Vote for a Block

[2kwik4u]

Re: Vote for a Block

did you actually read my post? We all know there are LS2's, LS3's and L92's making MORE than 800HP and holding up fine, someone just posted up a video the other day of a 5.3 iron block making more power than that block is rated for. I said that the ratings were just pulled from the catalog. If someone has first hand personal info on a combo similar to this, im all ears. How long these overclocked engines have lasted, their main use or otherwise is undetermined unless someone on here is using one first hand, so its kind of a moot point without the proof. Either way, I'm just wanting to see some opinions and strike up some convo on the subject.

I'm well aware that I, you, anyone should build stronger than their HP goals, but the LS engine like, regardless of iron vs. aluminum, have exceeded time and time again what they were supposed to be able to handle.

Is it worth finding a junkyard LS3 on the "cheap" and seeing if it do the job, If it blows up, then go to an LSX and in the long run end up spending the same as you would on an LS9? I dunno, if I go to and Iron block, is an LSX then overkill?? Could definitely build a production truck iron block for far less.....even though it too is probably not rated for 800HP, but dozens of people do it everyday...

My point was that you were using rated powers for a comparison, knowing that you can build past them. Kinda makes the rated power a moot point in the conversation, aside from anecdotal reviews when all said and done.

I see your point as well in it being a tough set of forks in the road to navigate, and determining which gets you the furthest for the least cash is a hard thing to estimate.

If it was my money, and the goal was 800BHP with as light as weight as possible. I think I would source an aluminum blocked 6.0L from a junkyard, and roll the dice with a turbo and a good tune. If you don't want to break anything, ever, and insure there is no lost money, get an iron blocked 6.0L from the junkyard.

My $0.015

 

[sy605]

Re: Vote for a Block

I'm doing an LQ4/LQ9 for mine.

Swap to some forged pistons and voila.

If it blows you're out 750 max.

 

[atkonkler]

Re: Vote for a Block

I agree with you totally ls3 ! Cheap aNd accessible with ease!

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: Vote for a Block

My point was that you were using rated powers for a comparison, knowing that you can build past them. Kinda makes the rated power a moot point in the conversation, aside from anecdotal reviews when all said and done.

would you be happier if i removed the HP numbers from the poll? :roll:

I see your point as well in it being a tough set of forks in the road to navigate, and determining which gets you the furthest for the least cash is a hard thing to estimate.

If it was my money, and the goal was 800BHP with as light as weight as possible. I think I would source an aluminum blocked 6.0L from a junkyard, and roll the dice with a turbo and a good tune. If you don't want to break anything, ever, and insure there is no lost money, get an iron blocked 6.0L from the junkyard.

My $0.015

I already own a complete running aluminum 6.0L, unforuntately the downside to that is I would lose money by using it, since the only thing i would retain would be the block and maybe the crank. The heads, rods, pistons, main caps, intake, cam, etc., would all have the be sold off and the market for some of that stuff is either flooded or not desired. Not very practical from a finanical point.

There is a 6.2L aluminum motor not far from me on CL for $4800, but again I wouldn't be using a lot of it and I would have to check the combustion chamber size on the production LS3 heads.

I'm almost convinced just to buy an LSA block, i just need to do more research on the cranks/flywheels and how everything adapts to the converters. The GM LSA/LS9 crank has an 8 bolt flange for the flexplate, where as all the other LS stuff is 6 bolt. I could go with an Eagle steel crank with the same stroke and a 6 bolt flange, its just a few bucks more than the GM unit. The other plus to the LSA block is that it has built in oil squirters so i dont have to add them to achieve good piston cooling in a boosted environment.:tup:

 

[THEMADTYPH00N]

Re: Vote for a Block

With the power people are making off these stock 5.3's lately I would save yourself a TON of cash and pickup up some sort of a 5.3 variant, throw some rods and pistons in and be done. For your power level the extra displacement isnt going to be worth the cost. It seems lately there are many people making close to 1000rwhp or more on 5.3 based motors with pretty moderately sized turbos. For your 800HP I dont know if you'd even need 35r's to get there. Might be able to using something smaller/cheaper and save yourself some more cash there as well. Just my 2cents.

 

[jpalmer]

Re: Vote for a Block

I would do a L92 block and heads. The rectangle is better than cathedral port and with boost you don't need anything crazy in the head department even though these flow pretty good. Aluminum block too. I would just throw in some ARP's and valve springs and run her. I can source engines for a reasonable price, my friends shop has recently obtained a ecu, wiring, engine , trans, all accessories 6.0 for 1200.

 

[THEMADTYPH00N]

Re: Vote for a Block

Also the biggest reason for this project to spend the $$$ on a LSX would be the get the ability to using 6-bolt casting heads and reduce the potential for head gasket trouble. That of course if going to require some more cash to buy an aftermarket head to take advantage of that. If your not going to then to me theres no advantage of one block over another within the scope of this project. Except the LS9 because it has larger size fasteners for the head bolts. Still with the power goals you have I doubt you'll have any trouble with a good tune. Also that LSX is HEAVY. A typical aluminum LS block is a little over 100 lbs. An LSX is around 225lbs! Something to think about since you mentioned weight was a concern.

 

[NOJIMMY]

Re: Vote for a Block

Perhaps the following build thread helps determine your alternatives:
http://www.streetlegaltv.com/tech-s...gn=engine-build-rhs-backed-700hp-ls-big-block