DemonicZ

I know there are several variants but I'm planning to build a junkyard 5.3 turbo Camaro. I'm assuming its the LC9 but just want to make sure.

HexenLord

Aluminum L33.

Krenz

iTrader: (-1)

Get the cast iron 5.3. F*ck that aluminium b.s. if you want a reliable boosted lsx go with any lq4 lq9 lm7 cast block are WAY better for reliability and piece of mind. Unless you like re-honing the block every year.

HexenLord

Why would you have to re-hone the aluminum blocks every year?

There's nothing wrong with aluminum. The fastest stock LS engine was an aluminum L33 and was running mid-high 8s on stock engine. The aluminum blocks can withstand 1000+HP.

HeavyMetl

iTrader: (2)

I wanted an L33 but it was tough to beat a $500 LM7. The junkyard wanted $750+ for the lower miles L33 engines.

redefined

Typically with powerful aluminum blocks you have to sleeve them from my understanding. The #200lb weight savings isn't worth it. Get an iron block it'll hold a better beating and it'll also allow for a bigger bore should you choose to go that route.

If money is no issue at all, sure get an LS3 and go all out, there are just a number of other things you should do to an aluminum block that's not needed on an iron block.

I'm in the process of finding a motor right now and should be getting a LQ4 longblock shortly. Lower compression than the LQ9 so I'll just boost it for now and when it goes boom I'll build it.

Torqueshaft

Dang...Wish I could find a L33 for that price...

$1200-1400 in this neck of the woods.

I would have no trouble running a L33 at 1000hp they have a lot more meat around the bores than a ls1/ls3 does.

HexenLord

Sleeve them? They have pressed in cylinder liners which are thicker than those of the 6 liter engines. No need for sleeves. And as far as bigger bore, there's not much of a reason to consider it unless your walls are in such bad shape that a hone wont be enough.

CameronVic

iTrader: (5)

I have one of the "worst" ones. Iron, gen 3 rods, Great62 heads, but she's making about 750 to the tire on 18psi through a "horsepower robbing" TH400. I really think if the turbo is efficient, the motor doesn't care. The 5.3 displacement is god's gift to the world.

STEVE PWC

I bought a take out 2003 tahoe. Iron block. Complete motor with 80k for $600.00. Iron blocks are stronger. My ls2 gto alu block got wrecked

racing1g

So much misinformation! If you are on a budget and weight is not an issue then go with the 05+ iron block 5.3. If you want to save a little bit of weight (~100 pounds) and want 799 heads (ls6) then go with the L33. The strength issue is a moot point, both blocks are going to handle the same power since they are both 4 bolt heads. You will start pushing coolant before you reach the structural limits of either block.

1fast bird

iTrader: (22)

Kind of what I was thinking when I read these posts. The aluminum blocks are perfectly fine if you want to save weight.

redefined

Is this true for the LS aluminum blocks as well? (LS2/3 etc?) I'm new to the LSx scene so not familiar with the L33.

Thanks!

1fast bird

iTrader: (22)

Any of the LS based (including the L33) aluminum blocks will hold good power. I wouldn't feel comfortable pushing them to 1500hp without block fill and o-ringed block / heads. Though plenty of people on the forum have pushed stock aluminum block (forged internals) ls2, ls3 etc over the 1000hp to the wheels mark without much issue.