LSX block or ERL ??? opinons welcome
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 165
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From: Pendleton, Indiana
LSX block or ERL ??? opinons welcome ok guys i'll try to keep the detail list short, wanting to build an oversquare and over 400ci ls. its gonna have forged guts and i have a F1R thats going on the front. goal is to make 1100-1200 fwhp. my question is this. which block would you choose? i've researched them both, price is close enough that it doesnt matter. i only wanna build this thing once so im wondering how the alloy block will hold up after 5-6-7 years after, the erl block looks amazing but are those welds still going to look pretty down the road? the lsx block heavier though. im not running any particular class, so no weight rules or engine rules, just going fast and having fun. hopefully people that have ran both these blocks chime in with likes and dislikes. if more info is needed i'll gladly answer any questions
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 165
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From: Pendleton, Indiana
intresting thoughts, was curious to how those "gussets" that get welded in the erl block hold up. stress fractures. heat cycles. fatigue. so far everyone is leaning toward the alloy block. im curious as to what some cons are for the lsx block?
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Pendleton, Indiana
thanks for the info guys, kind of surprised, its leaning heavy to the erl and/or alloy block which is a cool thing. i'll make it clear money is an object but with the erl pricing and by the time you did the finish hone on a lsx my rough figures had them in the same ball park price wise. going to give erl a call this afternoon and get some more info on their block. thanks again for the info!
Last edited by Double-L; Oct 7, 2010 at 10:37 AM. Reason: fat fingered the keys... oops
The dart is a billet block. Much stronger than a cast metal with pressed in cylinders.
TECH Addict
Joined: Aug 2004
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On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 189
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I went through this same issue a while back and after researching all the above, I went with ERL 427 from a new LS2. RHS had some issues I did not like and so did Warhawk, such as you have to use their heads, among other things. ERL is being used by the fastest LSX cars without any issues.
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2008
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Anyones except Warhawk, who has their own bolt pattern. ERL is a GM aluminum LS2 block completely done up. Check them out. The blocks are pretty neat. They really do alot of things to strengthen the block and cylinders.
Launching!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 240
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From: Northern Chicago
Both are good blocks, I'd personally go with the ERL. Keep in mind the price of the ERL includes the machine work. By the time you get the LSx block machined and ready to assemble the cost difference isn't all that great.
A properly prepped LS2 block will be more than sufficient to make the 800-950rwhp your looking for. The key is selecting the right parts that will work together in the most efficient mannor to achieve your goals. Get a quality crank, pair of heads and machine shop and you wont have any issues. With the correct block prep, surface finish and the right fasteners, at 900hp the 4 bolt heads will work fine. Fireball made ~1800hp with 4 bolt heads and an LS2 block for whatever thats worth.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 165
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From: Pendleton, Indiana
thanks for the info. i called up erl today and talked to them for awhile. they answered every question i could come up with. great people to deal with. really leaning towards the erl 6-bolt block after the conversation. i drive a buick grand national for a friend that runs 10.90's and anybody that has had a gn knows the pain of keeping the heads on. i know its a different platform but the same problem exist... i guess thats what stage 2 blocks are for and all the aftermarket ls engine blocks. ive seen and read about a few 4 bolt engines making big power but like i said i only want to do this once so will probobly end up with the 6 bolt block