Level 2 Engine Installed in Chris Saunier's 1970 GSX
This project pre-dated the introduction of the TA Performance Aluminum Stage 1 Cylinder head, we now strongly advise that unless you have the killer ported iron heads, you opt for the Level 2A engine.
Level 2 Description
This engine is the "weekend warrior" street/strip motor. Max specifications to go in a fully equipped GS/Regal with Power Brakes and Steering, and AC. Idles at 800 rpm in gear, and should be used in conjunction with our 12"VP converter, or a good 32-3500 stall fixed pitch unit, and 3.55 or higher (numerically) rear end gears. This motor is capable of putting a "real" street driven GS solidly in the 11's on the strip. To us at TSP, "real street car" means no lightening, or drag race prep, other than simple "no hop" bars in the rear suspension, and DOT or regular slicks). This engine requires an upgrade fuel system in the vehicle. Good low speed drivability, especially with our VP trans/converter combo. Max HP pump gas/power brake functioning iron STG 1 head motor on the market right now. We did a 2 year development project on this combo, in two different complete customer cars built at the shop here, to make this combo really work! That work has resulted in a motor that will pin you back in the seat, and make your friends hang on for dear life, but yet is still fully street-able.. easily.. You don't have to "fight" with this one, if you just want to go to the store for a gallon of milk.... rapidly..
This is Not your Father's iron Headed Electra motor!
See the dyno results here!
Level 2 Specifications
Refer here for general engine specs and procedures. This section lists specific parts for this combo.
 | Carb- 1000 CFM Thermoquad (limited availability) or 1000 HP Holley |
| Intake- Port matched and cleaned up Edelbrock Performer w/TSP intake shield installed- TA SP-1 or SPX optional. |
| Iron 455 Cylinder heads, stg 1 Stainless valve/dual valve spring conversion, with our custom port work (270/195 cfm) |
|
Timing cover- OE cover, fully ported and rebuilt (TA cover optional) |
| TA Performance extra capacity rear sump oil pan, with our baffels |
|
Stock distributor, converted to magnetic pickup, and custom curved |
|
New Water pump, long or short shaft as needed |
| SFI approved harmonic dampener |
| New stock flex plate/ flywheel- SFI optional and recommended |
|
New Repro Dipstick and Tube |
| Cryogenically frozen connecting rods |
|
Custom camshaft, installed to our specifications |
|
Hi Rev hydraulic lifters |
| Custom heavy-wall hardened 5/16 pushrods |
| Full new Rocker gear on HD shafts |
| Tri-Metal main and Rod Bearings |
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NGK V-Power Spark plugs |
|
Choice of Chrome steel, or 3 different detailed versions of the TA valve covers |
| New Ignition secondary components, installed |
|
10-1 compression ratio |
|
Fully dyno tested and tuned |
This combo typically yields 500+ HP, and 550+ Torque
Pricing
| Description | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Complete dyno tested assembly, choice of either Option A or B valve covers. with all core charges for the entire engine. This is a complete running engine, ready to install. Includes all components listed above. Often this engine can be build for far less than this, if you supply useable components (carb, distrib, ect. | TSP-L2 | $10,275.00 |
| Substitute SP-1 manifold for Performer (add 20 HP) | TSP - L2SP1 | add $75.00 |
| Level 2 forged piston short block (block, rotating assembly, oil pan and pickup, dampener, flexplate ,cam and lifters, timing chain) | TSP-L2shrt | $4895.00 |
| Level 2 forged piston long block (shortblock +OE timing cover and aluminum heads) | TSP-L2long | $8250.00 |
| From your cores |
custcor |
subtract $500.00 |
|
For option C or D valve covers |
TSP-L2cust | add $120.00 |
| substitute TA timing cover for stock | TSP-L2TATC | add $300.00 |
Custom cast aluminum polishing available at extra cost. More information here.
TA valve cover detailing choices here.
Due to the volatile nature of parts prices/availability, prices subject to change without notice. We suggest you get a current quote, before we start your engine project.
Questions? Ask them here for a quick private response, or here, for a group discussion with others.