Aluminum vs Iron.....
08-19-2010, 01:42 PM
#1
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Aluminum vs Iron..... Alright guys as some of you know im currently collecting parts for my 5.3 build well i found a aluminum shortblock (i have the heads/cam/intake) 5.3 from a 2006 trailblazer with 30k for $300 ,my question is are they the same in strength when it comes to the iron block?
Any help would be greatly appreciated since im still learning!
Thanks....
Any help would be greatly appreciated since im still learning!
Thanks....
08-19-2010, 03:22 PM
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Ok thanks guys i was most intrested in how they both compared on power i know parish made 640whp on his but it was iron i just wanted to make sure aluminum 5.3 internals had the same strength....
Thanks....
Thanks....
08-19-2010, 04:03 PM
#7
The internals will be on edge at 640RWHP, the block itself will be fine. The rods/pistons, not so much. You will need forged counterparts to do it safely. The block will handle a lot, I made 808RWHP through an auto on a 98 LS1 block in my 00' WS6.
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08-19-2010, 04:17 PM
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Hmm i had already planned on throwing some ARP head studs/rod bolts and MLS head gaskets you guys think she would live long at all at 550-600whp?
08-19-2010, 04:23 PM
#9
I think the rods and pistons will be ok, its the soft factory bearings that cant hold the HP.
My 5.3 lived 3 years getting beat hard. Bearing finally gave on it. But the pistons looked perfect. 15psi + 50 shot of spray. 640whp through a crappy converter so the flywheel HP was up there.
My 5.3 lived 3 years getting beat hard. Bearing finally gave on it. But the pistons looked perfect. 15psi + 50 shot of spray. 640whp through a crappy converter so the flywheel HP was up there.
08-19-2010, 04:25 PM
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5.3 fairmont lasted a few seasons in the 650+ range with no issues
their nova is over that with a season on it
thats just to name a few
08-19-2010, 04:26 PM
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I think the rods and pistons will be ok, its the soft factory bearings that cant hold the HP.
My 5.3 lived 3 years getting beat hard. Bearing finally gave on it. But the pistons looked perfect. 15psi + 50 shot of spray. 640whp through a crappy converter so the flywheel HP was up there.
My 5.3 lived 3 years getting beat hard. Bearing finally gave on it. But the pistons looked perfect. 15psi + 50 shot of spray. 640whp through a crappy converter so the flywheel HP was up there.
If i can make 600rwhp i will be happy as hell is there any aftermarket bearings for them?
08-19-2010, 04:26 PM
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do a search on Pt.net. something about that specific block is an issue. its a poor casting compared to the 5.3HO l33 motor from select trucks. I know over the years that question came up and ppl tend to stay away from that block
08-20-2010, 05:05 AM
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Alright i asked why the motor was removed and the seller told me it was a minor pourious leak in the casting and that it could be fixed with epoxy or jb weld but im not liking the sound of that......
Anybody ever heard of this?
Anybody ever heard of this?
08-20-2010, 11:09 AM
#16
its funny you mention that since alot of ppl are well past that on stock internals for making power. 640 is a walk in the park for power of stock internals. The Gto of hellsbent is a good example hes been over 850rwhp for a season or two and deep 9s in a goat
5.3 fairmont lasted a few seasons in the 650+ range with no issues
their nova is over that with a season on it
thats just to name a few
5.3 fairmont lasted a few seasons in the 650+ range with no issues
their nova is over that with a season on it
thats just to name a few
I stand corrected. Probably wouldn't have lasted any longer with filled jackets, since they were filled.
08-20-2010, 11:21 AM
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Trust I'm sure you read this section alot so you should of seen the cars updates over the last few years. Forged or stock will fail in the wrong hands. In good hands you can make stock **** last up to a certain point and its a lot higher then 600 rwhp.
Like said the group has been together for awhile and over 850 rwhp
Like said the group has been together for awhile and over 850 rwhp
08-20-2010, 11:44 AM
#18
Trust I'm sure you read this section alot so you should of seen the cars updates over the last few years. Forged or stock will fail in the wrong hands. In good hands you can make stock **** last up to a certain point and its a lot higher then 600 rwhp.
Like said the group has been together for awhile and over 850 rwhp
Like said the group has been together for awhile and over 850 rwhp
08-24-2010, 03:13 PM
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Well i ended up buying the shortblock....
I have a couple of questions tho im not really sure how im going to hook up the cam sensor or oil pressure sending unit i have tried to search but cannot find my answer....
I have a couple of questions tho im not really sure how im going to hook up the cam sensor or oil pressure sending unit i have tried to search but cannot find my answer....
