2]

thats great, but the godzilla bolts into my car and can run off the stock computer

[@sammyt4822]

​@tturi2 your car is a 65 Lincoln. Anything will bolt right in to a 65 Lincoln.

[@tturi2]

@@sammyt4822 that's a very cool car, but I have a ford falcon

[@knowbull5hit590]

@@tturi2 you say that like an LS cant bolt into a car and run on a stock computer just as easy… even easier than a godzilla usually

[@tturi2]

@@knowbull5hit590 yeah, but my cars powertrain is already modular, I'd have to buy a new gearbox, wire it to suit ls, get my gauges working with an aftermarket ecu etcetera

[@EASTOAKLANDSS]

What was max timing ?

[@richardholdener1727]

28-29

[@kevinwest3689]

I didn't know you could do nock censors with the holly terminator x How does that work, do you have a video on that?

[@justin_parks]

The harness that comes with it is wired for them. The base tunes from the wizard have the settings preprogrammed

[@paisley2342]

If the cylinders wernt paper thin. Had this motor for 6k pop!!! Torque was amazing. Went lean and bye bye...

[@richardholdener1727]

thick cylinders also don't stop detonation

[@keith-jo6wg]

Itul get Hot faster thou

[@jayhilliard4365]

wish GM did not discontinue this engine

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Ofc they do

[@generalsixty2133]

Where do you buy these?

[@richardholdener1727]

summit or jegs or gm-not sure if still avail

[@ViewThis.]

So when I'm 80 years old and have difficulty breathing, I'll get me one of those Radiused Input Tubings on my mouth. I'll be good to go.

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

I wonder why more people, including myself do not use LS7 based heads and cams 🤔

[@C6Z_Bob]

Money

[@joeinmi8671]

$$$

[@knowbull5hit590]

Money and the chambers and valves probably dont work too well on an engine with much less bore diameter. Valves are getting really close to the cylinder wall

[@richardholdener1727]

maybe because of bore size required, port volume and not having enough motor to warrant the combination of flow and port volume

[@Stevesbe]

Was it a turbo cam?

[@richardholdener1727]

for sure

[@erickbren8702]

I mean hell yeah boi but... how much?

[@gregmay2155]

What size is the throttle body?

[@richardholdener1727]

factory 90 dbw

[@10krms54]

How can i make The most power out off a 04 5.3 n Yet b California street legal.

[@richardholdener1727]

BY KEEPING IT STOCK

[@10krms54]

@@richardholdener1727 lol

[@antwain7942]

Please put a bigger cam in for next video!!!!!

[@davidciesielski8251]

Heck yes

[@marcusking29]

Hmmm under .600 lift cam ??

[@C6Z_Bob]

Factory cam

[@streetk14]

@@C6Z_Bobit’s not a production LS7 cam if that’s what you meant, but it does have really mild lobes and uses stock LS7 valve springs.

[@GreatLakesLogger]

Lift isn't really the important factor for the most part

[@DonzLockz]

Isn't the LSX an iron block? Not aluminium?

[@streetk14]

It is. He didn’t do a great job explaining what this engine is. It’s a production aluminum LS7 with an LS3 oil pump and a small cam.

[@richardholdener1727]

as indicated in the video-LS7 alum block, wet sump (not explained), and bigger than stock LS7 cam

[@ChandlerLofton]

All intake pipes will be referred to as snorkel scoops from this point on. That is all 😂

[@SB-vb8ch]

I don't like how close the fuel line is to the header....

[@darringrey4329]

Why do say its a LSX??? When its all LS7, was the thmb a typo

[@mikeskidmore6754]

It says Stroker LS-7 but it's not a stroker.. that's the way the LS-7 came from GM and was put in Camaros and Vetts back around 2014

[@deanharris7149]

Gm 427 LS Crate motor VERSUS Ford 7.3 Godzilla crate motor. Is Godzilla the future? We want to know!

[@dewittjackson432]

E85

[@DillonAuto]

This engine would be fun in my Yukon XL. I would need to change the 4L60 for the 80, of course....

[@richardholdener1727]

the 4L60 would complain...a lot

[@DillonAuto]

@@richardholdener1727 It could end up in a video with the fine folks at Precision Transmission. You probably know the channel.

[@chadpalmer8640]

That’s great

[@messix7768]

you should have used the D&F salad bowl

[@richardholdener1727]

IKR

[@lewisdeclouette6342]

💯💯💯💯💯

[@HioSSilver1999]

Definitely needs a msd on it....be another 20+ hp and probably carry much better.

[@alantrimble2881]

What do you base that on?

[@7000U9ZHIFT]

​@@alantrimble2881 Multiple years of people modifying ls7s.... Everyone knows a stock ls7 gains power with an intake manifold

[@richardholdener1727]

agree on MSD

[@alantrimble2881]

@@7000U9ZHIFT Sorry, I thought you were talking about an ignition system when you referred to “an MSD”.

[@7000U9ZHIFT]

@@alantrimble2881 all good man

[@JoeStill-un9gp]

How much does a 454 LSX with twin turbos make?

[@richardholdener1727]

more

[@JoeStill-un9gp]

@@richardholdener1727 say at 10 pounds of boost? 20?

