How Much Power can the LS-4 Handle?

[74bigblock]

The bastard child of the big block 454... yes, it's the LS-4. A truck motor. Call it what names you will, but it's the original motor that came with my car... and that's what I have to work with... besides, it's probably bigger than yours! :L

I'm concerned with my LS-4 because I have it running over 100HP more than it was stock. I have more plans to add power here in the coming months with an intake manifold and possibly a set of heads. It is already 30 over with a healthy camshaft, roller rockers and open exhaust. I understand it is a 2 bolt main... hence my concern. I'm afraid that I might spin her apart, and damage the block. Will adding all this power be a concern for me as long as I keep her under 5500 RMPS?

 

[JohnZ]

I'm concerned with my LS-4 because I have it running over 100HP more than it was stock. I have more plans to add power here in the coming months with an intake manifold and possibly a set of heads. It is already 30 over with a healthy camshaft, roller rockers and open exhaust. I understand it is a 2 bolt main... hence my concern. I'm afraid that I might spin her apart, and damage the block. Will adding all this power be a concern for me as long as I keep her under 5500 RMPS?

I wouldn't worry about it - it's plenty strong enough for a street engine.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Put some tape on it, it will be fine!:L

 

[74bigblock]

Put some tape on it, it will be fine!:L

Exactly what I was thinking!

Seriously though.... Does anyone know if there is such a thing as an HEI rev limiter? Something that does not run through an electric tach, but plugs into the electric tach recepticle on the tach that will limit my revs? This would help me feel more comfortable.

 

[dolamiti]

MSD ignition has a 6AL box that I have in my 71 Roadster. It has different rev limiters that you "plug in" very easy. I too like "torque". Make sure you change out all your universal joints to the solid type. Take the zerk fitting ones out, they are all weakened by the hollow inside to grease the bearings. They will crack and break under load. Also, check out dragvette.com. He is indeed a good person to chat with and his system bolts on, no welding. It will keep your rear end level when you launch at 4000 rpm....keep the rubber side down.
Ron "the warlock"

 

[Jack]

Seriously though.... Does anyone know if there is such a thing as an HEI rev limiter? Something that does not run through an electric tach, but plugs into the electric tach recepticle on the tach that will limit my revs? This would help me feel more comfortable.

MSD Soft Touch Rev Control P/N 8728 is designed to be used with points or HEI ... (P/N 8738 is slightly different & for use with MSD 6 CD boxes). Neither plug into/onto tach. It's a box about the size of 2 packs of cigs. Accel and Mallory used to make em too. If you still have points distributor, Crane makes "XR-i" which replaces points with electronic/hall effect/hei module ... and it has onboard rev limiter ... see Crane P/N 750-1710.
JACK:gap