cumminsram06

Looking into performing either a 240sx or possibly even a 350z LS swap, depending on my financial situation soon. Either way I would like to use an aluminum LS series engine due to the weight savings since both of my choices are on the lighter side.

Is there another aluminum blocked engine aside from the actual LS1, 2, 3, 6, 7? Most sellers with an actual LS motor want more for them than say a 5.3 or 6.0 My issue is the added weight in the nose offsetting the handling balance in either car, since both came with much smaller/lighter engines from the start.

madmaro00

iTrader: (6)

I know that the 5.3 engine in the Impala SS are all aluminum. FYI there is only a 70lb difference between the aluminum & cast block.

cumminsram06

I figured it would be more of a weight difference than that. I guess a 600hp 6.0 would offset the difference of an LS1, and it would be cheaper to buy something like that, just have to throw on an LS manifold and F-body accessories and everything should fit just fine.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

The only Truck aluminum blocks engines were the LM4 and L33.

The LM4 5.3L, It was only produced in 04'. SSR, Trailblazer EXT and the Envoy XL.

The L33 5.3L was produced 05-07 in Silverado/Sierra 1500 4WD

topher455

iTrader: (6)

Yea its way cheaper to pull 70lb out of the car than buy an alum motor imo. I think the chevy ssr had an alum 5.3 in it for a year or two. I dont know if they are expensive or not though.

46Coupe

iTrader: (5)

Trailblazer SS as well as some pickups 2006 and later had an all aluminum block. It is referred to as the L33.
5.3 all aluminum. However, the prices for these motors is significantly higher than the price of their iron counterparts. I would recommend the iron block 5.3 or 6.0 and lose weight from somewhere else as suggested in the post above this one.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

The Torque output of a 6.0L over a 53.L will more than offset the 70-80 lbs of added weight.

WSsick

iTrader: (13)

with such a small weight difference, theres really not a good enough reason to justify spending big money for 70 lbs. go with a 6.0 and never look back. later on, you can take it out to a 402 or bigger if you want.

Bo185

The TB also had the LH6 5.3l in later models its a aluminum block with AFM. The TB SS had an LS2.

The SSR had a L33 in the early ones then the LS2 in later ones.

Starting in 07 they add a couple of more aluminum 5.3ls with different RPO codes.

Then you have the truck L76 6.0L and L92's 6.2l both those are AL blocks.

The LS4 5.3l in the front wheel drive cars had the 60* belhousing to work with the transverse mount transmission and won't work with a regular 4l60 etc...

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

thats what in my car. and even with large 18 in chrome wheels, full weight, with ac, car weighs more, but 2x the power with a 6.0 based engine. and oe heads.
long story ...short.. find a 6.0 and use stock heads with cam and supporting bolt ons and dont look back