383 Aluminum block or 408 Iron? How will it affect handling?
01-22-2012, 01:31 PM
#1
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383 Aluminum block or 408 Iron? How will it affect handling? I've been casually searching for a new (bigger) engine to install this coming year. Car is currently a H/C LS1 that's 98% street driven, 1% autocross, and 1% 1/4 mile. The current LS1 will end out in my Jeep Rubicon, but that's a different story......
Looking for the best compromise between handling and power. I'm guessing the 408 makes more low-end torque, but how much added weight does this place over the front wheels (compared to an aluminum 383)? Keeping balanced handling is as important as added power.
This brings up Q #2, Will a 383 make a substantial difference in torque (low end) from the increased stroke to be worth the $$ ? I was also looking at 427 LS3 blocked engines, but not sure what kinda nutroll that will open up with tuning and installing the electronics and accessories.
Thanks for any $0.02
Looking for the best compromise between handling and power. I'm guessing the 408 makes more low-end torque, but how much added weight does this place over the front wheels (compared to an aluminum 383)? Keeping balanced handling is as important as added power.
This brings up Q #2, Will a 383 make a substantial difference in torque (low end) from the increased stroke to be worth the $$ ? I was also looking at 427 LS3 blocked engines, but not sure what kinda nutroll that will open up with tuning and installing the electronics and accessories.
Thanks for any $0.02
01-22-2012, 02:23 PM
#2
In a road racing application our 2800# with driver road course tube frame monte carlo ran just as quick or better lap times with an alum. block LS1 with about 500 HP versus the same car with a conventional 18 degree small block with over 600 HP.
The car handled and braked better with the LS1, got off the corner better and had superior tire wear.
The LS1 was 95# lighter than the alum head 18 degree motor.
If you push the car to the limit at times, you will notice the difference.
The car handled and braked better with the LS1, got off the corner better and had superior tire wear.
The LS1 was 95# lighter than the alum head 18 degree motor.
If you push the car to the limit at times, you will notice the difference.
01-22-2012, 02:57 PM
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In a road racing application our 2800# with driver road course tube frame monte carlo ran just as quick or better lap times with an alum. block LS1 with about 500 HP versus the same car with a conventional 18 degree small block with over 600 HP.
The car handled and braked better with the LS1, got off the corner better and had superior tire wear.
The LS1 was 95# lighter than the alum head 18 degree motor.
If you push the car to the limit at times, you will notice the difference.
The car handled and braked better with the LS1, got off the corner better and had superior tire wear.
The LS1 was 95# lighter than the alum head 18 degree motor.
If you push the car to the limit at times, you will notice the difference.
01-22-2012, 03:36 PM
#4
If you look iron block LS engine compared to an aluminum block LS motor if both have exact same rotating assembly fully dressed....the weight difference is 80lbs...
So much of a difference that when I got an L33 all aluminum motor for my 81 camaro I got the benefit of not having to change the front springs bc the L33 weighs less than the original V6! I had already bought a 50k mile 5.3 and when i got the chance to score an L33 with 200k I jumped at the chance and sold the iron 5.3 a week later. You can always give a car more power, but that costs money! If you go with aluminum motor you are getting in my guess a 20hp increase weight wise At least by taking 80 pounds off a 3300 lb vehicle
So much of a difference that when I got an L33 all aluminum motor for my 81 camaro I got the benefit of not having to change the front springs bc the L33 weighs less than the original V6! I had already bought a 50k mile 5.3 and when i got the chance to score an L33 with 200k I jumped at the chance and sold the iron 5.3 a week later. You can always give a car more power, but that costs money! If you go with aluminum motor you are getting in my guess a 20hp increase weight wise At least by taking 80 pounds off a 3300 lb vehicle
