415 and 427 for road racing

ZR1 MK · 03-25-04, 08:58 AM

My car is set-up very well for my needs. The only thing my car needs is
ported heads and more cubes. Heads would have been ported years ago if head
removal was easier. When more cubes are done, I hear stories of long delays,
tuning difficulties and other minor issues. Two questions.
1. Can I have a reliable car as I do now after 415 or 427?
2. Is the engine still durable enough to be used under sustained high rpm
and high loads for long periods (road racing use)?
I know of many that have the 415 LT5, but what about the 427 LT5. I have
seen one mentioned in a UK website, but I don't hear too much talk about it
over hear.
Mike

**Hib Halverson** · 04-17-04, 11:52 PM

If you're going to do a lot of road racing, I'd stay away from the 415s and such. First they are obsenely expensive and that value won't do much more for you on a race track then will a solidly built 368.

For racing you need cooling, cooling, cooling especially for the oil.

Also, watch the rpms. Once you start going past 7200 regularly, cam chain durability goes away.

The last guy to actively race an LT5 was Jim Van Dorn and his Pirate Racing operation before they switched to C5s. He went through several engines. Cam chains were a problem for them when trying to run 7500 rpm regularly.

I'd do a good 368 with cams. Set the rev limit at 7200 then spend the rest of your money on a roll cage, suspension parts and honing your driving skills with a class at Rupert Bragg-Smith's school.

Lastly, if what you want is a track car and you don't care what's under the hood, buy a Z06.