Lsx 388?
 

Hey guys,

Anybody have any thoughts about a 388 (4.125 bore 3.622 stroke)?

Would this be something that would be more reliable and durable than a 4" stroke motor? Or would you fair much better with a 4" stroke and going to a 427? And this would be based on a lsx block with a big Turbo and a considerable amount of boost.

I have only seen a few examples of this, and they all have made well over 1000.


Thanks
Kody

I am sure you could build it reliable but in my opinion you will have to spin it pretty high to make those power numbers. What size turbo? The larger turbo will probly be a little laggy. The big money will be going into your valvetrain to be stable at the higher rpms.

I think that is the trade off, spend money on big cubes bottom end and keep the rpms low or spend money on high end valvetrain and spin it up to 9000. Probly will find that more people will recomend larger dispacement for torque due to the weight of the truck.

Bottom line, big cubes: less rpms, smaller cubes: high rpm. Reliability will be up to the parts used and assembly.

AES builds lsx 390's for the stronger pistons, I would give them a call and get thier opinion.

Proline Engines, down my way, cranks them out all day, rated at 2000+ h.p. They're expensive, but Proline does stupid fast builds. Some of the stuff they use--food for thought. LSX blocks make for good boost-fed builds.

In fact, here's you a link: http://www.prolineracing.net/engines...ast-275-2000hp

CC05 I was looking at that as I was typing the op lol!

I'm pretty sure the 3.622 and 4" cranks cost the same/very little price difference. I know I can make my power goals with either one, just curious as to which might work best overall.

I have an NA LSX 427 -- 4.125x4 -- and have absolutely zero reliability issues. It uses no oil at all. My FI 408 used a little oil, but when I pulled it apart after galling a cam bearing, I found it had the wrong main bearings.

If you are getting a forged crank any way, I can't see any reason not go 4" stoke.

Yeah I'm just looking at my options really.

Now I just have to figure out what block I want to use erl or lsx, and what size Turbo will best suit my power needs.

I love my LSX -- no experiences one way or the other with the ERL

I know the Ohio boys run erl blocks and if they can run them with no problems I'm pretty sure that it will handle everything I could ever throw at it and then some.