There is a very good reason we started putting the LS V8 in the stalker. It is extremly fast. Putting that to the side, the LS v8 has a lower center of gravity than the V6, and most 4 cylinders as well. It dropped weight off the front of the car, we add the t56 transmission and the weight has now come back up to the 3.8 car but is now located toward the rear of the car, and lower. F-R with driver 47/53
My personal car uses 5.3 LS v8 that is roughly 295# of torque and 350 hp. I primarly autocross so at the sub 80mph speeds I feel the less amount of torque will make the car a bit easier to control throttle input. I also got this motor with only 17k miles from a silverado for $750. By the time I changed over the proper camaro oil pan, intake, TB, water pump, and pulley i still only have $1300 into this engine. And it is still enough HP to have big fun on the road course, and like mentioned before, nice to cruise on the street. You can go plenty fast without making a scene with high revs. Plus it just sounds sooo cool.
The big advantage we feel the LS engine has over a blown 4 cylinder is reliablity. Sure a 4 banger with a turbo can produce 500 hp, but for how long? Try taking one of those motors to a track day weekend with 5 or more 20 minute sessions. Price vs reliability vs performance, you can't beat the LS and those are the three primary values behind Brunton Auto.
Having said that, I do not "dog" a 4 cylinder car, but we feel the LS is hands down the best way to go. I have recognized people's passions for their particular brands of engines. I personaly love Toyota trucks, and Honda cars. But I want a Chevy LS in my stalker. That is why we are willing to fit any kind of motor/transmission to a stalker provided the buyer ships it to us and that it will physically fit. Most OHC engines are just plain huge. For instance, the new ford V8 is nearly twice the size of the LS despite displacement. Even cars like the miata, s2000, new mx5, AE86 corolla, and 240sx are all now dumping there unreliable boosted 4 cylinders for LS V8s.
I have always loved the 7 since the first time I saw one, and there is an instant bond with other owners despite their brand or engine power. We have a unique club of people that I hope, through Brunton Auto, I can help spread around the world.
Scott Minehart
Brunton Auto
Owner/Operator
http://www.bruntonauto.com