[@Thumper68]

Aero intake

[@johnpopoff7950]

Time to put it in a C8

[@FredieFarmer60]

👍🏽🇺🇸👍🏽

[@stephenkennedy6358]

why 91 octane vs 93

[@knowbull5hit590]

Because we have 91 in Cali at the pump and not 93

[@daytradescottie7253]

WRONG CAM! That cam was a little small for a 427. I would have used something like 235 - 240 degrees duration. That would push power up over 630 easily. I'm thinking it would peak at 6,600 to 6,700 also. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, GET A GOOD CAM! 👍

[@richardholdener1727]

we used the cam that came with the crate motor

[@daytradescottie7253]

@@richardholdener1727 I thought as much. It's the wrong cam!

[@LSX427]

I have a KZbin video of it

[@Thumper68]

The cooler she runs the faster she runs

[@JamesStover-gr3hw]

Until the cylinder splits or you drop a valve. Lol

[@knowbull5hit590]

⁠@@JamesStover-gr3hw not an issue with these crate engines, the factory in car ones though thats another story lol

[@iralosttwo5569]

Adding duct tape adds .4 hp by itself.

[@marcusking29]

NO TREBLE

[@ForneyRider]

Hyper-eutectic pistons and titanium rods. :/

[@chipcurrey653]

That's how ls7s were from the factory starting in 2006

[@bbcnova56]

20 psi

[@francisbeaudry8598]

yum yum loll

[@PeggyParrow]

CNC ported heads ? Factory? Titainium rods ? Hyperutectic pistons , really ? NOT factory !

[@richardholdener1727]

GM crate motor

[@manitoublack]

​@@richardholdener1727 but no LS7 drysump😢

[@alantrimble2881]

@@manitoublack Do you really NEED a dry sump if you’re not road racing, endurance racing, or doing endless donuts? Most people don’t & will never see the benefit of a dry sump.

[@C6Z_Bob]

Absolutely factory. I just had to yank mine apart because the Ti connecting rods had a coating failure and caused it to spin a bearing.

[@joseiracheta3817]

Why titanium rods and no forged pistons. Wouldn't it be better to use forged rods and forged pistons

[@gearratio380]

thats a high dollar crate motor there, but would still get waxed by a 302ci coyote lol

[@thomasdaum1927]

This 427 LS made 1.43 hp per cu in , the Mustang 5.0 ( 305 ) cu in Coyote makes 1.6 hp per cu in ! Do the math , Sorry !……

[@JohnSmith-fi2ck]

Sorry for what? whats that 5.0 torque?

[@failranch9542]

What are you sorry about? A .049 Cox will beat them both on hp per cubic inch. But who cares?

[@JohnSmith-fi2ck]

GM 5.5 v8, 1.99 hp/liter, same math, sorry, why is Ford 32v v8 so far behind the Gm 32v v8?

[@thomasdaum1927]

@@JohnSmith-fi2ck Ooooh sorry to step on your toes !….. The video was about the LS not the 5.5 and it’s a good thing they copied the 4 valve idea so they could get enough power to be up to date !……..

[@thomasdaum1927]

@@failranch9542 What I was trying to point out was a LS with a large throttle body , large cam and full length headers put out less hp per cu in than a stock 5.0 !….

[@JamesStover-gr3hw]

Anyone who’d buy one of these engines isn’t too smart. The heads are junk and the rocker arms are worse. The block is junk too. Pay the coin and get a aftermarket block, heads and full roller rockers and cam (with matching springs and pushrods) to suit your needs.

[@richardholdener1727]

all of this stuff is spot on for 600 hp

[@meatybtz]

@@richardholdener1727 yeah... but his friend's cousin's uncle once tried to put a 300 shot of n2o and a turbo on it.. and it broke. So.. it's gotta be junk. You've gotta get that aftermarket block or you are a square /sarcasm. People who will never spend the money to actually get a quality LSX block and sundry, let alone make the kind of HP.. SAFELY.. that would need that kind of nonsense are usually the first to call something like this junk. It works as designed, for what it was designed for, out of the box. Most people can't make past 500 safely, as they don't pay the money to upgrade the other components in the car to make it "street safe". Not everyone needs a Steve Morris 2000HP rated motor, and it's not worth the money to buy something like that and not use it to purpose. I'd rather have one of these in my car. It would be a good daily driver.

[@LSX427]

I have daily driven mine. Car is pretty docile just cruising at 1800 rpm In 6th gear. Gear down to 3rd and crush the go pedal....it will hang with any stock hellcat out there. 12k miles on it so far. I love this motor. It is bone stock out of the crate. Just has 1,3/4" x 1-7/8" stepped headers. Stock npp exhaust. And had to swap the oil pan

[@opieg7333]

If your needs cap out at 600hp, is it smart to spend all the extra coin for over-engineering that you will never need/use? AND how many people do you know that rally need more than 600hp under the hood? The are probably near a million of these junk engines out there still functioning after a decade plus. It is pretty much an exact production car engine, warrantied and all. Perfect for a resto mod with a little pop. A simple package with widely available replacement parts which are unlikely to ever be out of production. Your declarations just do not seem rational.

[@keith-jo6wg]

How high does it rev 7200? It should?

[@richardholdener1727]

why run it that far past the hp peak

[@knowbull5hit590]

@@richardholdener1727 many reasons, drag racing with a large RPM drop on the gear change, road racing and wanting more mph in each gear to minimize/eliminate gear changes in turns