The best engine upgrade for a 2015 Ford Mustang? If you are Terry Fair, owner of Vorshlag Motorsports, the answer is simple: An LS7.
Of course, it’s not just any LS7, it’s one built by HorsePower Research. Featuring a sleeved block, Brodix B7 heads, titanium valves plus a wet sump, this Mustang’s powerplant is good for 650 horsepower and 615 …
Aside from the 'click' appeal, and associated free advertising for the builders, what's the real world functional advantage that a 650hp LS7 has over a 650hp Coyote in a late model Mustang?
To me, the LS loses some appeal if you are going to with aftermarket heads, aftermarket or heavily modified block, etc.
It could be any one one of a variety of engines at that power level and price point.
Way more interested in a $6k LS that make 550hp NA than one that cost $13k and makes 650...
One of my good friends absolutely loathes cross-pollination engine swaps. I'll be sending this article to him ASAP
Vorshlag makes good choices. They chose the path of reduced complexity, which theoretically may enhance reliability. Maybe.
In reply to LionPride :
I think one of the things that's great about the LSen is that they seem to offer something akin to the classic SBC as far as modification options and mix&match between different factory engine components. And it is in a more modern package. Having that ability makes the LS more versatile in my eyes.
If more domestic V8's had this kind of swap and build permutations we probably wouldn't see the LS in so many of these sorts of swaps.
pres589 (djronnebaum) said:In reply to LionPride :
I think one of the things that's great about the LSen is that they seem to offer something akin to the classic SBC as far as modification options and mix&match between different factory engine components. And it is in a more modern package. Having that ability makes the LS more versatile in my eyes.
If more domestic V8's had this kind of swap and build permutations we probably wouldn't see the LS in so many of these sorts of swaps.
GM spent lots of money on the development of the LS series. When they were new, no other production OHV V8 had heads that supported the airflow in the similar qaunity or quality. They were as good as many aftermarket heads of the time and could be ported to be better. Making 500hp NA is easy and 700 on a Chinese hairdryer is even cheaper. The LS was a game changer as the new SBC. It raised the bar.
But as your budget goes up, and incentive to use the LS falls away. Aftermarket heads for the LS cost the same as heads for many other platforms. You are taking advantage of anything unigue the LS has to offer unless there is a small discaount at scale for the volume.
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