maceydog

iTrader: (2)

just wondering if you guys can tell me what is so junk about the 98 aluminum 5,7 block so I can try to correct it.

I plan to autocross, road race and some drag.


What heads can I use? I heard that there are different heads on the 98. I was thinking of something different than the 853

What failures have you seen?

thanks!!

RARON455

iTrader: (35)

Only difference I know of is in the lifter bore oil feeds area on the back of the block behind the rear cover, the 98 has some holes and a passage and the later blocks have that area opened up. I dont see this as junk, it works just fine, they made the change but the system still has perfect function. The only complaint I have really heard on the oiling of road race cars is that they sometimes suck the pan dry during hard turns, and thats usually due to a high volume oil pump and the stock pan setup. As far as heads go the 98 has the perimeter bolt valve cover heads,,all the performance heads are of the centerbolt valve cover style,,not a problem when you buy heads you just need to pick up a set of centerbolt valve covers and some coil brackets. hope this helps

maceydog

iTrader: (2)

thanks for the info!!

maceydog

iTrader: (2)

so, can the high volume oil pump sucking the pan dry be fixed with a pan designed for road race?

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Or you can run a stock volume pump.

Whiteaw57

iTrader: (2)

haha yeah. more oil is good........until you push so much you run out

I know someone has to make a baffled or high volume racing oil pan

PSnewbie

You will also want to upgrade your rod bolts. I have a '98 and that is one thing that I was told was a weak point for the '98 bottom end. I too am going for an autocross setup w/ ~500rwhp. They changed the '99+ to a different designs, but for $200 you can get the Katech rod bolts and fix the issue.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Yeah rod bolts would likely be a good thing for the 98/99 motors.

Whiteaw57

iTrader: (2)

sry to do this but what about '00. were they different?

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

In 01 and 02 they upgraded rod bolts. Maybe 00 too I cant remember.

Whiteaw57

iTrader: (2)

ill look into that. My 98 has a 2000 engine in it

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

to my knowledge...the 03+ ls6 blocks are the only blocks with the rear oil cross over passage.

Otherwise...just the block alone the only difference between a 98 block and a 99+ is the thickness of the cylinder sleeves. The 98's are thinner. 99+ are slightly thicker and can handle more of a hone.