benji's_z28

iTrader: (1)

My friend is wanting to build a (bigger than the usual 408) 4XX cubic inch LS engine with twins strapped to it to make crazy power ( over 1000 rwhp plus a little shot of juice ).

With him, money is not an issue and as far as i know people are using iron block 6.0L from trucks because they are pretty cheap. Is this the only reason people are using iron blocks vs. ls2's or ls3's ??

If not someone please explain to me the difference between using iron blocks vs aluminum ?? I know you can reach over 400 ci with ls2's and ls3's but not ls1's. So with money out of the equation, what should he use for a block??

Any input will be greatly appreciated!! thanks !!!

WS6HUMMER

iTrader: (19)

I personally think the Iron blocks are supposed to be a little stronger but with the difference in weight I'd rather have an aluminum block. I am just getting into researching this so I don't have a lot of info to offer, maybe someone can explain in more detail.

benji's_z28

iTrader: (1)

Ok thanks man!

also another question has come to my attention. what is the difference between the ls2 and ls3?? i know the ls2 is a 6.0 L and the ls3 is a 6.2 L. and I believe the ls2 uses 243 heads with an ls6 intake and then the ls3 uses different heads and intake. but those will be upgraded anyway.

so are the short blocks the same besides the bore??

now this may be a dumb idea but just idea.

What about using the L99 in the 5th gen camaros. if the block is the same as the ls3 this could also be an option. correct me if im wrong

Thanks!

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

What I've learned is.....the extra weight is meaningless. A bunch of people here in town have gone iron blocks and they feel NOTHING different on the street in handling....and the drag guys that have gone iron are looking to make big power where it overcomes any extra weight...........how can anyone say..."oh man, you should have gone aluminum, you would be so much faster."

How much faster......no way to tell. You would have to build it with aluminum, go run it. THEN, rebuild it and go iron, then run it with everything else being the same.

Unless its a competition drag car or serious road racer........its meaningless.

But you do get to make MUCH more reliable power and torque, with rebuilding ability down the road and piece of mind through strength.

.

LS1NOVA

iTrader: (12)

ERL Superdeck 6 bolt

WS6HUMMER

iTrader: (19)

80#'s is a lot of weight imo.

futureuser

iTrader: (1)

When is the last time anyone broke an LS block, iron or aluminum?

KissMySSo1

iTrader: (2)

Other than catastrophic rotating assembly failures: no one has hurt an aluminum block.

KissMySSo1

iTrader: (2)

Other than catastrophic rotating assembly failures: no one has hurt an aluminum block because of horsepower alone

cjmatt

iTrader: (4)

I went iron lsx only because I wanted the 6 bolt provisions and the block was a lot cheaper than an aluminum equivalent

WS6HUMMER

iTrader: (19)

Man I want that 6 bolt aluminum RHS block.

benji's_z28

iTrader: (1)

can someone expand on this ERL superdeck 6 bolt please I'm assuming its an iron block. I have never heard of this.

Also someone explain to me why the iron block can have this 6 bolt

and can someone tell me whats the difference is between ls2 and ls3 blocks??? I know the heads/intakes are different and also the bore is different.

So is it better to start with an ls2 or ls3 I ask this because its going to be bored out anyway.

Quick Carl

web site link.
http://www.erlperformance.com/gm-ls-...-block-sleeved

Something to consider in the steel vs aluminum block debate in big power applications ( especially Nitrous) is that with an iron block you should run aluminum rods where with an aluminum block you can run steel rods to keep the bearings and valve train happy. Something has to absorb the shock and you don't want it to be the bearings or valve train. If you look at most of the big cast iron block builds you'll see the majority with aluminum rods and it isn't for weight savings.
I'm not saying an average build can't be happy with steel rods and I'm sure some are, but if you are going to hammer it with big nitrous shots routinely it's something to consider.

Professor_speed

iTrader: (8)

Here are my thoughts on it ls1,ls6,ls7 1200whp ls3 1400whp, ls2 1500whp, iron 1600whp, warhawk, rhs, gm Lsx, erl 2500. Some People have issues before these power levels, some have pushed well passed these levels. Hard block and other block mods can get you further. The bigger issue with 4 bolt blocks is keeping the heads down, the fix is o rings but that tends to make the decks weaker and stress cracks develop with extreme cylinder pressures. In short if money is not a concern go aftermarket.

pwrtrip75

iTrader: (8)

I read the LS2 blocks have longer cylinders also....correct? I made the mistake of gathering parts for a 421cu a few years ago. Now most factory blocks cylinders are too short to run safely...except the alum LS2.. so I read.

LS1NOVA

iTrader: (12)

The ERL is typically a later LS1, LS2, even a alum 5.3. Its heavily modified and 6 bolt bosses can be welded on. Go to the webiste and check it out. You end up with one hell of a strong block that still lightweight.

To the guy that says an iron block should have alum rods. WTF?

Quick Carl

Not all builds, I'll delete it if it's mis-leading.
High HP especially nitrous where you see high spikes in cylinder pressure that hammer bearings and can create bad harmonics in the valve train.

benji's_z28

iTrader: (1)

It seems like the ERL is the way to go in LS3 form, now if using the ERL superdeck 6 bolt block, it has the extra 2 bolts per cylinder, can you still use ls3/l92 heads on the block?? I would assume so or how does that work??

Also i read their site and it doesnt say whether the block is aluminum or iron. I am assuming aluminum??

Quick Carl

Any LS head will fit. If they aren't 6-bolt you wouldn't use the extra bolts. If the heads are 6-bolt aftermarket even better.